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S H O P K E E P E R P L U S
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The On-Line Shopping & Patron Membership Door
Version
2.1
May 1993
Copyright Shareware from J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
TAKING A LOOK AT SHOPKEEPER PLUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
[A]dd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
[B]rowse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
[D]ownload Product Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
[H]elp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
[L]ist Merchandise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
[O]rder Merchandise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
[S]earch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
[Q]uit to Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
WHY SHOPKEEPER PLUS ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
WHAT CAN I SELL ON MY BBS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
GIFTWORLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
DISCOUNT MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
COMIC BOOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
PATRON MEMBERSHIPS TO YOUR BBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
NOVELTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
MUSIC & VIDEO CLUB MEMBERSHIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
WESTERN ELECTRIC TELEPHONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ADULT MERCHANDISE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
LEASING STORE SPACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
BASEBALL CARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
COMIC BOOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
INSTALLING SHOPKEEPER PLUS ON AN RBBS-PC . . . . . . . 10
INSTALLING SHOPKEEPER PLUS ON A PC-BOARD . . . . . . . 10
INSTALLING SHOPKEEPER PLUS ON A WILDCAT BBS . . . . . 11
INSTALLING SHOPKEEPER PLUS ON OTHER BBSs . . . . . . . 11
CONFIGURING SHOPKEEPER PLUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
EDITING THE SHOPKEEPER PLUS .DBF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SUPPLIER.DBF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
MERCHANDISE.DBFs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
MAILING LIST .DBF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
BUYERS.DBF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
DATA BASE TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
GENERATING FORMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SYSOP.INV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
PACKING.INV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SUPPLIER.INV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
APPENDIX I:
(SHPKPR.CFG Structure) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
APPENDIX II:
(Sales Tax) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
APPENDIX III:
(Hardware Support) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
APPENDIX IV:
Getting Help & Contacting Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
APPENDIX V:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
LICENSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
REGISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SHOPKEEPER PLUS REGISTRATION FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SHOPKEEPER PLUS
Version 2.1
May 1993
--------------
INTRODUCTION
--------------
The program SHOPKEEPER PLUS is a sophisticated on-line
shopping door program for BBS Sysops. It reads the dropfiles
generated by RBBS, PCBoard, Gap, WildCat, T.A.G., Telegard, and
any BBS that generates a generic DOOR.SYS control file.
SHOPKEEPER PLUS allows you to accept VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN
EXPRESS and DISCOVER, if you have merchant accounts for any or
all of these cards. Sysops that are not equipped to accept
charge cards have the option of letting the user download a mail-
in order form. Users of PRODIGY, COMPUSERVE and GEnie's
COMP-U-STORE order merchandise on-line, now you can offer this
kind of service to your callers while making money for yourself.
If you don't want to get involved with taking orders, and
just need a door to take patron membership payments, or maybe
registrations of shareware, there's a version of SHOPKEEPER that
offers just a DISPLAYCASE-- perfect for just that.
Anyone can run an on-line shopping service with SHOPKEEPER
PLUS and when you register the software you get the services a
several companies that fill the orders for you, so can start your
business right away. You also get complete instructions for
setting up a merchants account so you can accept credit cards for
purchases and memberships on your BBS. SHOPKEEPER PLUS keeps
records for you, generates order forms, invoices, and has a
"DISPLAYCASE" mode that is designed to process patron memberships
to your BBS.
--------------------------
SHOPKEEPER PLUS FEATURES
--------------------------
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS can accept VISA, Master Card,
American Express and Discover cards.
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS can generate a downloadable mail-in
order form for SysOps that don't want to or can't take
credit cards and for callers who prefer to pay by mail.
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 1
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* SHOPKEEPER PLUS computes and keeps track of any sales
tax you may need to charge.
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS keeps a SALES.LOG that shows any recent
purchases, so you know at a glance when you've made a
sale that day.
* Auto-FOSSIL-Detect allows you to use a FOSSIL driver.
When needed, internal routines support ALL modem
speeds.
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS is flexible and powerful.
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS generates the order invoices you send
to your suppliers.
* Registered SysOps will have access to .DBF files of
"Adult Products" including condoms, "Lotions &
Potions", and other items too adult to list here. The
.DBF files can be merged together so you can customize
your line and only sell the items you feel
comfortable with.
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS allows callers to download a "catalog"
of merchandise available if you desire.
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS uses .DBF standard files so that you
can import your data into popular data base programs,
such as DBase III (tm), DBase III+ (tm), Dbase IV (tm),
Fox Base (tm), FoxPro (tm), Clipper (tm), and PC-File
(tm). Alpha 4 (tm).
* Registered users get a printed manual listing
suppliers of wholesale merchandise. The manual gives
valuable advice on advertising your BBS and increasing
patron subscriptions.
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS creates a mailing list database so you
generate shipping or mailing labels.
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS allows you to run up to 10 different
stores or departments in each door. You can run as
many doors as your BBS will allow.
* DESQView (tm) aware and compatible.
* Future versions of SHOPKEEPER PLUS will include the
ability to include a downloadable .GIF or .JPG for each
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
item if there is sufficient demand for the feature.
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS's "DISPLAYCASE" mode allows users to
charge "patron memberships" to your BBS to their credit
card in a special section of the store.
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS uses a special error checking system
to help prevent users from entering fictitious credit
card numbers. SHOPKEEPER PLUS supports VC, a credit
card number verification program.
* Registered users get access to a drop-shipping system
that allows you to take orders from your callers while
having another company fill the order-- you get your
profit up-front, and have no inventory overhead.
* Supports both ANSI and ASCII modes for those callers
that may not be completely IBM compatible.
* Allows you to display dozens of text files to advertise
or explain any special features you add to your
shopping center.
* Registered version includes data files of merchandise
descriptions, prices, etc..
* SHOPKEEPER PLUS allows you to set a minimum dollar
amount for a purchase. You need not be bothered with
orders that are too small. You can set each store with
a different minimum purchase.
----------------------------------
TAKING A LOOK AT SHOPKEEPER PLUS
----------------------------------
Rather than reading about what SHOPKEEPER PLUS looks like
you can see it in action right now. Just make sure all the files
that came with the program are in the same sub-directory, then
type "DEMO". SHOPKEEPER PLUS uses the SHPKPR.CFG file to define
the location of files, the number of stores and other parameters
to make SHOPKEEPER PLUS do exactly what you want it to do.
Included in this demo package are all the files you need to run
SHOPKEEPER PLUS, including a sample SHPKPR.CFG file to run a demo
session.
NOTE: If SHOPKEEPER does not run in the local mode it's because
you are missing a necessary file, or someone tampered with the
.CFG file.
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 3
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SHOPKEEPER PLUS displays a status line at the bottom of your
screen. In the LOCAL mode the user's name is replaced by the
Sysop's name as listed in the .CFG file, the amount of time the
caller has left in the door (or TIMER OFF if local), F5 to shell
out to DOS, F8 to return the caller to the BBS, F1 to chat with
your caller, and to add 5 minutes to the callers time
remaining. If you forget the meaning of the function keys,
pressing F10 at any time during the session will give you a menu.
The first screen displayed is the main menu, telling the
caller what stores, information, or special offers are available.
The demo includes actual merchandise files, and other merchandise
.DBF files are available with product descriptions and prices
already entered.
From the main menu, users may select from up to 10 different
menu options, each of which can be a text file, a DISPLAYCASE, or
a store (more on setting that up later).
When a user enters a store, the following menu options are
available (with the exception of [A]dd to mailing list, and
[D]ownload catalog, depending on configuration settings):
[A]dd your name to our Mailing List -- This option allows a
user to add themselves to a mailing list maintained for the
store. It allows them to also enter a one-line comment so they
may request specific catalogs, mailings, or other information.
[B]rowse Merchandise -- Selecting this option allows the
user to view detailed descriptions of each item, and to mark
items for purchase later.
[D]ownload Product Info -- This command allows users to
download a customized catalog of items. The users may mark items
using the BROWSE or LIST commands, and SHOPKEEPER+ will then
generate a catalog of prices and descriptions for the items they
have selected, including a custom header (that you provide in a
separate file).
[H]elp -- displays a Help screen that explains the menu
options or how to order merchandise.
[L]ist Merchandise -- This command displays a list of items
available in the store ( the ITEM field in the merchandise .DBF
file). From this list users can select items for which they
would like more detailed descriptions. For those users who have
selected color, the color will alternate between white and
yellow.
