Unhappy with your current resale software program?  Is your program no longer supported by the manufacturer?  Are you frustrated with the service you're not getting?  Maybe it's time for a change.  Below are some frequently asked questions about changing software programs.

Why should I consider converting to ConsignPro?

There are several good reasons to consider switching software programs (and software companies). Reasons we've heard over the last few months from new customers include:

• My current software crashes alot.
• My current software inconsistently records transactions.
• My software overpays consignors and is costing me money!
• My calls to tech support are never returned.
• Their technical support is too expensive!!
• Support for my software is going away or doesn't exist.
• Their tech support team is rude and arrogant to me.
• I'm tired of losing data and restoring old database files.
• I'm tired of hearing that my computer is the problem.
• It's 2001, I need to get off this old DOS program.
• I'm tired of giving them money.

Can you convert my data to ConsignPro?

If you are on Consignment Boutique (DOS or Windows), Liberty (DOS only), or ConsignEZ we can convert your data to the ConsignPro format.  See below for the types of data that we convert.

What data do you convert?

In general, we convert your consignors (names, numbers, addresses, and balances), customers, and active inventory items. We've done several conversions in the past with great results and can provide references if necessary. Email us if you are on another program and we may be able to help you too.

What data don't you convert?

We don't convert sales, sold inventory, or consignor account activity. We don't convert this data because we've found that these financial data in other programs is often incorrect and therefore won't balance in ConsignPro (garbage in, garbage out). We've elected to take this approach to eliminate questions and problems in ConsignPro in the future.

How does the data conversion work?

In general, we recommend that you send (overnight) your data files (see below for file names) on a 100 mb Zip disk, 250 mb Zip disk, or a CD on a day when your store is typically not very busy. If you don't have an Iomega Zip drive or CD/RW (recordable CD drive) on your computer, you can either install one or have a local computer support person temporarily connect one to your printer or USB port.

We would then convert your data immediately and e-mail the converted ConsignPro database file back to you that same day. Remember that you can't make changes to either your old program, or ConsignPro, while the data is being converted!!   Please schedule the data conversion with us 5 days before you'd like to be on ConsignPro.

How much does it cost to convert my data?

Data conversion is a flat $200.  Most store owners see this as a minimal cost compared to the hundreds of hours it would take to re-enter the consignor and active inventory into the ConsignPro system. The $200 is payable up-front and is not refundable.

Can I use my old hardware with the ConsignPro system?

ConsignPro requires Windows 95, 98, NT, ME, XP, or 2000 operating system on your computer.  It works with the Star SP200 (and SP2000) receipt printer, Eltron LP 2622, LP 2722, and Orion thermal tag printers, electronic cash drawers, and most keyboard scanners (pen or gun).  It also works with all regular dot-matrix, inkjet, or laserjet style printers.  For all of the tag and label styles that ConsignPro supports, please visit our tags page. For pictures and prices of our POS hardware, visit our hardware page.

My system numbers inventory differently than yours, how does this work if the data is converted?

When we convert your inventory, we create a unique item number for each item using the consignor id and the current item number from your system. For example, consignor 108 and item number 56 would be item number 1080056 in the ConsignPro system. All consignor numbers are converted "as is" so you can easily do lookups in the ConsignPro system using either number or last name.

I have a networked system now, can I network ConsignPro?

Yes, you can easily network ConsignPro among several computers. The cost is $295 per additional computer. For complete information on pricing visit our pricing page. For complete information on networking, visit our networking page.

My current software company went out of business, will you?

While there are no guarantees in life, we've been doing this for 6 years and plan to be doing it for the next 25.  We have over 750 customers and love working with store owners. We have also been a member of NARTS since 1996 and are committed to success in this business.

What files do I need to send you for the conversion?

Consignment Boutique (DOS) - invent.dbf, clients.dbf, customer.dbf
Consignment Boutique (Windows) - cbdat99.mdb

Liberty (DOS) - consign.dbf, customer.dbf, items.dbf

Other - Call us at (305) 535-0959

What's involved with a manual conversion?

Many store owners convert to ConsignPro using a phased approach which involves running either 2 computers in your store or both programs on the SAME computer.  New consignors and new inventory is entered into ConsignPro and consignors are transitioned over to the new system as time allows.

To make life easier during conversion, ConsignPro has two methods of posting your existing inventory into our "Make Sale" screen which does NOT require the items to first be on the database. The first involves linking you to our "Add Inventory" screen where you completely "Quick Add" the item as part of the sale.  The other way (faster) can record the sale using ONLY the consignor id (or name) and the item price.

How do I get started with ConsignPro?

1. Download our free demo from our demo page, try it out, and make sure it will work for your business.

2. Email us and let us know you're interested in data conversion.

3. If you are not comfortable with copying files or don't have a Zip or CD/RW drive on your computer, contact a computer specialist in your area and have him/her e-mail us for detailed instructions. Also let us know what your timing is with the conversion.

What are my startup costs?

Assuming your computer hardware and POS equipment will work with ConsignPro (see above), your startup cost is $895 for a single ConsignPro license and $200 if you'd like us to convert your data. Our tech support is FREE for 3 months (assuring your transition is a smooth one) and only $100 / year after that!