Keeping Up With It All
Updated: Nov 5, 2023
How do you stay organized with so many orders? That is a question that I get asked often and it is really important to do so. I have only lost an order once and that was so embarrassing but my organization skills have paid off in this endeavor for sure!
Customers find me one of a few ways, 1) through words of mouth and previous customer referrals, 2) internet search, 3) through promotional material place in strategic locations in my local community. I used to have a store and a retail booth at a store in town but I was unable to stay on top of keeping those stocked because of custom order demands.
I have a "custom order form" that I created years ago so I haven't changed it much. I am happy to share it with anyone that is interested. Once I take an order, I have a Excel spread sheet that I list every order on. It includes the following information in this order:
Complete Y/N
Customer Name
Pattern Ordered
Image Choice
Size
Date of Order
Price
Gift Certificate
Balance Due
Amount Paid
Email Address
This is the "at a glance" information that I need. It keeps me on track on what comes next. I also print my images out as shown in the attached video so I have a visual of what is being worked on and what is up next. I can be at the grocery store and someone can call for a status and I have a knack for knowing where they are on the "List" just because I can visualize what is on the wall.
Once I compete an order, I keep those on file. I never know when someone will see one I have posted on social media and want one just like it. It helps to keep consistent with colors and have a record. I don't always remember to take pictures and this helps me if someone says they were visiting a friend and want one just like Mrs. Ranson's. Had that to happen and did not have a picture of it so having it on file was just luck.
So in this video I show the way I keep up with images once completed. I have many books and 2021's volumes are filling up. Never hurts to make something pretty too so when I move into my new studio space, it will be all organized and inviting to visitors.
I hope this inspires you to come up with your own way of tracking and keeping up with orders and feel free to implement mine if you think it will work for you!
Carry on the Addiction!
Talara
I just sold my first barn quilt and realize I may need a 'system'. You mention sharing your order form in this video and it given you have done over 4,000 barn quilts, it must work. If the offer still stands my email address is lritcheyal@gmail.com.
Thank you for these videos. Trying to soak in all I can.