Looking for software or system to automate a gemach

[stooges44]

Here's the current situation, we have a gemach for a certain type of item (not $) and there are two points that cause tension right now:

1) People want to know the location of the gemach in their neighborhood - we need something like a store locator but currently we have a flyer that lists the locations and just send them the flyer which leads to number 2
2) People want to open a branch of the gemach in their neighborhood - we have a flyer that lists all the locations and to open a new branch means we need to update the flyer but we cant update the flyer so often, that tends to get costly. So, people expressing interest in opening a branch can sometimes wait weeks until we update the flyer and they can "open".

I hope this makes sense, does anyone have any suggestions? Something web based that can list all the branches of the gemach by city, state, and country? And something web based that will allow people to signup to open a branch which will then update the master listing?

Thanks!

[drosenberg88429]

Here's the current situation, we have a gemach for a certain type of item (not $) and there are two points that cause tension right now:

1) People want to know the location of the gemach in their neighborhood - we need something like a store locator but currently we have a flyer that lists the locations and just send them the flyer which leads to number 2
2) People want to open a branch of the gemach in their neighborhood - we have a flyer that lists all the locations and to open a new branch means we need to update the flyer but we cant update the flyer so often, that tends to get costly. So, people expressing interest in opening a branch can sometimes wait weeks until we update the flyer and they can "open".

I hope this makes sense, does anyone have any suggestions? Something web based that can list all the branches of the gemach by city, state, and country? And something web based that will allow people to signup to open a branch which will then update the master listing?

Thanks!

Google sheets is too basic?

[whacked1]

Here's the current situation, we have a gemach for a certain type of item (not $) and there are two points that cause tension right now:

1) People want to know the location of the gemach in their neighborhood - we need something like a store locator but currently we have a flyer that lists the locations and just send them the flyer which leads to number 2
2) People want to open a branch of the gemach in their neighborhood - we have a flyer that lists all the locations and to open a new branch means we need to update the flyer but we cant update the flyer so often, that tends to get costly. So, people expressing interest in opening a branch can sometimes wait weeks until we update the flyer and they can "open".

I hope this makes sense, does anyone have any suggestions? Something web based that can list all the branches of the gemach by city, state, and country? And something web based that will allow people to signup to open a branch which will then update the master listing?

Thanks!

Should be really easy to do in app sheet.

[username]

Hijack a thread/wiki on DDF.

[Yehudaa]

I'm sure there are better ways, but from a non-programmer like myself, what I'd do is make a map on Goole My Maps, and then just have a link somewhere on there to a simple Google form for those who want to submit their info to start a new branch (you'd have to input that manually on the back end).

You can get an easy-to-remember URL and redirect it to your map, and if you use a masked redirect it'll look like they're still on your site.

/.02 from a guy who doesn't know much about this stuff.

[Yehudaa]

I feel like @Yo ssi may be able to help here.

[etech0]

https://mapalist.com/ can create a map based on addresses from a google sheet. Maybe that combined with a google form?
You may be able to embed it in a basic website.

[whacked1]

https://mapalist.com/ can create a map based on addresses from a google sheet. Maybe that combined with a google form?
You may be able to embed it in a basic website.

Should be really easy to do in app sheet.

[etech0]

I've never used appsheet but it sounds very cool!

[Yo ssi]

All good ideas.

The answer boils down to how you'd like it set up, and what's your budget.
I wouldn't recommend allowing just anyone to add addresses themselves, that doesn't sound very secure.
I would recommend using a website as a base, so you can give everyone a link that will always remain the same, and then have that link redirect or embed whatever solution you go for.

[AsherO]

Google sheets that only an admin can edit is great. Same for a custom Google map that anyone can view.

Link to one or both from a tinyurl and/or a QR code. If you want to get fancy you can make a free Google sites or Wix page that the QR/tinyurl point to, that has contact info to the admin, info about the gemach, and links to the Google sheets, custom Google map, etc

[etech0]

Google sheets that only an admin can edit is great. Same for a custom Google map that anyone can view.

Link to one or both from a tinyurl and/or a QR code. If you want to get fancy you can make a free Google sites or Wix page that the QR/tinyurl point to, that has contact info to the admin, info about the gemach, and links to the Google sheets, custom Google map, etc

+100

It might also be worth investing a few dollars in your own domain name which will be easy to remember and redirect to wherever you want. It's better branding than a tinyurl.

[stooges44]

Thanks everyone! The person that started and administrates the gemach is very, very un-tech savvy so if it doesn't "look" easy to her she wont go for it.

I'm not looking to take on this responsibility :-) so I figured I'd see what the DDF crew can come up with.

[AsherO]

Thanks everyone! The person that started and administrates the gemach is very, very un-tech savvy so if it doesn't "look" easy to her she wont go for it.

I'm not looking to take on this responsibility :-) so I figured I'd see what the DDF crew can come up with.

I guess they’re gonna be reprinting the flyers regularly…

[etech0]

Or she can find someone tech savvy and hire them to set it up so that it's easy to maintain.

[Yehudaa]

Thanks everyone! The person that started and administrates the gemach is very, very un-tech savvy so if it doesn't "look" easy to her she wont go for it.

I'm not looking to take on this responsibility :-) so I figured I'd see what the DDF crew can come up with.

The Google MyMaps option is pretty easy to use once set up. Should be 2-3 clicks to add a new location. That said, maybe someone very unsavvy could figure out how to mess it up.