customers want estimates e-mailed

Some people will be most happy with something that is very simple, but may not have all the features you need such as different trees. Other apps may have all that you want right out of the box, but won't necessarily run on your tablet.

What it boils down to is, you have to find what works for you and you are comfortable using. Whatever you choose to use will have its trade-offs.

-Michael
 
That is incorrect. Use jobber. That's really what it boils down to.

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The iPad is just as good as a piece of paper and data is stored and backed up. Plus you can generate a pdf to attach to a work order. I use sketchbooks to make rough layouts and attach the files so they can be accessed by crew members mobile in the field.

Im tooling around with the Map Centrix program and it looks pretty cool. The demo is set up already I imagine for the creators business and it would take some tweaking to make it work for us. It is unwieldy and I don't think it would be easy to operate via iPad as it is not easy to operate via laptop yet. It looks as though you have to create a file for every single tree to create quotes to work with. If this could be dumbed down a bit I would like it better. Not every single client needs a detailed property analysis, nor can they afford it.

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Yeah I am not sure of all the ins and outs of the mapcentrix program but I thought that certain parts of it were cool, like it being designed by a tree company owner and also THE MAP part! My understanding of how to use it was that every foreman had access to the system in the field via i-pad or the like. We were printing WO's and it didn't work quite right.
 
I use pdf expert and had my media guy make me a proposal pdf. It does everything a paper copy can but electronic. Exactly the same. I attached for people to have look.
 

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i use autocad for more complex sketches, it costs about 50 bucks a year but it can make a pro style blue print. i mostly only need it for working with construction companies on tree preservation projects.
 
Hey guys, glad to see that a few people here are using and enjoying Jobber. Wanted to chime in on a few things.

iPhone app: We now have a full time developer that will be working on the native apps for iOS and Android as well as making improvements on the mobile website. We are excited to have lots more new stuff to be able to release to you guys pretty soon for mobile.

We have had people mention auto-reminders for 2-3 year long contracts and it has been added to our to-do list as well as more powerful estimating and service categories. As you can tell there is a lot of things that we are continually working on and will be hiring more full time developers in the future to help.

You guys mentioned having images for bids and it made me think of http://goilawn.com/. We do not have a partnership or anything with them but it looks like it might be something some of you could use. It might be a bit more complicated then needed for just sketching on an iPad in the field though.
Map Centrix also looks pretty interesting and similar to goilawn.
 
Jobber! lets also get a feature to make duplicate estimates so if a client wants to go back and do some work that was on an original estimate. also how about a client portal where they can accept a proposal and review work they have had.
 
Duplicate estimates and client portals we also hear about a lot.
We can't wait until we have have manpower behind all these features to be able to get them all done and out to you guys because there is just soo much that we want to do.

We do listen though, so the more we hear about something, the higher up on the list of priorities it goes.
 
Has anyone quantified their sales in respect to giving the client a price in person vs. in an email? It may just be in my head, but it seems that my results are better when I give the price and get confirmation at the residence.

I guess this would make sense that a person would have more of a connection while you are there and we all have a harder time saying no to a live question than an email or text. I'm wondering if we leave ourselves more vulnerable to rejection or shopping around when we leave and just send an email proposal.
 
I usually show them the estimate on the iPad and pricing is discussed just before I put it all together. I think I close 80% or better, but I have clients pretty well qualified.

Tom
 
I was talking to someone who does lawn care here in Edmonton today, he told me that when they do the estimate and quote in person, they will send them an email with the quote while they are still there.

He said people really like it since they are able to look at it right there as they stand around and talk. Definitely harder for them to say no to you in person, it just assumes the sale more by giving them the quote right away.
 
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In person, you can qualify them. What is the prime concern. Where is their price ceiling? What will be the scope of the project? Who will be making the decision? Though really, this should've been done on the phone so you know what you're walking into. If you're face-to-face with them then you can present your proposal, not just the price, and then listen to any objections (reasons to not say yes at that moment), address them, i.e., overcome them, and close the sale.

It's a lot tougher to do this by just quietly emailing and crossing your fingers. You'll be relying completely on the quality of your content to convey the whole story of why they should say yes to you and feel compelled to do so.
 
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Tom, what do you mean you talk pricing before you put it all together?

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I go over the costs (itemized or hourly, depending on the scope of the job), and get a feel for their priorities. I almost always upsell services because there is always something that could require professional attention. Once I have walked the property and discussed everything with the client, we can work backwards if their budget doesn't allow all of the work. I try to sell as close to a full day as possible at every property unless it's a small, specific request. It's not a perfect system, but most of my potential clients are eager to learn about their trees, and at the very least they are more educated when I leave.

Tom
 
Tom thats a pretty high closing rate. Im guessing this may be because you are mostly gaining leads from word of mouth. The past two weeks I have been doing all basic estimates in the field and have noticed little difference in closing rate. We close on about 40%. I still prefer to email quotes. Its easier for me to stick to my guns regarding price from behind a computer screen.
 
I usually know before I leave if I have secured the work, and the email is just for reference and to compare once an invoice is generated. I will go through my 2013 closings vs. non closings and respond with a deadly accurate percentage when I do. I'm betting it's slightly over 80. And yes, lots of word of mouth, it's unavoidable in our market, for better or for worse!

Tom
 
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