Mail order software is out there…everywhere! But what can it do for you and your business, and why are some free on the Internet, while other mail order software programs can cost a bit of money?

What is mail order software, exactly?

First, let’s explain what is meant by mail order software. We’re not talking about software you buy through the mail; we’re talking about software that can add everything you need to your business to handle mail orders from customers. But you get what you pay for.

Should I go with the free software, or should I buy a program?

Some mail order software is free—it’s true. But these programs generally are souped-up spreadsheets you could make yourself at home. If you want mail order software that will seamlessly work into your business and integrate other parts of your business, then be willing to part with a few dollars. In the long run, it will be worth it.

So what features should I look for?

Here’s what some of the better mail order software programs can provide:

1. Calculations—most mail order software programs have some kind of spreadsheet that you can use to automatically calculate items like tax and shipping costs.

2. Inventory tracking—know how much of whatever you have on hand at this exact moment? Good inventory tracking, via mail order software, can do this for you.

3. Credit card software integration—great mail order software programs can seamlessly integrate the software you use for credit card purchases, or provide you with a program that will work well. Bar code scanners are a nice feature that will allow instant tracking of inventory and entering of prices when a customer makes a purchase.

4. Forms, forms, forms. What do you need? Invoices? Charts? Labels? Many mail order software programs will give you some standard forms and a disk or files of optional ones that apply to your specific business. Need zip code lists? Shipping tables? They’ll be here.