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 4
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[O]rder Merchandise -- Selecting the ORDER option will begin
an automated ordering process. Users will be prompted for the
quantity of each item, a valid credit card, and their mailing
address respectively. If desired, SHOPKEEPER+ will check the card
for a valid card number and expiration date.
[S]earch by Keyword -- allows users to search for
merchandise by subject or key words. The key words are stored in
the merchandise .DBF file so that any key words you want can be
assigned to any product description. This makes the search run
fast, as the program does not need to search the entire
description file and will not get hung up on words that do not
apply. It works like the key word search function on GEnie.
[Q]uit to Menu -- Exits the shop and returns you to the Main
SHOPKEEPER PLUS Menu that you created. Before returning to the
Menu you have the option of displaying a "goodbye" screen for
each store. You can use this screen to explain how to place an
order, make your last sales pitch, or simply say thanks for
looking.
-----------------------
WHY SHOPKEEPER PLUS ?
-----------------------
SHOPKEEPER PLUS is the only on-line shopping door that
provides you with stocked warehouses of merchandise ready to ship
to your customers, you have NO overhead to worry about, no
investment in stock, no losses from "spoilage", and no shipping
companies to worry about. It generates invoices and packing slips
for the purchaser, supplier and Sysop.
It allows you to adjust for what states and/or territories
(if any) that may require you to charge sales tax. For those of
you that hold multiple mercantile licenses, you can set it up to
collect for as many states as you hold licenses and keeps
detailed records of any tax collected.
For Sysops that do not accept credit cards, the caller will
not be given the charge option, but can download a mail-in order
form. The printed manual tells you how to set-up a
Visa/Mastercard merchants account if you would like one.
Sysops that don't need the power of SHOPKEEPER PLUS can
order a special version that only allows the DISPLAYCASE and text
display options. It's great for Sysops that want to use the door
to collect registration fees for shareware or patron membership
fees. It includes the options of mail-in order and/or credit
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 5
-----------------------------------------------------------------
card charges but doesn't allow you to use the store format with
the merchandise .DBFs and does not include the printed manual. If
you purchase the DISPLAYCASE only version you will be allowed to
up-grade to SHOPKEEPER PLUS for a nominal fee.
Want to have a sale? Only SHOPKEEPER PLUS includes a
discount field in the merchandise .DBF. It only takes about a
minute, using your data base program, to globally discount all
the merchandise in a store. When the sale is over you can reset
the prices just as fast.
SHOPKEEPER PLUS was written in "C++" and assembly language,
as an on-line shopping door. Other on-line programs have been
compiled from kits and door making packages that can slow down
the operation of the door.
----------------------------
WHAT CAN I SELL ON MY BBS?
----------------------------
You're only limited by your imagination. Registered users
get a printed manual listing 50 suppliers of various wholesale
goods, giving you sources for a large assortment of merchandise.
SHOPKEEPER PLUS can generate orders for several drop-shippers so
that you don't have to stock or ship anything.
Through special arrangements with a large wholesale gift
distributor you can now offer a complete line of gift and
household items and a thirty page FULL COLOR CATALOG. The GIFT
WORLD distributor is a drop-shipper that maintains a warehouse
and shipping facility so you don't have to. You take the orders,
take your share of the profit, and mail the order to the
distributer. SHOPKEEPER PLUS even "writes" the order to your
supplier for you! That's it. No muss, no fuss.
The catalogs are generic and represent a sampling of a
larger line of merchandise available. This catalog was selected
after reviewing submissions from a dozen different wholesalers
and was selected because it offered a high profit margin, had
items that could be explained in print, offered a support flyer,
and it's the only one that did not require a start-up fee.
If you choose to run SHOPKEEPER PLUS on your BBS you'll
want to make sure that you mention the catalog in the ads for
your BBS that you put on other boards. It's different, and that
gets people's curiosity. Also available is flyer called the
"Seven Seas Collection". This is a handy tool for verifying new
user's addresses. Many boards already require some kind of
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 6
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mail-in registration, and it'll only cost you an extra
thirteen cents to include the flyer. You can order the flyers
plain or imprinted. You can even order the plain flyers and run
them through a copy machine, or your DESKJET or laser printer to
add your own address or custom message.
The catalog is the same one that is used by mail-order
entrepreneurs around the country-- maybe you've received one like
it in the mail. For them it can be an expensive proposition.
The catalogs cost about thirty cents a piece, they have to send
out thousands in hopes of getting a 2% response rate. By letting
your users read the catalog listings on-line, and then letting
them request the catalog insures a response rate your mail order
counterparts never dreamed of.
DISCOUNT MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS: Through one of the nation's
largest magazine subscription agents, you can offer your callers
discount subscriptions to some of the most popular magazines
titles in print. Magazine subscription sales are perfectly
suited to bulletin boards as most computer users can read, and
many titles are computer oriented. The data files included with
this demo are actually the magazine title listings being offered
at this time. Because of the nature of shareware distribution it
is possible the listings or the prices are out dated.
STAR TREK COLLECTIBLES: We are currently making arrangements with
a national distributor of Paramount Licensed Star Trek (tm)
merchandise to allow sysops to take orders for Star Trek
merchandise and receive a commission. This is expected to be
ready by the fall of 1993.
COMIC BOOKS: The same subscription agency the processes your
magazine subscriptions does comic book subscriptions from Marvel
and DC Comics. You can offer home delivery of Superman, Iron
Man, Spiderman, X-Men, and other popular, collectible titles.
PATRON MEMBERSHIPS TO YOUR BBS: SHOPKEEPER PLUS is the only
on-line shopping door to offer special provisions for your
callers to charge a patron membership to your BBS on their credit
card. This special feature is called the "DISPLAYCASE" mode and
can display several different membership options if you offer
more than one membership plan. As in the regular "merchandise"
mode the Sysop always has the option of having a mail-in form
that the caller can download and send back. The DISPLAYCASE mode
is so powerful in itself that it is available as a stand-alone
door for those Sysops that do not need the added power of the
full size SHOPKEEPER PLUS.
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 7
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NOVELTIES: Included with the registered version are the .DBF
files for a line of merchandise that we call "The Fun Factory".
It's joy buzzers, whoopee cushions, water guns and other fun junk
for kids with credit cards. The Fun Factory supplier fills the
orders for you, after you have you have taken your profit.
MUSIC & VIDEO CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: The "DISPLAYCASE" feature is
great for selling memberships to The Federal Music & Video Club.
The memberships list price is $14.98 but some SysOps discount the
price as low as $9.98. Your callers will appreciate the
convenience of ordering their memberships on-line and all you do
is take out your profit and mail the order form generated by
SHOPKEEPER PLUS to the supplier. The supplier will in-turn send
the membership booklet to your customer and the club will take
the orders for tapes and CDs directly, shipping within 48 hours.
WESTERN ELECTRIC TELEPHONES: Through arrangements with a
drop-shipper of reconditioned Western Electric telephones, they
will ship your orders to your customers and maintain warehouse of
products. All you have to do is send in the form generated by
SHOPKEEPER PLUS with a check or money order and shipping label
and one of the most durable phones even made will be on it's way
to your customer. Phone accessories, like: extension cords, y-
adapters and jacks are also available.
ADULT MERCHANDISE: If your BBS has an adult section, maybe
net mail from ThrobNet, you might want to consider selling adult
novelties and condoms. We provide you with the merchandise .DBF
files, including the product descriptions. You can select from
several different merchandise "departments" depending on what you
want to sell. Just forward the orders to the supplier and the
merchandise is shipped from there.
LEASING STORE SPACE: You can lease store "space" in your
on-line shopping service to local merchants. Simply charge them
a percentage on the orders you generate for their business. This
type of arrangement works well with businesses like florists.
Your caller can place and order on-line for flowers by entering
their charge information into the SHOPKEEPER PLUS door.
SHOPKEEPER PLUS will produce an order that can be sent by your
fax card (or even read over the phone) to your local florist, who
pays you a commission for taking the order. The SHOPKEEPER PLUS
Start-Up Kit has many more ideas like this that do not require
you to invest in inventory.
