[wynne jones]

Hi

I have disided to go digital LOL but I can't figure out how to set things up.

I have OFFICE but the database is just ridiculusly complicated. Does someone have a template or something I can use to set things up?

Wynne

[jasonl]

There is software  called carpet cleaners software.

[John Kelly]

This what Jason is talking about http://www.carpetcleaningsoftware.co.uk/

[jasonl]

Yes that one , I thought it was unmentionable here

I use it and it is very good.

[wynne jones]

Thanks guys looks good but it's a bit pricey ain't it. I was hoping to do it on the cheap, that would buy me a lot of tabs.

[M.Acorn]

Just make one up in Excel !!

[Ricky M]

Thanks guys looks good but it's a bit pricey ain't it. I was hoping to do it on the cheap, that would buy me a lot of tabs.

its all about investing your biz !
why dont save your self the bother and work for some 1 else then you spend all ur spare £ on tabs 

[wynne jones]

Hi Ricky, take yur point, but all I want is something on the PC, it's not going to make me money it's just going to save a bit of time and gget more organised i reckon.

[Joe H]

Using professional software WILL make you money, Wynne

That software is really good even if you use it to send out mail shots to existing customers in 6 or 12 month time, and you get templates for letters with it.
It does much more which I havnt particularly looked into yet.

View it as you should training, an investment. Its not just for 1 year, its building up a data base then proves more useful as time goes on. You get software support as well.
And of course it has tax benefits.

If you want to do a good job, get the right tools.

[wynne jones]

I see what you are saying Joe, thanks.

I see they do a FREE trial so I might have a go at that and see how I get on with it. It looks dead simple even for me and if I can make money off it by simply pressing the print button it would be well worth it.

Any one else use it and think it's a good investment as you have probably figured that out buy now.

[Paul Simpson]

I use Solar accounts software and pretty happy with it.
Started using it before the "Cleaners mate" software came out.
It was still in Beta/trial version when I started using it so ended up paying alot less than the actual selling price it is now. 
Seems to provide everything I need, customer database, invoicing, quotes, reports, etc.
And you can download a trial version.

[wynne jones]

Hi Paul

Just had a look and I probably would have been intersted in that but now I've seen something thats for carpet cleaners I'm thinking it's worth it because it would be a bit of a ball ache thinking how to set up a general package.

I've been playing with the cleanersmate free trial and it just has categoriys for carpet cleaning, upholstery and everything else. I can see now this thing could make me a few grand extra every year so the price seems like nothing really.

[Steve Chapman]

the cleaners mate software was probably the best investment i've made after the T/M ( alot cheaper as well  )

its not just a database but brings your whole business together in one package and sets you up for your marketing campaign, reminders, analysis etc

Think someone made the comment that its like having the fasttrack stuff without the hefty price tag.

Thats what sold it to me  and its made a huge difference to my business

regards
steve

[derek west]

not used it properly yet but its all ready paid for itself in knowing how much i charged custies last year, the amount of custies that say, "i think you charged me £80 last year" " no it was £95"  "oh yeah that was it" 

[wynne jones]

Great responses thanks guys. Good to get independant recommendations.

You know when you start off thinking no way! then you find out something and you think, well maybe, and by that stage you've got that funny feeling inside and you just want to hear it from an independant sauce and then boom you have whacked out your flexible friend.

I was thinking of knocking the fAgs on the head anyway. :

[garry22]

Wynne,

I don't use Kev's software but I know it is quite good.

There is something else to remember here.

If you ever sell the business (or take on an admin person), it will be much better to have a complete system in place for running your business.

A potential purchaser will be able to see how to run things much quicker so it makes the purchase more attractive

[wynne jones]

Hi Garry

Another good point I hadn't thought of. I've decided to buy it and I'm actually happy to spend out now I realise all the benifits.

Who would have thought you could get ecxited about carpet cleaning accounts database software.

Thank guys.

[ianharper]

Wynne

get yourself some ring binders. forget the programs i have had a few and its a waste of time. by going by hand written you can get on the "A" pile of mail. write a few each day and you will be amazed at how many you can do each month.

people can spot marketing a mile away. by doing it by hand you can change the feel and look each time you mail. our response has improved.


respect

Ian Harper

[Mark Lawrence]

Ian if your saying not to use a database, then that really is an outdated load of nonsense :

It's about getting smart, having more free time, AND investing for the future. The people who work out of old diaries and bits of paper are the ones who are missing out the most from their existing custies. Anyone who thinks that they will call them back in the future - just because they did a great job are highly mistaken.

Anyway, I can certainly highly recommend Cleaners Mate thats for sure. It is beyond doubt the best tool I have ever invested in for my business - big time. And thats how I looked at it, a TOOL.

Most guys wouldnt bat an eyelid at buying a new wand or something but then fear spending out on decent software! Basically, this 'tool' has not only made my life a lot easier - its given me more time and a great insight into the business.

I can find out at the click of a button where my work is coming from, what marketing methods work and dont work, what services are selling/not selling (and therefore allows appropriate action to be taken) etc etc. Its saved me money just by this tool alone. Its so easy to use aswell - not hard at all.

I tried it on the free trial thing aswell, then bought it in less than a week. Best thing I ever did. I would have gladly paid double what they have it for sale at (dont tell em though lol!).


Mark


p.s. great support too.

p.p.s. Ian, have you tried the software? if you think that this is a generic product off the shelf you couldnt be more wrong. Its designed specifically for UK cleaners. Yes there are rubbish ones but these are from the USA, and are poop.

[derek west]

Wynne

get yourself some ring binders. forget the programs i have had a few and its a waste of time. by going by hand written you can get on the "A" pile of mail. write a few each day and you will be amazed at how many you can do each month.

people can spot marketing a mile away. by doing it by hand you can change the feel and look each time you mail. our response has improved.


respect

Ian Harper

wynne
don't waste money on ring binders, get your self some free concrete slabs and a chisel like they used to in the old days. and there fire proof too. the old ways are the best.