... well in honor of the "form follows function" rule, it's not so much "design" I wanted suggestions on, just functionality.
So far my work orders are a clipboard full of 8-1/2x11 paper from junk faxes & junk mail. I scribble notes on a sheet or 2 while talking to the client & if we get far enough to justify it, I run a copy of my ugly chicken-scratch notes. Usually I can read what I wrote, & often it will include contact numbers, approved colors,prices quoted & the deposit amount collected.(oops... "Deposit" there's a missed field already)
As noted on a recent thread "Growing Pains" I am well under way on a major shop remodel that is geared specifically to making the office/showroom capable of better fitting an additional employee. There was a 10' x 12' darkroom at the back of my 12' x 20' office. Now that I don't do much screen printing at all, I decided to frame up walls in front of the ugly metal siding & will have my electrician put in outlets & recessed lighting to match my existing office & then after the floor tiles, sheetrock & painting is done, I will remove the wall between the two & start rearranging furniture & vinyl racks etc.
My daughter in law is working here about 3 or 4 days a month, she uses a 4x8 table between my desk & the front door. I use that for weeding & other production too, but when I'm there alone I can stop production when a client arrives & use the same table for a sales counter. When she is there, I stay busy at my computer or desk most of the time, but when a client arrives, we both try to work at the same table. That is one of the things that will change with the additional office space, plus I want to put more samples up in the showroom area, & have better access to various sales tools (literature etc.) Also, although it will be a very open layout, I may find some form of partition where I will be able to hide-out & work un-interupted, while she learns to handle the walk-ins by herself. I designed this first draft of a work order that will help her to get the information needed when she begins to take on that role.
Here is new work order so far: (I'm sure it will get tweaked a time or 2)
Posted by Steve Burke (Member # 2674) on :
Doug,
I would suggest a "purchasing" list somewhere (on the back, mayhaps?) that helps you keep track of where you got your vendor materials. I see a list of colors, etc. but having a list where you know what you need to order and what is already ordered, received, on back-order, etc. can really help.
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
figures ...my husband did say you look more organized than me....now i know its true...work orders??? whats dat? doug has a great set up...saw it with my own 2 eyes!
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
Here's the one we use.
[ March 23, 2004, 10:33 AM: Message edited by: Bill Diaz ]
Posted by Dale Horn (Member # 4037) on :
Bill- that's what I like to see - A deposit line.
Doug if you have a stack of SignCrafts check out "Developing a comprehesive work order" by Mark Klein Issue #49 (Nov/Dec 1989)
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
Definately have a spot for signature & date signed. Plus a spot for review approval during work in progress phases.
It's all about who said what, when !
CrazyJack
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
Thanks to all replies. I like that signature line Bill. Maybe I can add a note about the any atached sketch being protected property too. The RUSH charge being right there in print looks good as well. I will dig up that old signcraft. Also thanks to Dave Sherby for faxing your forms.
Posted by Michael Berry (Member # 2604) on :
How about the work orders that Estimate has?
Posted by Michael Berry (Member # 2604) on :
How about the work orders that Estimate has?
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
oh, I didn't know about them. I bought Estimate, but haven't installed it yet. I'll have to check that out.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Also check SignCraft Nov/Dec 1997 page 92. If you want us to send you the Corel file for this work order, just e-mail us. I like the fact that this form reminds you to ask all the right questions. Another plus is that 20% "Rush" fee. To be honest, we rarely use it, but it does help qualify the pushy, I gotta have it "right away" people to see how bad they REALLY need it!
Posted by John Stagner (Member # 4091) on :
I like yours, Doug, with the addition of the "Deposit Line" of course. Mine should show up below, if I do this right. Pretty similar to Jane's, but not as pretty. We actually have seven different ones, and each type is on a different color paper: one for trophies, one for plaques, one for vehicles, apparel, etc. We usually just use the back for any sketches. I put the notice about up front payment right on the work orders, as well as a 30" x 48" sign on the wall. I do also use Estimate for the sign-off when I do a quote. It has some neat features. John
Okay - I give up - how'd you do that picture, Jane?
Posted by kent moss (Member # 4295) on :
Is there any product manufacturer that anyone could reconmend for software to design work orders for printing?
Thank You.
Posted by Robert Thomas (Member # 1356) on :
Doug, Post your fax number with area code & I'll shoot you a copy of mine.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
(808) 871-8787 thanks Rob.
Here's John's:
Posted by Robert Thomas (Member # 1356) on :
Doug, I will fax one of mine tomarrow. I copied another shops & made changes.
[ March 24, 2004, 03:28 AM: Message edited by: Robert Thomas ]