OTHER SOURCES: Your start-up kit includes a printed manual
listing suppliers of wholesale goods such as:
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 8
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- Tapes & CDs - Computer Supplies
- Gift Items - Tools
- T-shirts - Video Tapes
- Toys - Record Club Memberships
- Telephones - Jewelry
- Housewares - Star Trek (tm) Collectibles
- Rock 'n' Roll Merchandise - Mugs
- Counterfeit Colognes - Christian Gift Items
- Gags & Novelties - Adult Merchandise & Videos
Remember that you are not limited to using the suppliers
listed in your manual. We're aware that many Sysops are already
working computer shows and fairs selling their own electronics.
However, you can make the highest profits on items that you or
your family or neighbors produce yourselves. I learned this
lesson from a GERMAN woman who sells her own hand-made INDIAN
jewelry. So if you or spouse do handicrafts you now have a way
to sell them.
Because of SHOPKEEPER PLUS's .DBF format it makes a great
outlet for selling BASEBALL CARDS. It's easy to change prices as
they increase and maintain your data-base of cards. You can
accept the cards on consignment, you don't even have to own the
cards you're selling. I've seen a lot of new BBSs opening that
are devoted to baseball cards and COMIC BOOKS. The author of
SHOPKEEPER PLUS took this into consideration when selecting the
.DBF file format used in the program.
----------------------
HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE ?
----------------------
Beats me. Your registration kit includes offers sources of
lots of merchandise that can be sold on-line. One supplier offers
printer ribbons that sell for $16.00 in stores for $4.75 and
others as low as $ .79. How much you can make depends on too
many things that I don't know about your board-- like the age and
number of users you have. The point of this program is that
there should be no reason to have your computer just sitting
there costing you money in electric and phone bills. By trying
on-line marketing you risk nothing in stock, you just put the
program up in a "door" and it does the selling for you.
---------------------
INSTALLATION
---------------------
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 9
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Consult your BBS documentation for instructions on writing
the batch file to execute a door program. The next few sections
explain how to install the door on the three most popular
systems. If your system is not listed below refer to your BBS
software manual for setting up a generic door.
----------------------------------------
INSTALLING SHOPKEEPER PLUS ON AN RBBS-PC
----------------------------------------
SHOPKEEPER PLUS will get all the information it needs about
each session from the DORINFO#.DEF file created when RBBS exits
to a door. Simply add the option to your menu screen(s) (MENU5
if you're using the default names) then add the option to your
DOORS.DEF file (if used) (example: SHOP,3,,D,"SHOP.BAT",N,,).
You'll notice I keep the access level low so even first time
callers can go shopping.
As with any door, just make a simple batchfile to execute
the program, here's an example:
ECHO OFF
CD C:\SHOPS
SHOP DORINFO1.DEF
CD C:\RBBS
Note: You must change to the directory that contains the
SHOPKEEPER executable before running the program.
----------------------------------------
INSTALLING SHOPKEEPER PLUS ON A PC-BOARD
----------------------------------------
SHOPKEEPER PLUS will work like any other door for PCBoard
version 14+ with the exception that it does not access your USERS
file or PCBOARD.DAT. SHOPKEEPER does use PCBOARD.SYS files. It
will also use the DOOR.SYS file created for Third Party
Applications (TPA) (since PCBoard version 12xx does not create
DOOR.SYS, see "Installing SHOPKEEPER PLUS on other BBSs") if you
desire. If you have installed doors on your PCBoard before you
should be able to skip the next two paragraphs.
Using your PCBSysMgr, highlight DOORS then press F2 or F3
to edit the DOORS menu screen and add the On-Line Shopping
options to your menus. The file should be copied to the file
server to permit access by all nodes. It may be copied to each
node's local drive. If the DOOR menu changes, however, it must be
changed for each node. If you are using multiple menus for
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 10
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different security levels be sure to add the option to all the
menus.
First, add the entry SHOP to the DOORS.LST file in the
filename section (SHOP is the name of the batchfile PCBoard will
run when the menu option is selected). Second, leave the password
field blank. Third, set the security level. I recommend you
leave it at 0 so new users can shop on their first call. Forth,
set the log-in field at "N". Next, set the USER.SYS field to "N"
(SHOPKEEPER PLUS does not need this information either).
Next, if you are using DOOR.SYS and not PCBOARD.SYS, set the
DOOR.SYS field to "Y". And lastly, enter the path to the SHOP.BAT
file.
As with any door, just make a simple batchfile to execute
the program, here's an example:
ECHO OFF
CD \SHOP
SHOP C:\PCB\PCBOARD.SYS
CD \BBS
BOARD
-------------------------------------------
INSTALLING SHOPKEEPER PLUS ON A WILDCAT BBS
-------------------------------------------
SHOPKEEPER PLUS reads the DOOR.SYS file generated by
WILDCAT. Simply create a DOOR#.BAT and a DOOR#.RUN if running
multi-node, (where the # is replaced by the actual number
of the door as indicated in DOORS.BBS) add the option to the
door menu file DOORS.BBS and the color version (if implemented)
DOORS.SCR. Run MAKEWILD and make sure your users will have
sufficient security level to open the door and that number of
doors is set to the right number.
A sample DOOR1.BAT for WILDCAT:
ECHO OFF
CD \SHOP
SHOP C:\WILDCAT\DOOR.SYS
CD \WILDCAT
These batch files should be placed in the start-up directory, NOT
the door path.
------------------------------------------
INSTALLING SHOPKEEPER PLUS ON OTHER BBSs
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 11
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------------------------------------------
SHOPKEEPER PLUS will run on just about any BBS, however if
your BBS is not capable of generating a DOOR.SYS, a compatible
DORINFO#.DEF or PCBOARD.SYS file you will need to use a
conversion program. I recommend QKDOOR by Chris Hall. With this
utility you can use SHOPKEEPER PLUS with the following software
and related door control files.
Genesis Deluxe -> CallInfo.BBS
GT PowerComm -> GTUser.BBS
Opus -> LastUs#.Dat
Osiris# -> ExtInfo#.QBS
OsirisSE### -> Out###.QBS
SpitFire -> SFDoors.Dat
WWIV -> Chain.Txt
A sample batch file for a SpitFire BBS using QKDOOR would
look something like this:
ECHO OFF
QKDOOR SPITFIRE C:\SHOPS\DOOR.SYS
CD C:\SHOPS
SHOP DOOR.SYS
CD C:\BBS
BBS
QKDOOR is $10 (as of last check) Shareware from Christopher
Hall and available on many BBSs including The Praedo BBS, 609-
953-0769. At this time the current zipped version is called:
QKDOOR2F.ZIP. It's available by mail from Christopher Hall, P.O.
Box 26025, Austin, TX, 78755-0025. If you're going to make a
toll call to get the program, you might as well call Chris' BBS
directly at: The PC Network, 505-821-5321. (CompuServe 72150,752
FidoNet 1:382/29.4) Remember, this information is provided as a
service and QKDOOR is in no way associated with SHOPKEEPER PLUS
or the Praedo BBS.
---------------------------
CONFIGURING SHOPKEEPER PLUS
---------------------------
SHOPKEEPER PLUS uses one configuration file to define all
system parameters, DISPLAYCASES, and STORES. This configuration
file, called SHPKPR.CFG, must reside in the same directory as the
SHOPKEEPER PLUS executable. SHPKPR.CFG is a standard ASCII file
consisting of 5 fixed lines, followed by definitions for
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 12
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displaycases and stores.
You can edit and customize the files in SHOPKEEPER PLUS to
fit your needs or personality. Before you begin to create or
alter the SHPKPR.CFG file you should have your Main Menu thought
out, if not written out on paper. The SHPKPR.CFG must be created
with a straight ASCII text editor such as Q-Edit or the MS DOS 5
EDIT.EXE. When editing the SHPKPR.CFG file remember that all
lines are terminated with a return. You should keep the following
points in mind when writing your configuration files:
ANY blank lines ( a blank line is considered to be a line in
which the FIRST character is a ' ' or <RETURN>) are ignored.
Any line may have a comment, which begins with a ';'. Any
characters after that are ignored.
A LABEL is considered to be 1-10 characters followed by a ':'.
All chars must be upper case letters (they will be converted to
uppercase internally anyway.).
A MAIN MENU ENTRY is a line in the form "D LABEL:", "S LABEL:",
or "T FILE". D=Displaycase, S=Store, T=Text/ANSI file. NOTE: the
FILE following 'T' MUST have a drive:\path\name but NO
EXTENSION.
The displaycases and stores do not have to be in the same order
as they appear in the main menu listing. However, if you list a
displaycase or store in the main menu, and it doesn't appear
with the LABEL: somewhere in the file, SHOPKEEPER will complain
that the file is in a bad format.
