As the end of the school year quickly approaches, most parents are thinking about summer camps and family vacations. But, if you are an underclass photographer, you are busy getting ready for the next school year. Your contracts are signed, but there is a lot more to do to prepare for a seamless fall season.

Here is your summer homework list:

1. Finalize shoot dates
2. Retrieve correct database from each school
3. Confirm package information with Century Color
4. Finalize ID Card designs (school approval, Century Color set up)
5. Review DataMatch procedures for setting up jobs and ordering

If you wait until September to do any of these it causes delays and mistakes that are preventable. The best way to keep existing school contracts (and gain new ones) is to avoid problems and delays. We've created a booklet outlining the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them. It includes such topics as how to map database fields, naming the database, naming the job, establishing sort options, how and when to order school CDs, and much more. If you would like to receive a copy of this booklet, respond to this email with your mailing address.

Also if you would like to take advantage of our online hosting option for simplifying your ordering or reordering system for underclass jobs, this is the time of year to prepare your online welcome page and price list. This program was very successful with the photographers who participated last year (they are all participating again this year) and we know this trend is growing around the country. We are one of the first labs to offer online hosting of underclass; it keeps us ahead of our competition and will help you stay ahead of your competition, too!

For help getting started, contact our customer service department, 800-242-9501 or< cs@centurycolor.com