Im using jobber for estimates and right now I look at the prospective job, then complete and mail or email the estimate within the next 24 hrs or so. For a few reasons, Id like to start creating the quotes on site, printing and emailing (when possible) right then and there. Im thinking about an iPad with a key board and an air printer. Just curious whats working well for others (or not so well). Internet service is pretty good in most of the areas we work in.....Thanks in advance for input!
best set up for field estimates
- Thread starter Jasonk
- Start date
southsoundtree
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Olympia, WA
A readable tablet is good enough, unless you Want to carry a printer. I work off my phone with Jobber.
flyingsquirrel25
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- South East, PA
If you go with a tablet, definitely go with the iPad. I tried the Samsung and that was a $460 mistake. Slow, always crashing from day 2. I have the 12" iPad Pro now and couldn't be happier. Runs my arborGold and anything else I need in the field. I use it a lot when discussing planting with clients... here's a picture!
arborcareman
New member
- Location
- ILLinois
I do it that same way. Usually people are alright not having the quote immediately, but for those who do, I just write it up on my proposal tri-copy and give them one. Then the office gal puts it in Jobber.
I didn't want the extra hassle of a tablet and printer. This way works for me without extra cost.
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climbhightree
Branched out member
- Location
- Lebanon, Pa USA
I use quickbooks online, with just my android (or Apple) phone to type up the proposal right away. In my truck I have a small battery powered Bluetooth printer (HP brand), which allows me to print it out before leaving. So before I leave the property the homeowner has a printed proposal and copies of our liability and workers comp. If they choose to sign the proposal immediately, they can sign my phone screen for acceptance. Once signed I'll send the signed proposal to my printer in the office.
I found using my phone was easier than a tablet...less bulky and faster.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
I found using my phone was easier than a tablet...less bulky and faster.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
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Yes this is exactly what Im thinking. Mostly I want to quote the straight forward pruning and removal jobs on site. Its all about the bottom dollar with those jobs and Id rather quote it on site and they know what the cost is then and there. Planting, fert and other tree care objectives will still likely be done on my PC in the office but this is probably only 20% of the work we do and these clients tend to be more patient and concerned with quality rather than bottom dollar. Thanks for the input!
flyingsquirrel25
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- South East, PA
I very rarely give a quote on site. I tried it this summer to streamline things a bit but I found giving a price right there wound me up shorting myself on the job. I don't know why but all the jobs I gave a number to on the spot wound up being lower (sometimes much lower) margins. I keep very good records for job cost analysis allowing me to make changes and see the results. This was not the result I was looking for. A simple adjustment and things were back on the right track.
802climber
Participating member
- Location
- Southern Vermont
I have a laptop, printer, and inverter in my pickup. Does this mean I am old fashioned?
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Steve Connally
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Suffolk, Virginia
I kinda fumbled through this search recently. My goal was one program for bids, invoices, and accounting.. The best one stop was QuickBooks Pro online. Unfortunately my accountant doesn't recommend pro due to some issues with reports. QB says the accountant doesn't know how to use the system. I looked at all the others like Jobber (second favorite). Pro online is cloud based and runs off an app. No additional purchases necessary. Unfortunately I have had to buy a windows based laptop for the biz and am getting a mobile data plan for a hotspot. Hopefully I will rarely print anything but I need the hotspot to take payments.. My goal is to data input one time. QuickBooks is the only platform for that option.
djm
Participating member
- Location
- Seacoast NH
I have been using arbogold for years now on an apple tablet and getting signatures on the spot. Im 15k away from selling 1.2 million this year. Clients are impressed with and are used to signing on tablets. I think going over the estimate and all the details with the client is key and eliminates alot of confusion later because all the issues are dealt with then. Im in my 5th or 6th year doing everything on the tablet. There are times i run into big jobs and i need more time to quote them. That happens a couple of times a month. Alot of people want to get their treecare off of their to do list. Being fast is good.
Crimsonking
Been here a while
The latest iPad Pro is a great tool. I sadly passed it up to save a few dollars, and am now hoping to switch in the near future. The apple pen is what really makes it, for signatures and making illustrations while educating the client. I've gotten to see demonstrations by guys who own one and have heard how much they like it.
flyingsquirrel25
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- South East, PA
Yes, iPad Pro with pencil. If you think it's too expensive spend less on a inferior tablet and upgrade later. Whatever you do don't go with the Samsung ellipses. Waste of money, time and I can think of a hundred other things I would rather get frustrated with.
