Visual Horizons Software - "ConsignPro" software

Owner: Brian Wilson
On market since: 1996
Based in: Florida

People ask me everyday, "Why is your software better than the others?". The answer I give comes directly from our customers. More customers choose ConsignPro for 3 simple reasons.

1. Our screens make ConsignPro simple to use and teach to others. The software design is "intuitive" and most customers never look at our 130 page User Guide before using our program. View our screens online.
2. Our support receives rave reviews from our customers. Support is provided by the developers of the software so answers are always fast and accurate. See what our customers say.
3. Our features provide a complete solution for your store. We've been listening to our customers since Day 1 and have included literally hundreds of their suggestions into our software. We update our software almost every month with new suggestions to make it even better.

To be fair, our competitors criticize us in the following areas:

1. Myth: Our company has one employee. Fact: We have 4 employees, Brian, Marc, Sara, and Alyson. With a great program that simply works, we simply don't need a big team of support people.
2. Myth: Our software is in Microsoft Access. Fact: While many excellent programs are designed in MS Access, our software is written in Microsoft Visual Basic - making it compatible with ALL versions of Windows (now and in the future).
3. Myth: You can't open many windows at the same time. Fact: You won't need to. All our screens are designed to return you to our innovative Main Menu! Most store owners see this as a PRO, not a CON. In fact, the only person who's ever had a problem with our design is a competitors salesperson!

ResaleWorld - "Liberty 4 Consignment" software

President: Ed DiRuzza
On market since: 2002
Based in: Florida

Pros:

• ResaleWorld has been in this business the longest, since 1991.
• They are the "biggest" in this business - they need a lot of staff to support their software.
• Program is feature-rich and includes Internet selling.
• They are an affiliate member of industry group NARTS.

Cons:

• Since 2002, we've converted over 36 former Liberty customers to ConsignPro due, primarily, to customer service issues. Essentially, these customers would have rather re-invested in new software ($$$) than continue doing business with ResaleWorld - quite a statement. Click this link to contact any of these customers about their experience with both ResaleWorld and with ConsignPro!
• Their minimum system requirements are the highest in the industry and they are not compatible with all Windows operating systems.
• Software, printer driver, and hardware Installation can be difficult and requires a very powerful PC.
• Their QuickBooks Accounting Link is an extra $199 - ours is built-in at no additional charge.
• Their Physical Inventory Reconciliation feature is an extra $199 - ours is built-in at no additional charge.
• Their Appointment Scheduler is an extra $14.95/month - ours is built-in at no additional charge.
• The tags they sell are about 25% more expensive than ours - we send you directly to the wholesaler for tags and labels.
• Their reCommerce plan for selling online is $39.95 per month.  Our Online Store plan starts at $9.95 per month, saving you $360 per year.
• Their Support Plan pricing is $324/year for a simple 2 computer setup.  Our pricing is $150/year for the same - less than half of their price.
• ...and support pricing gets worse, "All prices are STARTING PRICES. The nature/complexity of the issue could generate additional charges."

CCE - "Consignment Success" software

(visit website)

Owner: Was Bill Hawkins, retired.
On market since: Unknown
Based in: California

Pros:

• CCE offers two products, a full-featured version and a scaled down version called "Best Consignment Software" - offered at a lower price.
• Support costs are reasonable - but Support is now handled through a 3rd party company (see Cons).
• They are an affiliate member of industry group NARTS.

Cons:

• The software was "developer supported", the developer has since retired (Bill Hawkins).
• Support is handled through "The Computer Peeps", while they provide great Support, they don't control the source code programming and can't correct programming issues with the software.
• Their "user interface" (the way the screens are designed) is confusing to some customers (as reported by those who have purchased ConsignPro after trying the Consignment Success demo).
• They have 7 optional "modules" at about $60 each. By the time you add these, the cost of "Consignment Success" is over $1,100.
• There is an on-going dispute between CCE and another company over the theft of this program and re-selling of it.

Net Money Business - "Best Consignment Shop Software" (BCSS)

They say "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch", below is the story of that apple.

You may have come across one of our unscrupulous competitors while searching the web for consignment shop software. This competitor has maligned our company and totally distorted our pricing on his website, so we're inclined to answer him here.  While we'd rather focus on the positives of selling resale shop software, we also try to protect consumers from costly mistakes.

See the Nashville Better Business Bureau report on BCSS.

Read an e-mail from a former BCSS Customer

Read another e-mail from a former BCSS Customer

And another from someone who "wasted money" on BCSS

Talk to actual customers who made this mistake

See what an independent Software Support company knows.

The real story behind BCSS.

In 2002, Steve Henning, an Internet marketing specialist (not a software developer) and owner of Net Money Business, entered into a marketing agreement with software developer Bill Hawkins, who developed and sells "Best Consignment Software". Under the agreement, Steve would market Bill's software via his own website and marketing methods, collect the money, and pay Bill (less his commission). Bill would then unlock the demo software for the customer. Over time, their relationship went sour and Bill terminated the agreement with Steve. This, however, didn't stop Steve from selling the software (which technically was no longer his right to do). Having a program he never had the expense of writing, Steve changed the name slightly (from "Best Consignment Software" to "Best Consignment Shop Software", aka BCSS) and offered the program, one that he could not effectively support, for $295!

Not being very successful in this pursuit, but having a real taste for selling software, Steve began developing (actually, having a contract programmer develop) his own consignment software program - where his experience in this business came from - we're not certain. Steve now has a program he can sell but hopefully this history will give you some insight into Steve Henning and Cynthia Southall of "Net Money Business".

Other interesting things you'll notice about his website:

• His company, "Net Money Business" isn't even on his BCSS website. Why not?
• They are not a member of trusted industry watchdog group NARTS.  Why not?
• They get a failing grade from the Better Business Bureau of Tennessee.
• Their "support team" is an actual customer named "Joy" who provides phone support out of her resale shop in NY for $20 per hour - unless she's busy running her shop, then you're on your own.
• This "software vendor" can also sell you condoms, hemorrhoid medicine, help you find unclaimed money, long distance service, or help you with your next catered event !! (they sure are busy at Net Money Business).
• They offer a discount when paying by cashiers check, money order, or wire transfer. Why? (remember, you have no recourse if you want your money back with any of these).
• They discourage the use of credit cards to buy the software (see his Terms and Conditions). (remember, if you pay by credit card, you have recourse if you want your money back).
• They have no refund policy after the software is unlocked. Unheard of.
• Where is this company located?? (we know it's Tennessee but can you find it?  what are they hiding from?)
• You can't place your order online - why is that?
• "All software sales are final." (right from his Terms page) Unheard of.
• "Payment for hardware is nonrefundable." (right from his Terms page)
• References? He makes none available (see his Terms and Conditions). Are consignment shop owners really too busy to answer the telephone?!

Buyer beware! All of these things - which the casual observer might not even notice - should raise red flags!!

We have included this information to educate and protect consumers as you may come across it while surfing the net. If you've been a victim yourself, report the fraud online and file a complaint with the Nashville BBB. (Find them under "Net Money Business").