Database software

[jimmyjohn]

Hello all,

I am starting a marketing agency and I am desperately looking for an affordable (preferably free) solution for the following:

I am planning to work with lots of freelancers in different industries with different rates and conditions (stage builders, videographers, copywriters etc..) I want to create a database where I can insert all of my freelancers , put them in categories and add details such as their rates and contact info.

It shouldn't be too advanced. All I want is to have a nice overview without the need to pay 80 quid a month. Most of this "HR" type of software is costing tons of money because there are other options and functions included. My budget is 20 - 30 quid a month max if it is not possible to get something for free.

 

[ffox]

Hi there

There are lots of free DB packages out there, but you have to build your own framework on the platform.

The simplest format is a spreadsheet - Google sheets, Microsoft Excel, Libre Office etc.
You would need to decide on what data you need to keep, the format (text, number, date, hyperlink etc) for each cell and you would need to enter the data.

If you can do that in spreadsheet format and you want more, such as multiuser etc, you can go for a full data base application such as Microsoft Access, Airtable, Graph DB, MariaDB (Opensource), PostgreSQL (Opensource), QuintaDB, Sonadier.

MS Office 365 also delivers a really great DB solution in the form of SharePoint Lists.

 

[mattk]

When you say "lots" are we talking 100s or 1000s? I'd be tempted to start in a spreadsheet. Once you reach capacity and have a clearer idea of your requirements, then you can look at the wider market.

By the way, it sounds like your need a CRM system rather than an HR one.

 

[Alan]

Sounds like you want a CRM

Give the free Version of Zoho CRM a spin see if ta CRM is what you want

 

[LanceUk]

I just migrated to Zoho accounts (no connection with Zoho other than a client) and am happy with them compared to the other software I was using. I haven't used their CRM module as I don't need it at the moment, but I agree with Alan, give it a spin and see if you like it.. they are pretty inexpensive.

An alternative would be to try their accounts. I think you have to go for the standard option which is £144/yr inc VAT (so £1/month inc VAT). That way you get your acounts done as well (and can have three users so you can give your accountant read only or full access). You can set up your freelancers as vendors and can create a custom field (data element) of category or create a reporting field and allow dropdowns of pre-validated values that can be assigned to your vendor/freelancer.

You can create items in Zoho and designate their name so you know which vendor they apply to (can give an item the same name as the vendor if you want). Each item can be given a purchase price and sales price (and can auto-assign VAT rate as well). WHen you creat a bill to pay your freelancer, you simply put in the quantity and select the item with their name on it and the invoice is auto-generateed (and can be auto-emailed to them).

So you get your accounting system and the requirement you stated at the same time.. And if you need CRM, then you can bolt it on at a later stage. I wouldn't worry about HR systems until you start to get big enough to worry about IR35 if all you emply are freelancers (and yourself and possibly a partner).

There are other packages on the market that do the same thing. If you don't like the idea of the cloud and want something free, you can try adminsoft.. there are other free accounting systems out there, but they don't all meet UK requirements.

There other other paid packages, such as quickbooks as well... Have a hunt around and see which works for you. All will (or should) do what I described.

[pedited to correct the version of Zoho from basic to standard, and tidy up some typos)

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Whilst you are concerned about charges of £20-30 or even £80 per month, I must ask what amount you have put by for marketing and advertising this venture. what have you planned on spending to get these people to register, a web site on its own will get you nowhere without spending money

99.9% of databases fail by not being able to connect with their potential customers, and the big ones are spending very large amounts on TV adverts

 

[Panoramix IP]

It’s not free but I have found FileMaker to be excellent.

 

[Darren_Ssc]

Airtable

 

[Advika Jha]

HI, I am using SaleSure Sale CRM app. This app has been designed for every salesperson, self-employed, freelancers or small business owners (B2B, B2C, SME, MSME). SaleSure's free sales CRM helps to manage customer database.

 

[Socio South West]

I am working with a developer at the moment designing a couple of simple Zoho based applications for small companies.

As above, it looks like the CRM option is the way to go. The Zoho CRM offers a free version including 3 users - although it may be a bit limited... The next band up is only £10/user/month - so if it's only you, its well within your budget.

Happy to discuss if you need a hand building something.

 

[Odilon]

Hi jimmyjohn,

The best approach I can see for you is to build custom web application connected to the database where you can store that on your own server eg 1&1.

This will be easy to maintain via custom admin panel or something similar.

Of course you will have to spend some money on the project but it will save for you for the long run.

 

[mattk]

Hi jimmyjohn,

The best approach I can see for you is to build custom web application connected to the database where you can store that on your own server eg 1&1.

This will be easy to maintain via custom admin panel or something similar.

Of course you will have to spend some money on the project but it will save for you for the long run.

See, you've hit on a snag with your business idea. Building is custom web application is the absolutely last thing this customer needs. As the many relies above show, there is a plethora of off the shelf CRM solutions which can be had for a fraction of the cost of building a system from scratch.

Coupled with the fact that it is unlikely the customer has a comprehensive enough set of requirements/user stories to build an effective system and the time/cost to build this solution would also likely be prohibitive.