Apps Small Liquidation Business Owners Should Use to Automate Their Operations

Technology has touched every aspect in every industry including wholesale and liquidation. This is why small business owners in the latter two industries should keep up with the world around them and embrace IT. Yes, even small business owners; this is because software helps them automate different operations that would have otherwise cost them a lot of time (and money), assets they cannot really afford to lose.

If you are a small liquidation business owner who wants to keep up with the times and ensure that your assets are properly utilized, it is time for you to automate your operations. The following lines will inform you about the types of software you should include on both your computer and smartphone.

Software Your Computer Should Have

There are hundreds of programs you should consider installing if you want to succeed in this tough business. However, to start you on the right path, here are a few important computer apps you should have right away.

Microsoft Office or Equivalent

On any computer you will use for your business, the first thing you should install is the whole Microsoft Office suite. MS Word or a word processor will help you type different documents, including your invoices, as it comes with numerous templates and offers you the chance to download more.

MS PowerPoint or a similar slide show presentation program is just as important, since it can help you design presentations that you can either display during a meeting or share on your website with your clients. MS Office also includes the very important MS Excel, a spreadsheet program that allows you to create tables of data and carry out different functions through formulae. You can connect these tables later in a database through MS Access.

This database software will further help you by creating simple forms which you can provide others at your workplace to help them enter data easily without worrying about technicalities. These four are just some of the strongest programs included in this package, but they are not the only good ones in it.

You also have MS Publisher, which can help you with creating leaflets and even web pages. You also have Outlook, one of the best email programs, One Note, Groove and InfoPath. However, to get the most from these, make sure that your clients and those around you use the same version of this package. If you use 2010 and they use 2007, there is always a chance of compatibility issues and problems like joined text in Word.

Accounting Software

Accounting software is always a necessity for businesses regardless of their size. Accounting is a lengthy and tedious procedure that can cause those handling it to make costly errors. To optimize the process and ensure fewer or no errors, you should take your pick from programs like QuickBooks or Sage 50 Accounting (formerly known as Peachtree Accounting). After a few tutorials, you can master the basics of these programs. However, you should consider hiring an expert to make the most from the software’s numerous features. If you need a little help with finding the best software for your small business, here are some tips to consider.

• Establish a Budget – When buying anything, you need to have a budget in mind. The same applies to accounting software.

• Decide Which Features Your Business Needs – List down the accounting functions you usually carry out and expect the software to automate. Then, compare the software’s features against your list to determine whether it can take care of them. Some common features you may want to focus on are inventory management, sales tracking, budgeting, business tax reporting, and merchant account support if your business is an online one.

• Determine the Specs of the Program – The software should be able to expand with your business, offer you online or desktop support according to your needs, provide different levels of access depending on the users, etc.

• Find Out the Level of Support You Get – Every program will need support at one point or the other. You need to explore your options before paying for the software. Decide whether you need to have fee-based support via email or phone or opt for short-term free support followed by annually or quarterly support packages.

• Avoid Paying for Features You Will Never Use – You may end up paying more than you should just because you are getting extra features. You can always include these later when your business expands and requires them.

Firewall and Virus Scan Software

Security is one of the most important aspects for today’s consumers, especially since many security breaches have occurred in the past, shaking their trust and faith. In order to secure your clients’ data and even that of your own business, you need to ensure that hackers cannot get into your system. For that, you need to download the best antivirus and firewall. These will work together to ensure that no threat reaches your computer, damaging, altering or deleting your important files.

Customer Relationship Management System (CRM)

Small businesses need a CRM to survive the tough competition around them. In fact, Forbes believes that this software is as important as the people you hire and can continue offering more value for money in the future. Studies show that companies which made the most from their CRMs were able to boost their sales by 29%. However, this is not the only reason you should consider getting one.

• Keeping Up with All Your Clients – You may remember up to 30 clients, but it will be hard to remember all of them, especially the ones who have made a single purchase only. A CRM can store and manage the data of hundreds of people, allowing you to use your memory cells for other important details.

• Centralizing Emails – If you expect growth very soon or plan it in the future, a CRM can help you today by centralizing your emails and contacts. As a result, you can share data effectively and avoid losing it.