All of the fields in the SHPKPR.CFG have limit on the number of
characters you can use. These limits should be liberal enough
that the will not effect you, however the limits are listed in
APPENDIX I.
So much for the rules, lets look at a heavily commented sample:
;
; SHOPKEEPER+ CONFIG FILE
;
; As you can see SHOPKEEPER PLUS ignores comments that begin
; with ";" and blank lines. I suggest you start by modifying the
; .CFG file that comes with the demo. The lines are commented
; and it makes editing easier. The first 5 lines are pretty much
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 13
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; self-explanatory. When running in the local mode SHOPKEEPER
; PLUS uses the SysOp's name from this CFG.
;
Michael Smith ; Sysop Name
My Own BBS ; System Name
C:\SHOP\ ; Full path to Shopkeeper SYSTEM Files
C:\SHOP\ ; Full path to file TRANSFER Files
; For an explanation of the SYSTEM and
; TRANSFER file areas, see the paragraph
; at the end of this sample config.
5 ; Number of Main Menu options.
; SHOPKEEPER PLUS needs to know how many menu options you're
; setting up. Following this line must be the definitions for
; the number of options specified, in this case 5.
;
; Define your menu options:
;
; T = Textfile. This can be any file or bulletin you want to
; make available to your callers. I have one that gives a quick
; explanation of on-line shopping and another explaining
; shipping.
;
; D = Displaycase. This is the mode that allows you to set-up
; several items you want to highlight. It does not use a
; merchandise .DBF and can only display a maximum of 6 items.
;
: S = Store. This is the mode that uses a .DBF file of
; merchandise and allows you to sell as many different items
; as you want. It maintains an inventory for you and invoices
; are generated to the suppliers. It's the "Plus" in SHOPKEEPER
; PLUS.
T C:\SHOP\NEWSHOP ; Format and PATH\FILENAME to option #1
; This tells SHOPKEEPER PLUS to display a textfile called:
; "NEWSHOP" . If the caller is in an ANSI mode SKP+ will look
; for an ANSI file called: "NEWSHOP.ANS" if the caller is in
; an ASCII mode, or if there is no file called "NEWSHOP.ANS",
; SKP will display you file named: "NEWSHOP.TXT"
S STORE2: ; Format and config LABEL: to option #2
; SHOPKEEPER PLUS uses a label format like you would use in a
; BATchfile. There must be a section in this config labeled
; STORE2:. You can make the labels anything you wish up to 11
; characters long including the ":".
T C:\SHOP\SHPKPR ; Format and PATH\FILENAME to option #3
; Just another text file as described above.
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D DISPLAY1: ; Format and config LABEL: to option #4
; The DISPLAYCASE label works just like the store label format
; described above. There must be a matching section defining
; the DISPLAYCASE.
T C:\SHOP\SHIP ; Format and PATH\FILENAME to option #5
; This is another text file as described above
;
; DISPLAYCASE #1
DISPLAY1: ; Label, which in this case is menu item
; #4
; "DISPLAY1:" is the forth line of the menu selections in the
; first part of the configuration. If you wanted to make this
; DISPLAYCASE main menu option #1 instead of #4, you
; would only need to move the entry in the in the top section
; from the fourth position to the first position, after the
; number that specifies the number of menu options. This section
; defining the DISPLAYCASE can be located anywhere within the
; SHPKPR.CFG file. The DISPLAYCASE and STORE definitions can be
; placed in any order in the configuration file, just as long as
; they are present.
C:\SHOP\HELLO1 ; Name of welcome screen or info file
; for this DISPLAYCASE.
; These screens are optional, if you do not want a welcome screen
; put an "*" by itself in place of the filename. Remember:
; DO NOT include the filename extension. SHOPKEEPER PLUS will
; look for a file of that name with either the extension .ANS
; or .TXT depending on the callers preference or default to
; .TXT if you do not want to create ANSI files for every store
; or DISPLAYCASE.
C:\SHOP\PRICES ; Name of text information file
; As with the welcome file this one is optional, and it
; can be .TXT or both .TXT and ANSI. This file should
; include a full description of the merchandise or service
; you're selling. It's the last thing they'll see before
; being asked if they want to buy one.
C:\SHOP\THKYOU ; Name of goodbye file
; As with the two files above, this file in optional. If
; you don't want a goodbye file, place an "*" on this line.
My Own BBS Patron Memberships ; Name or Department displayed
; The above text will be used in a headline above the merchandise
; available for sale. This line is not optional.
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 15
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PRAED ; Vender code as listed in SUPPLIERS.DBF
; This refers SHOPKEEPER PLUS to the SUPPLIERS.DBF to determine
; who supplies the products or services available in this Store
; or DISPLAYCASE. It's required even if you are the supplier.
VM ; Credit cards accepted
; On this line list all the credit cards you accept. Options
; are: V = VISA M = Mastercard D = Discover A = American Express
; If you do take any credit cards, put an "*" on this line. This
; means your callers only have the option to download an order
; form to mail in their order.
$3.00 ; Shipping Cost
; Put whatever shipping charge you want here. Use a "$" before
; a fixed amount, OR use a "%" percent sign before a percentage.
; Placing $3.00 on this line charges 3.00 for every order.
; %10 would charge your caller 10% for shipping, %6.5
; would charge 6 %. For BBS subscriptions and other items not
; requiring shipping, enter a '*'.
$1.25 ; Handling
; Another field that can be a fixed amount or percentage as
; described above. If not needed enter a '*'.
FL ; State Tax
; If you are required to collect sales tax in your state enter
; the two letter abbreviation. Every person who calls from the
; state listed will be charged sales tax. There are laws pending
; that will require merchants to charge tax on all states. In the
; event this law is passed just enter "ALL" on this line,
; SHOPKEEPER PLUS is already set-up to handle this. Also if
; you work computer shows in more than one state you may be
; required to charge for several states. No problem, just enter
; the states you have licenses in on the one line. Separate the
; entries with a comma, example: NJ,PA,DE. To charge no tax on
; any sale, put 'NO' on this line. More info on sales
; tax can be found on the section that explains the TAX.DAT file.
PATRON.TXT ; Downloadable order form
; DISPLAYCASE does not create any forms on its own. You must
; create this file yourself. A sample has been provided to give
; you an idea of the things you might want to include. If you
; don't want to provide a downloadable order form, place a '*' on
; this line. SHOPKEEPER PLUS will not allow the user the option
; of downloading.
3 ; Number of items for sale in Displaycase
; DISPLAYCASE can handle up to 6 different selections.
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 16
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Lifetime Membership ; Description of item #1
; You have up to 60 characters to identify the item you're
; selling.
149.95 ; Price of item #1
; 149.95 is price for the Lifetime membership identified above.
One Year Membership ; Description of item #2
45.00 ; Price of item #2
6 Month Membership ; Description of item #3
25.00 ; Price of item #3
;
; STORE 2 .. Printer Ribbons
; This is the config portion for a SHOPKEEPER PLUS store. It's
; defined above as option #2. If you understood the DISPLAY-
; CASE portion of the .CFG most of the following should be
; self-explanatory.
;
STORE2: ; Label, in this case menu option #2
CHELLO ; Welcome file, REMEMBER: Do not include
; the filename extension, SHOPKEEPER PLUS
; will look for either CHELLO.TXT or
; CHELLO.ANS.
CINFO ; Text explaining more about this store.
; No filename extension, ANSI screens
; limited to 23 display lines, as there
; are no pauses inserted in ANSI files
CGBYE ; Goodbye screen, same rules as other
; ANSI/TEXT files.
Printer Ribbon Factory Outlet ; Store's Name, 40 character limit
C:\SHOP\COMP\RIBBON.DBF ; Name & path to stores .DBF file
; this is the .DBF file containing all
; the store merchandise data. It's in
; dBase format.
GOLDS ; Supplier for store, this points to
; the record in the SUPPLIERS.DBF with the abbreviation "GOLDS"
VMAD ; Credit cards accepted. Your choices
; are: V = Visa, M = Mastercard, A = American Express, D =
; Discover * = No credit cards accepted, mail-in orders only.
%10 ; Shipping fee. Note the % sign comes
; first. You can also make shipping a fixed amount by entering
; the amount on this line preceded by a '$'. Example: $4.50 =
; 4.50 fixed shipping fee. '*' = no shipping
$1.00 ; Additional handling fee: Any extra
; fee you may require over the shipping cost. '$' = fixed
; amount, '%' = percentage, '*' = no handling.
