[starplus]

Hi,

What software do you use to keep record of clients ,transactions, see clients statements ...?

I want to buy a data software but I would appreciate some feedback before.

Many Thanks
Sergio

[Phild]

Hi Sergio, I remember your earlier post on this subject. I used Target Control a zillion years ago (designed specifically for contract cleaning where in the main you are doing the same sites week in, week out).

Because we started doing a lot of *one-off* jobs we eventually moved to one of the larger Sage packages. This is due to be upgraded as they have brought a new version out.

I have used the opportunity to get Chris Mcnab from Target in to do a demo (he actually comes and does it himself - it's not an online job) I was really impressed at the level of control it gives you over managing your wage control levels on your sites. Basically you know about any overspend before you press the button to process the wages. It links into a full accounts package and is available in a cut-down version which handles up to 100 staff.

I am a cautious buyer and know Chris from a lifetime ago (not buddies tho) and because he is keen for us to buy he has given me a package to test out over a period on apro subject to me having paid for a days training.

I would be more than happy to show you it but we are on Tyneside and we are not (yet) the experts in using it. He is based in Stockport and if your serious I am sure he would be more than happy to demo it to you at your place or his. Unfortunately your profile doesn't identify a geographic area.

All details are on his website including costs so there is no dealing with *snake oil* salespeople. He was a computer boff at one stage and has also ran his own Daily Cleaning business.

I would only bother though if contract cleaning is the main thrust of your business.

Just Google Target Control or e-mail me if you want to take me up on my offer but he's the expert. There is NO financial benefit in this for me as I am a cleaner not a software salesperson!

[starplus]

Hi Phild ,

many thanks ,

which Sage packages do you use now,was expensive?

We do mainly contracting cleaning in London, but we do carpet cleaning and one off deep cleaning to.

I spooke with him 2 days ago, the only problem is that you have to pay £600.00 a year for support !with service ceo you dont have to pay anything for support or upgrade.

Kind Regards
Sergio

[Phild]

Sageline 100 which needs to be upgraded. It's customisable. Expensive and a bit clunky now hence looking about at different packages.

It might sound stupid but I also went off Sage for another couple of reasons. 1) we use a product called TeleMagic. They did the usual takeover job, sucked it into their organisation then spat it out a year or two later when they bought ACT and another large USA CRM package so they nolonger support it. 2) Sage's HQ is local to us and we didn't get their DCS contract when we quoted. Stupid I know but I always like a bit recopricity (sic) and we have been using their software for years.