I am beginning to feel overwhelmed! I run a cake business out of my home and I'm trying to get organized. It's the little things that are driving me crazy! It's probably called OCD but who's asking?

How do you organize your customer's info. Do you keep files in a filing cabinet for each customer? Do you keep files on your computer? Do you do both? I feel like I have papers coming out of my ears!

With the files do you keep pictures of cakes they have ordered? Do you keep all scratch sheets, etc?

Thank you!!

Everything I do is in an electronic file on my computer. I rarely print out the actual paperwork.

I keep computer files & paper files. Computer: sketches, order forms, emails, scanned sketches, accountant forms. Paper: order forms (only because my computer has enough powdered sugar in it!), pre-forms for accountants. I know what you mean about all the files!!! Thank goodness for 3 ring binders.

Cake Boss Software...nuff said!

Computer and a old fashioned file folder. The folders are labled by event date, venue, client name.

In the folder I have a signed contract/ copy of their order details and a picture or sketch, as we reference that when working the cake. (my sis and mom are my assistants) I also have the venue contact information and directions if I need them. When I am done making the cake, I pack up the cake, the file folder and my emergency kit.

KristyCakes - how do you do your sketches on the computer? do you have a certain program?

chasley101, oh sorry, I don't have a sketch program. Would be good if I did beause I don't take a lot of time with the sketches... they are just meant to give me (and sometimes the customer) an idea of how the cake will look. I always tell the customer it's a "rough sketch" so I'm free to change it up a bit if I need too... I bought a $30 printer/scanner (back to college prices last year) at Target and just scan them into my computer after I stetch them. It's been a great investment for me!

If you have Microsoft Office on your computer you may want to try OneNote. It's like a virtual filing cabinet. You can make folders for each client and then add any type of file (scanned pictures, websites, spreadsheets, etc.) I haven't used it that much, but it looks like it could be very useful. I also print out blank calender pages a week at a time on cardstock, attach stick-on tabs, and put them all in a 3-ring binder. Then I use sheet protectors behind each calender page to hold sketches, color and fabric samples, etc. Basically anything that won't scan well.