What kind of software do I need?

Question

All,

I'm looking for a type of software where I can input data such as seller, house address, price, property details, etc and then data will be sent via email and sms to a list of people/companies. It needs to have customizable fields of course. I know this exists, but I'm not sure what it is called in order to compare products. Does anyone have an recommendations for this type of product? Thanks.

PT

Parker T. · Answer

Thanks guy! I'll check out all the your suggestions!

PT

Brian Park · Answer

@Parker Tankus I just came across this Google Docs video and thought you would definitely find this useful.

Check out the video here http://techcrunch.com/2014/03/11/google-launches-add-on-store-for-google-docs/. Now, Google Docs and Google Spreadsheet can have add-ons (including Mailchimp) so that you can easily input data into the spreadsheet and format it using Google Docs and send it using Mailchimp!

Rick Baggenstoss · Answer

@Parker Tankus You need to break the software into two parts and describe the volumes you're talking about.  Software packages vary greatly be volume.  A better defined example would help too.

Here are the parts:

1.  Database of Seller info -- Excel or Google Spreadsheets can have forms for inputing the information you're describing.  It's low tech and easy to use.  If you exceed 5,000 rows, then you're into a CRM system or Access database.

2.  Email/SMS - You really need to describe how this works in more detail.  You can publish your db online with a login and allow people to look at properties they're interested in.  OR, you can send a general sheet out for sorting.  OR, you can send a 'custom sheet' out.  The email capability, like Mailchimp or Constant Contact, is for a large list of recipients and will help you manage and measure your responses.  I think you're looking at a much smaller number, so it's hard to say what you need.

Depending on your volume, these could be combined.  It's called CRM.  Salesforce.com is an example.  My guess is you don't need a package, but a 'swivel chair integration' between Excel and your email until you have better requirements/experience.

Hope this helps!

Rick

Brian Park · Answer

Part of what you want can be addressed using "mail merge" feature in Gmail/Google Spreadsheet (https://developers.google.com/apps-script/articles/mail_merge). But it requires that you know how to understand/write code a bit.

J Scott · Answer

Keep in mind that MailChimp will want you to get verification/opt-in from each name on the mailing list.  If you just start adding names without an opt-in, MC will quickly shut you down if even a small percentage of list recipients complain about spam.

Pam Douglas · Answer

ok..

Parker T. · Answer

@Pam Douglas thank you. I'll see if it fits the bill.

PT

Pam Douglas · Answer

Mailchimp does email blasts..Not sure if that's what you're looking for. You can upload your contact list and it will blast your deal..

J Scott · Answer

I've never seen anything like this.  By the lack of responses, my guess is that others haven't seen it either...

Parker T. · Answer

Anybody have a suggestion? It seems like a wholesaler would could use software like this to contact the buyer's list? Thanks.

PT