What software do you currently do to keep track of invoicing, payments, etc?
What do you wish was better about this software, or what features do you wish it did include?
What features could you do without, or which features do you find just get in the way?
If you could have a software application custom designed from SCRATCH for the window cleaning industry, what would you want in it? what wouldn’t you want in it? how much would you be willing to pay for something that did all you needed it to?
The reason im asking all these questions, is because i know someone who is a computer programmer that is interested in designing a program for this industry, he is also interested in porting this program so that it can be used on an itouch or iphone, or at least making a version for those devices that can sync with a desktop version. He would be writing this from scratch, and as such he would be needing lots of input from this and other wc’ing communities in regards to how this program should look and act.
At least at the beginning this software will be targeted to smaller operations, and be able to deal with residential and commercial businesses. This is somewhat an untapped market with the exception of George which is not exactly a perfect fit for many people.
What would your dream window cleaning software be able to do for you?
What do you wish was better about this software, or what features do you wish it did include?
I wish it could include multiple tasks within one job (i.e. cleaning inside, sign and outside). Currently if there are additional things to do. You have to create more than one customer for that one customer, and have one customer called XYZ inside, another XYZ Sign etc.
If you could have a software application custom designed from SCRATCH for the window cleaning industry, what would you want in it? what wouldn’t you want in it? how much would you be willing to pay for something that did all you needed it to?
Well, I’d want it designed for covering route. Being able to include multiple tasks per customer. Being able to keep track of frequency of jobs. Being able to make extensive notes, keeping track of new prospects. Reminding me when I need to go back, or call prospects. Being able to sync with a Palm, or Pocket PC or Blackberry. Being able to accomplish more advanced things as my business grows, handling employees and their work. Being able to print invoices and receipts. Being customizable and not rigid in the programming sorta like Excel is quite customizable.
I would want to pay $500 bucks. If I started with a basic version that’s all I’m willing to pay. As I grow and get employees then I would obviously be willing to pay more.
I use a program called InvoiceIt,
it is a full accounting program for about $140 US,
it does most of what you want, has sub jobs, tasks but does not link up to a palm though I think? You can export info to excel and then inport into the palm though.
for the same program but slightly different info on the sites
I have been using it for a year now and will upgrade it this week probably.
I use George. I would probably go for something very similar, but one that does these options:
Show all clients on palm.
Has inside/outside/other jobs listed for one person.
Has A.M./P.M. best time option input.
Allows for photos of property.
Equipment needed + notes page.
Ed does this program allow you to schedule route work invoices for you, to memorize the frequency of the cleanings and then generate them automatically for you so all you have to do is ‘click,print’ rather then start a new invoice or edit the last one and change the dates?
Would you LIKE it to be able to sync with a palm, itouch, etc?
How much did you initially pay for this software, and how much would you pay for something that did everything you dreamed it could?
karlos im sure the requirements you have would be easily accommodated.
how much would you be willing to pay for something that can do all the above well? also would it be a deal breaker if you had to use a non-palm device, such as a wm5-6 mobile device or a itouch?
can you set it as an infinite contract, one that doesn’t end? also, does it have the options of generating invoices every 8 weeks or every 12 weeks? [quickbooks which i use only does it quarterly or monthly , nothing in between and not by ‘weeks’ beyond 4 weeks
also, is there a way to import contacts from other programs like quickbooks?
I use Smart Service and love it! It is very good for scheduling, invoicing, estimating, keeping track of customers, making reports, it interfaces with quick books, it interfaces with microsoft map point, etc…
I use a software program called thecustomerfactor.com.
It was designed from a window cleaner for a window cleaner. it does it all, i have been using it for 2 years now.
should you have any questions about it, feel free to give me a note