NJ,PA,DE,CT ; Taxable States: You can list as many
; states required. Enter 'NO' for no tax, enter ALL if
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 17
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; laws are passed requiring you to charge tax on all customers.
$50.00 ; Minimum purchase. SHOPKEEPER PLUS will
; not allow your users to make a purchase in an amount lower than
; this. Set it at '*' if there is no minimum.
C:\SHOP\MAIL.DBF ; Name & path to mailing list .DBF file
; This is the .DBF that holds a list of customers requesting
; a catalog of other piece of sales literature you may offer.
C:\SHOP\COMP\RIBCAT.DOC ; Name & path to text order form. If you
; don't want an order form, place a '*' here.
SHOPKEEPER PLUS allows you to separate all of the files it
uses into several directories, to make things easier to manage.
Two of these areas are SYSTEM and TRANSFER, each of which is
explained below. Also, since you put full path names for each
file that a DISPLAYCASE or STORE uses, you can easily place the
files for that particular function in a sub-directory. NOTE: If
you want everything in the same directory, just dump everything
in one directory. You'll have to make sure you don't use any
duplicate file names if you keep everything in the same sub-
directory.
Included with SHOPKEEPER PLUS is a .ZIP file called VC.ZIP.
This contains a small utility program called VC.EXE by Daniel J.
Karnes. The program verifies credit card number formats and
indentifies the card type. It works on Visa, Mastercard, and
American Express. We found the program works quite well and
attempted to contact the author by both mail and his BBS and
found that neither his P.O. Box or BBS are still maintained by
Mr. Karnes.
To use the program just place VC.EXE in the sub-directory
you identified as your SYSTEM AREA, if SHOPKEEPER PLUS can find
VC it will use it, if it can't find VC it will not use it, it's
that simple. Should anyone know the whereabouts of the author
let us know. VC is $5 shareware and we would encourage
SHOPKEEPER PLUS users to register VC if we had a current address.
The TRANSFER area, which is specified in the third line of
the configuration file, tells SHOPKEEPER PLUS where XFERMENU.ANS
or XFERMENU.TXT is. XFERMENU is a menu of all of the external
protocols you have installed in SHOPKEEPER PLUS. Each protocol is
listed with a single letter, A-Z. For example, if you wish to
support XMODEM, YMODEM, and ZMODEM protocols, you could set up a
sample menu like this:
X - Xmodem
Y - Ymodem
Z - Zmodem
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 18
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SHOPKEEPER PLUS then prompts the user to enter a letter, A-Z.
When the user selects 'X' for example, SHOPKEEPER PLUS runs a
batch file called 'X.BAT' located in the TRANSFER AREA. Likewise,
'Z' will run 'Z.BAT'. These batch files are passed the following
parameters when they are run:
%1 = port # (1-8)
%2 = speed ( computer to modem )
%3 = filename
A sample batch file to do a ZMODEM transfer is given next (NOTE:
DSZ or GSZ must be in your current path, otherwise you will have
to explicitly state its location):
REM SEND FILE VIA Z-MODEM WITHIN SHOPKEEPER PLUS
echo Port = Com%1
echo BPS = %2
echo File = %3
dsz port %1 sz %3
The SYSTEM AREA holds certain data and DBF files that
SHOPKEEPER PLUS uses for day-to-day operations. These files are
explained below. If you wish a further explanation of their
format, please see the appropriate appendix.
MAINMENU.ANS(.TXT) - Main Menu displayed to caller
TAX.DAT - Holds tax information for STATES and
TERRITORIES
TOTAL.TAX - Created and maintained by SHOPKEEPER PLUS
Holds data on taxes collected to date.
ORDERS.DAT - Contains orders not yet processed by
INVOICE.EXE
SALES.LOG - Brief record recent sales. May be deleted
anytime
SYSOP.INV - Sysop's receipts for orders processed by
INVOICE.EXE
SUPPLIER.INV - Suppliers invoices that have been
processed by INVOICE.EXE
PACKING.INV - Packing slips generated by INVOICE.EXE
for each order.
ORDERS.OLD - Backups of old orders
SALES.OLD - Backups of old sales log entries
SUPPLIER.DBF - Holds supplier information used by
INVOICE.EXE
BUYERS.DBF - Record of users who have purchased
items,
their credit information, etc.
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 19
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Use ANSI-DRAW, THE DRAW or your favorite ANSI screen editor
to change the files that end with .ANS. SHOPKEEPER PLUS does not
support AVATAR graphics or "coded" graphics like PCBoard and
WildCat.
---------------------------------
EDITING THE SHOPKEEPER PLUS .DBF
FILES
----------------------------------
Files that end with .DBF must be edited with a data base
program, such as: DBase III (tm), DBase III+ (tm), Dbase IV (tm),
Fox Base (tm), FoxPro (tm), Clipper (tm), and PC-File (tm). Alpha
4 (tm) and PC-File. PC-File is Shareware and can be found on many
boards. If you have difficulty finding a copy it is available on
the Praedo BBS in the [P]ersonal files section, so even first
time callers can download it. Whatever .DBF editor you select it
must be able to edit a MEMO field. If you're not familiar with
the .DBF format here's a quick lesson in the Dbase vocabulary:
DBF stands for Data Base File. A data base is a collection
of RECORDS. Each record has a sequential number automatically
assigned to it when information is put in the record. A record
is made up of FIELDS. The following field types are used in the
SHOPKEEPER PLUS .DBF files:
"Char/text": This field will hold text and numbers. Another
type of field is "numeric", it will only allow you to enter
numbers in this field.
"Logic": The logic field is a field that works like a marker, you
can "tag" it on or off.
"Date": The date format field that can hold a date you enter, or
you can set most data base programs to automatically insert
today's date.
"Memo": the memo field allows you to enter a block of text up to
512 characters. This text is actually stored in a separate file
with the same filename as the .DBF except the extension is .DBT.
The size of the fields, type of field and the way you
arrange them forms the STRUCTURE of your data base.
SHOPKEEPER PLUS uses several .DBF files, each with a
different structure. These files are BUYERS.DBF, SUPPLIER.DBF,
and [STORE].DBF, where [STORE] is the name of a store. There is
only ONE BUYERS.DBF and only ONE SUPPLIER.DBF, but there may be
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 20
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many DBF's, one for each STORE. BUYERS.DBF and SUPPLIER.DBF must
be in the SYSTEM AREA, which was discussed previously.
The first .DBF you'll have to edit is the SUPPLIER.DBF.
This is the structure of the SUPPLIER.DBF:
field name type width dec
1 COMPANY Char/text 35
2 ADDRESS1 Char/text 40
3 ADDRESS2 Char/text 40
4 CITY Char/text 20
5 STATE Char/text 2
6 ZIP Char/text 10
7 COUNTRY Char/text 30
8 ACCOUNT Char/text 18
9 BILLTO Char/text 18
10 EXP Date 8
11 ABBRIEV Char/text 5
12 METHOD Char/text 6
13 SHIPVIA Char/text 5
14 PHONE Char/text 15
15 FAX Char/text 15
16 MINIMUM Numeric 7 2
17 SHIPPING Numeric 4 1
18 Label Char/text 1
Now, if all this talk about data bases and fields sounds
complicated it's not. Putting data into these files is very easy
with all of the data base programs we tested. It works like a
form filler program and you just fill in the blanks.
Using one of the aforementioned data base programs bring up
the SUPPLIERS.DBF as per the program's instructions. Most
programs will start with record #1, good, this record must be
edited first. SHOPKEEPER PLUS uses record #1 to identify the
Sysop.
Enter in all applicable info:
COMPANY: Enter Your BBS Name Here
ADDRESS1: Put your STREET address here
ADDRESS2: Put your BOX # here
CITY: Your CITY
STATE: Your STATE
ZIP: Your ZIP
COUNTRY: Enter USA, or leave blank, or YOUR COUNTRY
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 21
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ACCOUNT: Not applicable
BILLTO: Not applicable
EXP: Not applicable
ABBRIEV: SYSOP
METHOD: Not applicable
SHIPVIA: Enter name of your shipper (ex: UPS) if applicable
PHONE: Enter your voice PHONE NUMBER here, required
FAX: Enter your FAX NUMBER here if applicable
MINIMUM: Enter your MINIMUM REQUIRED CHARGE if applicable
SHIPPING: Enter the percentage you charge for shipping an item,
if any. Example: 3.5% is entered as "3.5".
