Any suggestions on shop management software?

[cappyjon431]

I just purchased my first dive shop/operation. The previous owner has a fairly elaborate system of record keeping on the shop's computer, but it is not dive shop specific. Anyone have any recommendations for dive shop management software? I've found a few different products available online but I was wondering if anyone has had experience with these types of products. I'm not particularly computer saavy, so if there are products that you consider very user friendly, please let me know. I'm particularly interested in comparisons between EVE (the PADI endorsed system) and Dive Shop Manager.

Thanks,

Jon

 

[Scuba Cowboy]

We've used EVE for the 3 years we've been in business and have been very happy with it. I don't have any experience with the other programs, but I believe EVE will do everything you want plus you'll get good support with it.

 

[PhilEllis]

Hi Cappy. I use AJV Express software for eight years. I think this is the most dive-industry specific software you can use. Al Viges, the creator and owner of AJV, knows diving and the support from the company is simply amazing. I would strongly encourage you to contact them before making any purchase.

AJV Dive Shop Express Software

Phil Ellis
Discount Scuba Gear at DiveSports.com - Buy Scuba Diving Equipment & Snorkeling Equipment

 

[cappyjon431]

Thanks Scubacowboy and Philellis. I'll be checking out both of these before I purchase. I've seen a demo of Dive Shop Manager, but hadn't heard of AJV.

 

[bjf123]

We use AJV, too. We just bought our business last fall, but the previous owner had used it for years, though not too extensively. We're still learning things, but their support has been great.

 

[Underwater Adventures]

A+ for AJV-Scuba Express! Al and Summer are top notch and have always provided exceptional support to us.

I purchased their system when I opened my store almost 5 years ago and have turned several other stores on to the AJV platform, it has many features available and as mentioned is dive shop specific so it covers many avenues...it is also compatible with Quick Books so our accountant loves it too!

If you have questions and want to talk call me...

Robert

 

[clint@uniquescuba.com]

We have used AJV for 9 years and its great. The business support is great as well.

 

[bjf123]

For those of you using AJV, do you run an end of day every day? We don't count out the cash drawer each day and only run end of day at the end of any months when we count the drawer back down to $200 and deposit everything else. During the month, we just make deposits when the cash and checks get to be a large amount, which is maybe once a week since most transactions are credit card. These deposits don't get recorded anywhere in AJV. I record them as a deposit in QuickBooks after I've imported the AJV data.

 

[PhilEllis]

For those of you using AJV, do you run an end of day every day? We don't count out the cash drawer each day and only run end of day at the end of any months when we count the drawer back down to $200 and deposit everything else. During the month, we just make deposits when the cash and checks get to be a large amount, which is maybe once a week since most transactions are credit card. These deposits don't get recorded anywhere in AJV. I record them as a deposit in QuickBooks after I've imported the AJV data.

I don't fully understand why you wouldn't use the END OF DAY capabilities of the AJV software. It seems to me that is the best way to reconcile the credit card, check, and cash business. Oh well.

Phil Ellis

 

[clint@uniquescuba.com]

Yes, we run and end of the day, everyday. It doesn't take very long