• Getting Metrics – Metrics are important for businesses as they help you assess the success of your projects and what methods you should go for to keep your business in clients’ minds. Metrics can also help you predict the future of a few aspects, such as whether the addition of a liquidated clothing section will be profitable for your business or not.

• Ensuring that You are Organized – A CRM will help you track your tasks and events, keeping you organized while dealing with your clients and suppliers.

These are just some of the many benefits a customer relationship management system has to offer, so definitely integrate this software into your system.

Cloud Storage

Last but far from the least is cloud storage. Cloud storage refers to a mode of digital storage that is spread across multiple servers. It mainly saves you from having to buy numerous physical storage devices or later a server. In addition, cloud storage generates backups, ensuring that your data is never lost regardless of whatever disaster hits you. This form of storage is also responsible for boosting daily productivity by sharing files in-house and externally. This will keep your employees connected to work and allow them to simultaneously update their files. Moreover, online storage gives your small business a flexibility that makes it more convenient and a good choice for employees.

Apps Your Smartphone Should Have

As a liquidator, you already have a good idea why smartphones are in demand these days. These gadgets will help you stay connected to work regardless of your location. You can also carry out certain work-related functions while far away from a computer thanks to the numerous apps available in app stores. If you are still new to the world of business apps, here are some of the types you should add to your smartphone to boost your business and automate your operations.

A To-Do List App

Again, as sharp as your memory may be, there will come a time when you need to remember a number of things and events. A to-do list app will keep your organized, especially if it comes with alarms and alerts in case you do not swipe away a task or mark it as done. However, focus on also getting an app that allows you to record voice notes or text so that you can keep track of any ideas you come up with.

A Cloud Drive App

Apps like Google Drive will help you access and edit files you have in your cloud storage. That way you can keep tabs on everything going on at your offices even when you are not there. The app is also more convenient since it spares you from having to access files through an insecure browser.

Collaboration Apps

One type of app you definitely need is one that helps you collaborate with other people on different documents. Apps like Quip help you work on drafts and edits in real time, ensuring that you are up to date. This will speed up your processes because you will no longer need to rely on email to notify your employees whenever you make a change. However, make sure that the app also allows you to edit whenever offline to ensure your efficiency.

News App

Businesses need to have an eye on the news to survive. One app you should especially focus on getting is one that shows industry news like LinkedIn Pulse. This app allows you to get the latest from thought leaders and influencers in your niche, ensuring that you know exactly what may influence your competitors in the days to come.

A Chat App

To avoid long emails with FWD:FWD:FWD:FWD in their subjects, consider communicating in real time via a chat app. Apps such as HipChat are especially designed for businesses, ensuring that you connect with your employees via desktop, mobile and web apps. In addition to reducing the clutter in your email, it will help your team communicate effectively. Besides, your team’s productivity will increase since important notifications will be dealt with promptly rather than go unanswered for hours or days.

Project Management App

Yes, you can easily manage your projects via your smartphone. Apps of this type usually flaunt an easy-to-use interface through which you can access features such as real-time status updates and record keeping of employees. You can even sync your app with a compatible program at your workplace to ensure that your managers or those in charge carry out your instructions.

Sales Optimization App

Mobile devices can offer a more optimized approach to sales management. Some services such as eBay offer their own apps which you can use to keep tabs on sales and ensure that your information is accessible in real time. Such apps will also help you boost your customer satisfaction levels as they keep you connected with them and ensure that you respond to their queries and offers instantly.

Asset Management Apps

Yes, your smartphone is that strong that you can easily use it to manage your apps. By installing one, you will be able to boost the efficiency of your long-term investment decision-making and carry out decisions that benefit your portfolio and budget. As a result, you can keep a close eye on your company regardless of where you are and whenever you need the data.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, the options you have are plenty, and that is mainly because software developers understand the importance of IT for businesses, even small ones like yours. So do not keep your liquidation business in the dark ages for long and embrace the latest programs and mobile apps to make your operations smoother, more efficient and definitely quicker. If you need more incentives to ensure these traits, remember that your employee and clients’ satisfaction will depend on these.

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