LABEL: Not applicable, reserved for future use.
When SHOPKEEPER PLUS processes an order it looks for the
suppliers ABBRIEV listed in the stores configuration. It also
refers to record #1 to get the information it needs to know about
you. The registered version of SHOPKEEPER PLUS comes with a
SUPPLIER.DBF with many of the drop-shippers and suppliers
information already entered for you, however you will still need
to edit record #1 to reflect your personal information. You will
also have to add the suppliers information for any vendors you
cultivate on your own.
Each store in your shopping door keeps its merchandise data
in a .DBF. You can name these .DBF files any standard 8
character filename as long as it has the .EXTension of .DBF. For
your convenience an empty store .DBF file has been included.
Copy this file to the name of the store you are creating. For
example, if you wanted to open a book store you could make the
following .DBF: COPY EMPTY.DBF BOOK.DBF . Then use your data
base program to enter your merchandise.
The following is the structure of the MERCHANDISE.DBFs:
field name type width dec
1 ORDER Char/text 8
2 ITEM Char/text 50
3 PRICE Numeric 7 2
4 WPRICE Numeric 7 2
5 DISC Numeric 2 0
6 SALES Numeric 5 0
7 TRACK Logical 1
8 INVEN Numeric 3 0
9 SUPPLIER Char/text 5
10 DESC Memo 10
11 NOTES Char/text 68
12 KWORDS Char/text 6
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 22
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Here's what to enter in the merchandise .DBF files:
ORDER: Most suppliers require you to include their item number
on the order forms you send to them. Enter your suppliers item
number here (the field also accepts alpha characters).
ITEM: Enter a one line description about this item.
PRICE: Enter the RETAIL price here, the price you are charging
your callers:
WPRICE: Enter the WHOLESALE price here, the price you pay your
supplier.
DISC: Want to have a sale? Enter the two digits of the
percentage you want to deduct from the retail price. Leave blank
in most cases. More about how to use this field in the
operations section.
SALES: Leave blank. SHOPKEEPER PLUS will keep a running total of
how many sales of this item have been made.
TRACK: This field is a logic field. Some SysOps sell
merchandise that they keep on hand and do not want take orders
for items after they are all gone. Other SysOps use drop-
shippers or order merchandise as their customers order it.
SHOPKEEPER PLUS will keep track of your on hand inventory, if you
have any, and refuse to take orders for items that are out of
stock. If you want to enable this option, enter a "Y".
NOTE: This field works on a by-item basis. That is, inventory for
a particular item is tracked only if you have flagged it with a
"Y". All other items remain unaffected.
INVEN: If you have enabled inventory tracking (see above), enter
your on-hand inventory of this item. If you have not enabled
tracking the field won't be used and you can skip it.
SUPPLIER: Enter the five letter abbreviation of the supplier of
this item. If you are the supplier of this item enter SYSOP.
DESC: Enter a description of the item here. This is a MEMO
field. To access it different data base programs use different
keystrokes. See your data base software manual for info on your
specific program. Regardless of how many lines of text your data
base program allows, SHOPKEEPER PLUS will only allow 512
characters per item. If you go over 512, the description will
overflow into the next item. At first you may have trouble
keeping track of how many characters you've entered, but in no
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 23
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time at all you'll develop a knack for keeping your description
within the maximum characters allowed. As mentioned before,
information entered into a memo field is actually stored in a
second file called [FILENAME].DBF file. Remember to keep these
files in the same sub-directory as the corresponding .DBF file.
NOTES: This is just an extra field for you to enter any
information on this item you may want to remember. SHOPKEEPER
PLUS ignores this field.
KWORDS: Enter any keywords appropriate for the item. Example, if
the item is a book on Quick Basic, the keywords might be:
BOOK,QUICK,BASIC,PROGRAMMING,QUE,QUICKBASIC. Note that I
included two interpretations or spellings, as some callers may
enter "QuickBASIC" and others may enter "Quick BASIC". When
SHOPKEEPER PLUS runs a keyword search it separates the line
entered by the user into individual words. Thus, "Quick BASIC" is
interpreted as "QUICK" and "BASIC".
OTHER SHOPKEEPER PLUS .DBF FILES:
SHOPKEEPER PLUS Maintains two or more other .DBF files, they are
the BUYERS.DBF and the MAILING LIST .DBF. You can have more than
1 mailing list .DBF if you want to keep information for separate
stores in separate .DBF files. However, there is only 1
BUYERS.DBF, and it must be placed in the SYSTEM AREA discussed
previously. These files need not be edited, they are written to
by SHOPKEEPER PLUS. However it is important to note that they are
NOT created by SHOPKEEPER.
Each time a caller places a credit card order, information about
the sale and the customer is recorded in the BUYERS.DBF. The
following is the structure of the BUYERS.DBF:
field name type width
1 FNAME Char/text 20 Caller's first name
2 LNAME Char/text 20 Caller's last name
3 STREET Char/text 40 Caller's 1st address line
4 ADDRESS Char/text 40 Caller's 2nd address line
5 CITY Char/text 20 City
6 STATE Char/text 2 State
7 ZIP Char/text 10 Zip
8 COUNTRY Char/text 30 Country
9 PHONE Char/text 15 Phone number
10 CARDTYPE Char/text 4 Type of credit used
11 CARDNAME Char/text 40 Caller's name as it appears
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Copyright 1993 J. Michael Smith & W. R. Morton Page 24
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on their credit card.
12 CARDNUM Char/text 20 Credit card number
13 EXP Date 8 Credit card expiration date
14 LASTDATE Date 8 Date of caller's last purchase
15 LASTAMMT Numeric 7 Amount of last sale
16 TIMES Numeric 5 Number of times caller made
purchases.
17 TOTALAMMT Numeric 7 Total ever spent
The MAILING LIST .DBF holds all the information collected by
SHOPKEEPER PLUS when a caller requests a catalog or to be placed
on your mailing list. The fields in this .DBF have been named to
make it compatible with LABEL MASTER (LM), an excellent mailing
list management program. The following is the structure of the
mailing list .DBF:
field name type width
1 FNAME Char/text 30 Your caller's first name
2 LNAME Char/text 30 Caller's last name.
3 TITLE Char/text 30 This field ignored, used by LM
4 ORG Char/text 30 First line of address
5 STREET Char/text 30 Second line of address
6 CITY Char/text 30 City
7 STATE Char/text 4 State
8 ZIP Char/text 10 Zip
9 COUNTRY Char/text 30 Country
10 PHONE Char/text 30 Caller's phone number
11 NOTES Char/text 80 Anything caller added
12 PREFIX Char/text 8 Used by Label Master
13 CARRIER Char/text 4 Used by Label Master
14 DATE Date 8 Date caller asked to be added
15 BEGIN Logical 1 Used by Label Master
16 MEMO Memo 10 Used by Label Master
---------------
DATA BASE TIPS
---------------
Your data base program can access all your SHOPKEEPER PLUS
.DBF files, allowing you to create reports address labels and
just about any other kind of report you could want. You are only
limited by your imagination and skills in using your data base
software.
You can view .DBF files with Norton's DBVIEW.EXE program
that is part of the Norton Utilities package.
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If you change your mind about tracking your inventory, you
can use your data base program to globally replace the contents
of the field with the character that you desire.
Global replacements can also be used set the DISCount field
to discount all merchandise in a particular store. When the sale
is over you just replace the numbers in the field with "00".
If you would like the merchandise displayed in alphabetical
order, use your data base program to sort the .DBF file on the
ITEM field. If you would like your merchandise sorted and
grouped by subject, use that subject as the first keyword in the
KWORDS field (example: perfume,georgio,cologne) then sort on the
KWORDS field, this will group all the perfume items together
regardless of the order you entered in the data.
.DBF files can be converted into WordPerfect secondary mail
merge files with the aid of a conversion program like MS-DB2WP
(Shareware, $15, from: Mirage Systems Inc., 97 Oakland Ave. Port
Washington, NY 11050 Voice: 516-883-1243). There are commercial
conversion programs such as WP Merge, from First Access Software
(retails for about $35) and MergeMaster, from Stairway Software
(retails for about $65). MS-DB2WP is available on many bulletins
boards including Praedo and GEnie.
Alpha-4 has a built in data export mode that allows your
.DBF files to be written out in WordPerfect secondary merge
format, or Lotus 1-2-3 .WK1 format, as well as other data base
formats.
