Desktop publishing programs (even Microsoft Publisher) can generate a product catalog for print from an excel spreadsheet. Dataport can take our online product catalog and generate an excel spread sheet.

My question: Is anyone exporting from Dataport and importing into a desktop publishing program to create printed catalogs? If so, please share what you've learned with us!

I am getting ready to do that. What I have found is that it is far easier for me to export from MonsterData to CSV files, and then import the files into Access database. This allows me to do a number of things, not the least of which is manipulate the data, integrate it with other programs (Quickbooks), our website and ultimately allow us to output to a catalogue.

It is a work in progress, so I am interested in what anyone else is learning, too.

Rpullins,
I use access also and love how much autmation it allows, just purchased books on @m@zon, Access 2oo2 Devel0pers handbook and VB@ reference, now i have to get into advance variant and i am figuring out how to automatically generate csv file for these.
On the product catalog even i am looking for a publishing software that will do what you all are asking
Anyone with any suggestion.

Found this thread i am going thru it, robert and rpullins take a look.
http://forums.monstersmallbusiness.com/ind...wtopic=9283&hl=

Well guys if you are looking for a database program that is Microsoft Access based try http://www.jewelrydesignermanager.com/ this is what we use. You can print a catalog to a pdf file format. You can print you csv file. Check it out

Mary

www.treasureboxgifts.com

Thank you very much for posting this link.
I have designed something very similar to Jewelry design manager except these fancy screens. I am glad i saw the JDM makes me feel good that i am on right track. I have purchased books on access and going to hire programmers to write a report that can be converted to PDF. Only thing is the time. it might take lot of time to figure out things.

Anyway thanks for your link.

I know nothing about this software, but it seems like what you may be looking for. It does have a free time limited demo.

Here is the url: http://www.cataloguecreator.com/index.html

Let me know if this is something like what you want. It seems interesting.

I own this one. Its okay but not stable. Its also expense. Now I see they have an upgrade $100.00 wow. Must have the professional to really do what you want.

Thanks for the tip and honest appraisal...

In what way is it not stable? Can you elaborate on some specifics?

Formatting functions. You set it one way and its suppose to change throughout to be consistent but it doesn't. Its a great program to burn your catalog to cd. That was mainly what they designed the software for. You create your csv file in excel you import it into the software, you burn the catalog to cd. You mail the cd out to your customers. They put in the cd, they can order directly from the cd to your email.

Try the free download. I did, and it made me want to buy the entire program, 1st I bought the smaller version, then found out it didn't do everything I needed so I went back and bought the professional so I could get the functions unavailable in the 1st one. I guess it depends on really what you are going to use it for.

I think the program was still in beta, that was the feeling I got. When I first got the program the support was great, then after I purchased the professional and when I had questions, they didn't answer me. Maybe the upgrade is better, but I won't try it, its to expensive.

It is very easy to use.

The idea of using CDs for the catalog is intriguing. We have resisted using a printed catalog because of the cost, but printing to CD would be quite inexpensive, I suspect.

What percentage of the surfing public has a computer with a CD reader? Anyone know?

Putting it on the CD is great, The computer that i bought in 1997 had the cd rom. So i guess that 90% of computers should have CDROMS by now. But the question is how many people know how to use cd roms and browse from it.

I am going to assume that all will know about cd rom. If they play dvd's they will play cd's. I am not just talking computers, they also have to deal with dvd's on their tv.

I think the darkages really only falls to internet connection. Most are still on dial up. But as for cd's I think most would have and most will know.

I originally wanted to use the mini cd's, but they have not become popular enough to be able to buy in bulk and to be able to find cd covers for the mini's was not easy either.

I have received several mini cd's from corp companies at Christmas with christmas music, which they were also using as a business card to advertise there business.

The cd is a great tool.

Hmm....DVD catalog...that is interesting to me. Most of my customers that are asking for a catalog do not have a computer at all. They got our number from friends that do have a computer. A CD catalog that requires a comptuer would do no good. But how about a DVD that could be played on a DVD player? Maybe designed something like a slide show? That included a paper order form and price list. That would be much cheaper than printing in color.

Would people who do not own a comptuer have a DVD player?

cjs,

I just love your site, did you do this yourself, or did MonsterCommerce design for you. You would most defiantly benefit from a cd catalog (dvd). Would you mind sharing, if you did design yourself (what are your sitewide table settings) I have been trying for a month now to get my site to the size your is, its absolutely perfect.

and great buys too. I will defiantly have to spend some money here

Mary