When collections are imported into ProSelect, they include the supplier cost, which is based on the information available at the time of creation. Users can opt to use the "Supplier x Markup" pricing method or switch to a fixed price as needed. Additionally, users should account for other finishing costs like mounting, which are not included in the supplier cost. Adding an "Extra" for any additional product costs is advisable to ensure comprehensive pricing. 

Collections are locked to prevent changes to supplier costs. When the lab or supplier provides updated information, these “Updated Collections” can be downloaded and installed.

Advantages of Using Supplier Collections

1. Accurate Product Offerings: The products in a collection are based on information provided by the supplier or publicly available information, including the sizes and types of products that can actually be produced.  This helps ensure you do not sell a product that cannot be created.  Keep in mind that 'available products' refers to the supplier's ability to produce the product.  This does not guarantee real-time availability, such as confirming a frame is in stock.  The information is current as of the collection creation date.
2. Pricing Information: Collections often include wholesale prices reflective of the time of creation.  Most collections use the "Supplier x Markup" pricing method.  The prices include a predetermined markup. This is not a suggested retail price, but rather a starting point to determine profitability.  You have the choice of using the "supplier plus markup" pricing method, or creating a fixed price instead.  It is always recommended that you confirm your supplier cost with the supplier, based on your final product configuration.
3. Customizable Display Names: The presentation options assigned in collections reflect the names used in suppliers' catalogs.  ProSelect allows for customizable display names so you can align product names with your studio's branding.
4. Locked Supplier Costs: Collections are locked to prevent changes to supplier costs.  When the lab or supplier provides updated information, these “Updated Collections” can be downloaded and installed from the Supplier Collection page at prostudiosoftware.com.
5. Flexible Download Options: Collections are categorized by product lines, allowing you to download only what you need and mix and match products from different suppliers to develop a diverse studio product line.
6. Curated Selections: Lab catalogs consist of thousands of products and options.  Collections focus on the most popular products as determined by customer feedback, making it easier to manage and offer a relevant selection.
7. Automated Lab Specifications: When used with Pro Production, collections help automate the creation of final products according to lab specifications by using Production Profiles.    This facilitates easy order fulfillment through systems like Roes or other online lab ordering platforms.

Important Info: Changes Without Notice

Supplier collection information is based on the data available at the time of the collection's creation. It's important to note that suppliers may update or change their product offerings without notice.

Supplier Collections are located on the Pro Studio Software website.

1. From ProSelect, go to the top menu, Help > Supplier Collections.  OR
2. Go to Pro Studio Software.com.
3. Click the "DOWNLOADS" tab.
4. Choose "Supplier Collections - Labs /Framers" from the list.
5. From here, you will see a list of Suppliers, sub-divided by worldwide geographic areas.  
   
   
   
   
   • Below each partner is a listing of the available collections.
   • Collections are broken down into product types offered by the supplier.
6. Click on the desired collection to download it.
7. The collection will download to your designated downloads folder.
8. In the downloads folder, double-click the file to unzip (if it did not automatically unzip).
9. Navigate to ProSelect.  On the top menu, go to Products > Import Collection.
10. Use the navigation window to locate and select the PSC file (ProSelect Supplier Collection).
11. When you locate the file, click "open."
12. Select a pricing option from the list.  See Pricing Options for Supplier Collections for more information.
    
    
    
    
13. Review and accept the disclaimer acknowledgment. 
14. Click "Import."
15. All products within the collection have now been installed.  A confirmation dialog will appear indicating the products added.  
    
    
    
    
16. Once imported, you can adjust product pricing and turn "off" any products you do not wish to offer.  Click on Managing Products & Prices from Supplier Collections for more information.

Supplier Collections often include wholesale prices with a predetermined markup, based on data from when the collection was created. This can be helpful when setting profitable selling prices.  There are three options to use when downloading Supplier Collections:

• Option 1: Supplier Cost with Markup.  This is the Default Setting: This option uses the supplier's published cost and adds a predetermined markup to automatically generate a selling price. It's important to note that this is not a suggested retail price but a baseline to ensure profitability. After importing, you have the flexibility to customize these selling prices and markups as needed.
• Option 2: Fixed Price Set to Zero: This option imports the supplier costs, but sets all selling prices to zero. This allows you to manually enter specific selling prices for each product after the import is complete.  The Supplier cost is there for reference only.
• Option 3: Reset Markups to One X: This option sets the markup such that the supplier cost equals the selling price. It is generally not recommended as it might not cover costs or provide a profit margin.

ProSelect works closely with labs and suppliers to keep product availability and pricing as accurate and up-to-date as possible.  When a lab provides new or updated information, we package those changes into what we call Updated Collections. These can be downloaded and installed just like the original collection, ensuring you always have the latest products, prices, and configurations available in your software. Updates can potentially include:

• Supplier costs (Note: if you are using "fixed price" as your pricing method, you will need to manually adjust the price.  ProSelect will only auto-update the supplier costs).
• Available Sizes.
• Available print finishes (presentation options).
• Warnings about products no longer available.

While most parts of a Supplier Collection are locked to preserve accuracy and ensure proper ordering, you can still make some custom changes.  These include renaming products, setting prices, and turning specific products on or off.  You can also duplicate product templates for customization, add your own display names, and modify pricing methods to suit your studio's needs.  Just keep in mind that any duplicated or custom products will not receive future updates from the original collection.

For full details, see Managing Supplier Collections.

Legacy (.TPK) Collection Warning

.TPK files are considered a legacy format and likely contain outdated product information. Although ProSelect 2024 and later still support importing .TPK files, we strongly recommend visiting the Pro Studio Software Supplier Collections page to check for updated .PSC files before proceeding. These newer files contain the most current data and ensure better compatibility and accuracy in your product offerings.

When importing a Legacy Collection into ProSelect, follow the general procedure for importing any new supplier collection.  Additionally, you’ll need to select specific items to import.  In the Import Collection dialog, use the checkboxes to choose the desired items.  If the collection includes multiple categories, such as Templates and Mats, ensure you select items from all relevant tabs.  After making your selections, click the "Import" button to complete the process.

If you are wondering where to find your products after import, refer to Where Can I Find the Imported Collection.

ProSelect is continuously expanding its range of Supplier Collections.  If you're interested in having a specific supplier's collection added, you can submit a request through ProSelect Support.  While submitting a request doesn't guarantee that the collection will be added, ProSelect considers user feedback when deciding which collections to develop next.

1. Click on Pro Studio Software Support.
2. Scroll down until you see "Account Assistance."
3. Click on the orange "Account Assistance" button.
4. When making the request to the accounts team, select "Supplier Collection Request" from the How can we help? drop-down list.
5. Be sure to add the Supplier name as well as any products you would like included in a potential Supplier Collection.