By converting .DBF files to WordPerfect and other formats,
you can easily create complete ASCII catalogs or catalogs in
WordPerfect. Your catalogs can then be printed out for your
convenience or to send to your customers.
Programs such as Avery's Label-Pro can turn your mailing
list .DBF file into mailing labels with your logo imprinted.
Avery Label-Pro sells for about $60 and is available in both a
laser printer version and a dot matrix version. The mailing list
DBF format is formatted to be ready to use with Robert K.
Summers's Label Master 5.1 which produces great mailing labels
with postnet barcodes.
Remember: .DBF files can not be edited without a data base
program specifically made for this purpose. If you do not have
such a program you can get the shareware ($89.00) PC-FILE
(ButtonWare (tm)) program from most large BBSs or from the
[P]ersonal Files Section of the Praedo BBS. PC-File is an easy
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to use database, is dBase compatible, has relational retrieve &
post, bar codes, mouse or keyboard operation, creates graphs,
reports, letters, labels. PC-File has a built-in keyboard
macros, an autodialer, mail merge, global update, table view
edit.
The most recent version's filenames are: PCF65A.ZIP, PCF65B.ZIP
and PCF65C.ZIP
-----------------
GENERATING FORMS
-----------------
SHOPKEEPER PLUS includes the program INVOICE.EXE. This
program generates order forms to send to your drop-shippers,
along with a packing slip to accompany the order (some drop-
shippers will include this form in the package they send to your
customer). Also, a sysop's invoice is generated for each order.
All forms are in ASCII and can be printed on any printer. Each
time you run INVOICE.EXE any new invoices/forms are appended to
any existing invoice or forms in SYSOP.INV, PACKING.INV, and
SUPPLIER.INV. You don't have to print them out immediately.
Note: In the un-registered version of SHOPKEEPER PLUS some
information fields are saved substituting a plea for registration
where other information belongs. This allows you to see how
great the forms are, without being able to actually use them.
The order forms generated by INVOICE.EXE are formatted to be
folded in thirds, and to position your suppliers address in the
window of a standard window business envelope. The order form is
generated showing your wholesale cost of the product you're
ordering and the shipping cost. There is also a blank for you to
write in any other charges that may need to be added. These
forms are written to a file called: SUPPLIER.INV.
The packing slip that is included in the shipment to your
customer shows their name and address, the retail prices of the
merchandise they ordered, the total of the order, and other
relevant information regarding their order. These forms are
written to a file called: PACKING.INV.
The sysop's copy shows the order, the customer's name and
address and your profit. This copy is ready for you to keep in
your files, and is placed in SYSOP.INV.
You can run INVOICE.EXE as part of your nightly event or
whenever you feel like it. The forms are generated from
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information SHOPKEEPER PLUS stores in a file called: INVOICE.DAT.
This file requires no maintenance and is best left alone.
Note: Each time INVOICE.EXE is run, ORDERS.DAT and SALES.LOG are
backed up into two files call ORDERS.OLD and SALES.OLD. This way,
you have a compressed record of all of your sales. If you ever
need to re-create any of your invoices or forms, simply rename
ORDERS.DAT to something like FOO.DAT. Then rename ORDERS.OLD to
ORDERS.DAT, and run INVOICE.EXE. All of you invoices will be re-
created. Then, rename FOO.DAT back to ORDERS.DAT.
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APPENDIX I:
(SHPKPR.CFG Structure)
For each store there is a .DBF file and it's associated
.DBT. These two files are read by PLUS and contains all the
information on the merchandise for sale. Note: MAXCHARS
indicates the maximum number of characters the program will
consider for a particular field. Any excess characters are
ignored.
Label
MAXCHARS Field Notes
======== ===================== ===========================================
30 Sysop Name
40 BBS/System Name
80 path to XFER AREA must include NAME (see below for more)
80 system drive:\path\ to place system files
like tax.dat, suppliers.dbf, buyers.dbf,
orders.dat, sales.log, main menu files
MUST END IN A '\'.
2 # of main menu entries min 1, max 10
13 MAIN MENU ENTRY
...
...
--- DISPLAYCASE ---
11 LABEL:
80 hello file \ For these files, drive:\path\name but
80 info file | NO EXTENSION. A '*' as the 1st char of
80 goodbye file / any of these lines means 'no such file'
ALL THREE LINES MUST BE PRESENT.
40 name of company
5 supplier abbreviation same abbr. found in suppliers DBF
4 'VMAD' or '*' *=no cards, V=VISA, M=MASTERCARD, D=DISC,
A=AMEX
10 shipping *=no shipping $???.??? indicates fixed
sum, %PP = charge PP percent '6'= 6
percent '6.5' = 6 1/2 percent
10 handling *=no shipping $???.??? = fixed sum
%PP = charge PP percent
80 tax states NJ,PA,... or ALL
80 order form file *=don't allow form d/l.
otherwise, file is drive:\path\name.ext
80 header for inv. drive:\path\name.ext
1 number of options min 1, max 8
60 option 1 text
10 option 1 price no '$' in front..just '8.95' to mean 8.95
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--- STORE ---
11 LABEL:
80 hello file \ For these files, drive:\path\name but
80 info file | NO EXTENSION. A '*' as the 1st char of
80 goodbye file / any of these lines means 'no such file'
ALL THREE LINES MUST BE PRESENT.
40 name of store
80 DBF for store drive:\path\name.DBF
4 'VMAD' or '*' *=no cards, V=VISA, M=MASTERCARD, D=DISC,
A=AMEX
10 shipping *=no shipping $???.??? indicates fixed
sum, %PP = charge PP percent '6'= 6
percent '6.5' = 6 1/2 percent
10 handling *=no shipping $???.??? = fixed sum
%PP = charge PP percent
80 tax states NJ,PA,... or ALL
10 min. purchase no '$' in front, just like '10.50'
a 0.0 will tell it no min purchase
also, a '*' in 1st char will tell it no
min
80 mailing list DBF drive:\path\name.DBF
or '*' for NO MAILING LIST
80 catalog header drive:\path\name.ext
or '*' for NO CATALOG OPTION
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APPENDIX II:
(Sales Tax)
SHOPKEEPER PLUS comes with a file of sales tax data for all 50
states and several US territories. This is an ASCII text file in the
following format:
STate,Before/After,Tax
The first field is the two letter state abbreviation, the second
instructs SHOPKEEPER PLUS whether to calculate on the merchandise
total alone or on the merchandise and shipping together, the last
field is the amount of the tax.
Example:
AK,B,0
AL,B,4
AR,A,0
AS,B,0
AZ,B,5
CA,B,7
CO,A,3
CT,A,8
DC,A,0
DE,B,0
FL,A,6
GA,A,4
As you can see above, "AK" has no sales tax, "AL" calculates the
amount of sales tax BEFORE (B) shipping charges are added, the tax
amount is 4%. Skipping down to "CO", the 3% sales tax is calculated
AFTER (A) the shipping fee is added. We have attempted to include the
current tax format for every state, however since all government
rules are subject to change at the whimsy of our leaders, please
check and make sure your states data is entered correctly.
SHOPKEEPER PLUS charges sales tax only on the states listed in your
config, only on buyers who live in the same state. Example: If you
operate your BBS in New Jersey, you would enter NJ in your config.
Then only those customers giving NJ as their state will be charged 6%
sales tax. If you also held a tax certificate for the state of PA
you would enter NJ,PA in your config. Then all customers from NJ
will be charged 6% sales tax and all PA residents will be charged
whatever percent sales tax is listed in the PA line of TAX.DAT. In
the event that the government decides to charge all mail order
companies regardless of the buyers address, enter ALL in your config
and your customers will be charged the correct amount for their
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state. In the event a law is passed that would require a state to
charge ALL customers a fixed percentage, you would enter "ALL" in the
store's config and change all the states in the TAX.DAT file to that
percentage. Sorry if this sounds complicated, we've tried to cover
all bases for the present and future.
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APPENDIX III:
(Hardware Support)
SHOPKEEPER PLUS works with a variety of system hardware and software
combinations. In addition to FOSSIL and DESQView support, SHOPKEEPER
PLUS supports file sharing through the DOS SHARE driver and NET BIOS.
This means that you can use SHOPKEEPER PLUS on a multi-node LAN or
multi-node DESQView configuration without difficulty. The following
section describes the minimum machine requirements, and provides
helpful DESQView and LAN tips.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 8086/286/386/486, 230K Memory, 1 COM PORT,
DOS 3.3 or higher. (Note: If you are running a version of DOS lower
than 5.0, you will need to include SHARE.EXE in your AUTOEXEC.BAT.
See your DOS manual for more information.)
SERIAL SUPPORT: If no fossil is present, COM1-COM8 are supported
with the following standard configuration, at speeds up to 57600
baud:
PORT ADDRESS IRQ
==== ======= ===
COM1 0x3F8 IRQ4
COM2 0x2F8 IRQ3
COM3 0x3E8 IRQ4
COM4 0x2E8 IRQ3
NOTE: To set defaults for COM5-COM8, you must use the PORT command
line switch. Please see the appendix "COMMAND LINE SWITCHES" for more
details.
If there are more than two ports present on the same IRQ (i.e.
you have a COM1 and a COM3 on IRQ4), the internal routines are not
guaranteed to work properly. If you are attempting to somehow share
interrupts, it is HIGHLY recommended that you consult the hardware
manuals that came with your computer. Also, use of a FOSSIL in this
situation is also recommended.
In addition, any of the ADDRESS/IRQ defaults are easily changed
to fit a non-standard serial port configuration. Please consult the
appendix "COMMAND LINE SWITCHES" for more details.
FOSSIL SUPPORT: SHOPKEEPER PLUS will automatically detect the
presence of a FOSSIL driver, and use it if present. FOSSIL detection
is signaled by a white-on-red "F" in the lower right-hand corner of
the screen. If you are using a FOSSIL driver, SHOPKEEPER PLUS will
support any serial configuration that the driver supports.
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DESQView: SHOPKEEPER PLUS is DESQView aware and compatible. When
DESQView is detected, SHOPKEEPER plus will place a white-on-red "M"
in the lower right-hand corner of the screen ( "M" meaning "multi-
tasker present"). When operating under DESQView, SHOPKEEPER PLUS is
also DESQView friendly - that is, when the program is waiting at a
prompt, it relinquishes its time slices early, minimizing the impact
on other programs running in the system. In addition, SHOPKEEPER PLUS
has its own ANSI support built in. This way, you will still see ANSI
graphics in a DESQView window, but you will not have to install
DVANSI.COM.
LAN SUPPORT: SHOPKEEPER PLUS does not directly support any
specific make or model of LAN, but it does support file sharing
through DOS SHARE. SHOPKEEPER PLUS was designed to work correctly in
a multi-user environment, so all you need to do is flag all of
SHOPKEEPER PLUS's files as SHAREABLE READ/WRITE.
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APPENDIX IV:
Getting Help & Contacting Us
The Praedo BBS runs SHOPKEEPER PLUS and a support conference.
Support files are located in the [P]ersonal Files Section so that
even first time callers can download them. Call the Praedo BBS at:
609-953-0769 Baud rates up 14.4 are supported.
Voice Support: 609-654-7209 Voice support is available without
registration. We want you to see our software running so you'll want
to register it. If we are unable to take your call we will return
your call collect. If this is not acceptable please say so in your
message. NOTE: DO NOT CONTACT THE PUBLIC SOFTWARE LIBRARY (this is
the 800 number). They are distributors only and can not answer your
questions.
GEnie Mail address: W.MORTON
CompuServe ID: 71736,354
How to report a bug or problem: If you have found what you think is
a bug in the program, there is one quick and easy way to insure that
you get a response from us:
1. Make a copy of your CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT and the SHPKPR.CFG
that you are using.
2. Write a short note describing the problem. "It doesn't work right"
and "It wont go" are not helpful. State what the program did that
you thought was incorrect, and when it did it. Include any
information that will help us re-create the problem. Be sure to
include your name and number so that we can contact you.
3. Compress the 3 files and the note into a single file, and then
upload it to the Preado BBS.
Remember: If we don't know about a problem, then we can't correct it.
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-------
LICENSE
-------
SHOPKEEPER PLUS is not and never has been public domain
software, nor is it free software. SHOPKEEPER PLUS is copyright (c)
1993 by J. Michael Smith & Wayne R. Morton. Non-registered users are
granted a limited license to use SHOPKEEPER PLUS on a trial basis for
the purpose of determining whether SHOPKEEPER PLUS is suitable for
their needs. Use of non-registered copies of SHOPKEEPER PLUS or
copies of the registered version by any person, business,
corporation, governmental agency or other entity other then the paid
registrant is strictly prohibited. Violators of our copyright will
be prosecuted. Registration permits a user the license to use
SHOPKEEPER PLUS only on a single bulletin board; A registered user
may use multiple copies of the program on the same board and on as
many "nodes" as that Bulletin board may have provided that all nodes
be located at the same physical address. No user may modify
SHOPKEEPER PLUS in any way, including but not limited to decompiling,
disassembling or otherwise reverse engineering the program. All
users are granted a limited license to copy SHOPKEEPER PLUS only for
the trial use of others subject to the above limitations, and also
that SHOPKEEPER PLUS must be copied in unmodified form, complete with
the file containing this license information. Michael Smith warrants
that the program will perform in substantial compliance with the
documentation supplied with the software product. If a significant
defect in the product is found, Purchaser will be entitled to a
refund. In no event will such a refund exceed the purchase price of
the product.
Except as provided above, J. Michael Smith, author and
programmer, and Wayne R. Morton developer and distributor disclaims
all warranties, either expressed or implied, including but not
limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose, with respect to the product. J. Michael Smith and
Wayne R. Morton assume no responsibility for the actions of the
independent distributors or suppliers of merchandise or products
associated with this program. Furthermore- the merchandising and
supplier arrangements are subject to change or discontinuation, all
services were available at the time of release of this software.
Should the program prove to be defective, the purchaser assumes the
risk of paying the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, or
correction and any incidental or consequential damages. In no event
will J. Michael Smith or his distributors be liable for any damages
whatsoever (including without limitation damages for loss of
business profits, business interruption, loss of business information
and the like) arising out of the use of or inability to use this
product even if J. Michael Smith has been advised of the possibility
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of such damages. Use of this software product for any period of time
constitutes your assumed acceptance of this agreement and subjects
you to it's contents.
REGISTRATION:
To register your copy of SHOPKEEPER PLUS complete the
registration form on the following page and mail it with your check
or money order in the amount of $49.95 made payable to Wayne Morton,
c/o The Praedo BBS, Post Office Box 1149, Delran, NJ 08075
Your registered version, complete with printed manual, sample
forms and catalog, will be sent to you via first class mail.
SHOPKEEPER PLUS is also available in countries other than the
US, but payments must be made in US FUNDS. NOTE: SHOPKEEPER PLUS was
designed with the American market and addressing system in mind. We
make no guarantees as to the suitability of SHOPKEEPER PLUS for
taking orders in foreign countries. In addition, a small additional
shipping fee will be charged for non-domestic orders.
To order by phone, please call our distributor: PSL at 1-800-242-4775
When placing and order be sure to tell the operating you are ordering
PART # 10840, your order can not be processed without this number.
You can also order on-line at The Praedo BBS, (609) 953-0769.
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SHOPKEEPER PLUS REGISTRATION FORM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SEND TO:
Wayne Morton
c/o The Praedo BBS
Post Office Box 1149
Delran, NJ 08075
Registering Sysop's Full Name:__________________________________
Name you wish displayed as the registrant
(i.e. "Registered To: The Good BBS") (30 chars maximum):
________________________________________________________
Name of BBS: ___________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
City: _____________________State_________ZIP_____________
BBS Phone Number:__________________ Voice:______________________
Type of Board (circle one): PCBoard RBBS WildCAT Other __________________
Number of Nodes: _________
CHECK ONE:
[ ] Shopkeeper Plus 49.95
Includes: Registered Software w/All Shopping Features Enabled, the following
.DBF files: Adult Merchandise, Gift World Merchandise, Magic & Novelties,
Newstand Discount Magazines, Collectibles Express; Invoicer program, and
Complete Manual w/ Wholesalers Directory and business start-up info.
[ ] Shopkeeper (Displaycase Version Only) 29.95
Includes: Registered Software, Allows you to run up to 10 Displaycases, Each
Displaycase holds up to 6 items; Invoicer program. MANUAL NOT INCLUDED.
[ ] Printed Manual /w Suppliers & Business Tips 12.95
Subtotal ____________
Shipping and Handling $3.00
Total ____________
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