CRM software for window cleaners

I understand many on this message board like “The Customer Factor” and it’s an attractive product. However, I’m looking around for alternatives because I’m frugal,(cheap), and have a hard time justifying $400 a year, after year after year…

Has anyone built their own database? Has anyone evaluated Bella solutions? [URL=“Pricing | Bella FSM”]. They have software for window cleaners at $15.00 per month.

Thanks,

Alan

The pricing that you linked is actually $60 per month, not $15.

I want to buy software to manage my customers & routes scheduling that I pay for one time. I don’t want to spend $$ every month forever. Sadly, it seems like most have shifted to the perpetual monthly expense model. I see why it’s good for the software company, but I haven’t yet grasped why it would benefit me.

You’re right $60 per month. Crazy.

Customer factor is a good deal, for what it can do

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What if WCRA members pooled our funds and hired a developer to create CRM software tailor made to the pressure washing/window/roof cleaning industry. We could get estimates from a software developer on what it would cost to write the software and have copies sent to each “investor”. Chris or Alex could inventory the program as a member benefit and send out residuals as each copy was purchased.

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I think software development is way more expensive than you realize.

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Yes. I have no idea what it would cost and I wonder what a computer science major would charge?

I’m not sure why you say its sad that that most have shifted to a monthly fee for software. I’m not trying to be a wise guy. Its just that as our business has grown we have found the need for a tool that we cannot find for free (and if we did, its not good enough). So… we decided to pay for a tool that will help us MAKE MORE MONEY. We found that throughout the year, some prospective clients that we have already paid to get to call us, are slipping through the cracks if they are not put in the schedule right away. If we get JUST 1, $450 job all year because of having CF, it has paid for itself. I am guessing that we will book more than $450 next year because of using CF. :slight_smile:

If you did hire someone or create your own you would still have to continue to pay. As new operating systems, browsers and other linked software come out you will need to have work done to make sure it is compatible with them. As new ideas come to you you’ll have to pay to have them implemented. When things go haywire you’ll have to pay. You’ll have to pay for tech support calls. Also when the developer moves on to other projects who will continue to support the software. Pay by the month and focus your time on higher ROI endeavors.

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Good point. Your dog is cool, too.

Trust me. CF is worth it. no, Its not perfect but through experience I have learned there is no perfect database!
It was hard at first to put up the money. I too am cheap, but I have made so much more $ because of the program. I’m talking thousands more. I tried every database under the sun. I bought them, tried to create them. Even thought about developing. There are a couple reasons why customer factor is worth every penny.

  1. When you deal in high volume window cleaning sales, it can be difficult to keep up with who has and hasn’t paid. Its not unusual for me to miss billing a couple people in my year and usually I’m lucky they remind me to bill them. But tracking invoices without the hassle of quickbooks is a pain. CF makes it so easy. Shows you how much you’ve earned, how much you are owed etc…
  2. I’m a paper person, but have been trying to break free (the biz is 29 years old, and I have thousands of receipts, customer files etc…) I have switched over to email contact mostly with customers, which is heaven. CF has great methods of contacting clients both by phone and email (and mail). It keeps track of the contact. It bills people with the click of a button by email or you can print bills.
  3. Steve offers amazing customer service. He has implemented several suggestions I had into the program. He is always willing to listen to new ideas and if enough of us ask for something, he adds it. If you have a problem he quickly returns emails/calls. And they are detailed emails. I have never dealt with a software company (or many other computer company) that my imput was actually heard and used.
  4. Join wcra and get a discount.
    This program will make you money. Again, its not perfect, and is always changing and getting better. I had tried it last year but since I am so google based I couldn’t stand double entering appointments. Steve added Google integration. This year I used it as my primary method of keeping track of my biz. (I will disclose that I have a bookkeeper who handles my quickbooks, payroll,and tax payments. I find customer factor is weak in the areas of financial management if you are used to quickbooks. But CF is for a layperson, (quickbooks is really made for those who have an accountants mind). if you don’t like it…you can always cancel.

Hey Alan!

Software development scares me… Just watching the struggles [MENTION=429]5star[/MENTION] goes through putting out Responsibid makes me want to personally stay clear of it…

I think there are some pretty good arguments on both sides of the cloud VS self hosted software packages…

I kind alike the subscription plan because you have the lower cost of entry, and regular updates… BUT if your internet goes out… what do you do?

On the other side right now Im stuck with an old version of Service CEO that hasnt been updated in years…

I think for the couple truck company customer factor is a great choice and you always get new features added… You get it cheaper as a WCRA member $299 for the year…

If you are on the larger side take a look @ Smart Service… That is self hosted

Signed up for Customer Factor yesturday. Starting to set it up today, I’m excited! BOOM!

There have been some good scheduling and routing software solutions mentioned, but if you’re looking for something that can take your business to the next level, I would encourage you to do some research on Smart service. It’s integrated fully with QuickBooks which is great because you don’t have to worry about double data entry.

Smart Service is a desktop software programs, so you don’t have to worry about your internet going doing and your business going down as well. What’s important to know about those cloud or internet based services is, the data you enter, use and access everyday no longer belongs exclusively to you when you use a cloud based service. This may not seem like a big deal, but if you decide you want to go from the cloud to storing your data on your computer or server, you may not be able to retrieve all your data!

As you continue searching for the best software program that’s going to do what you need and want it to do, I would encourage you to check out smart service either online at: wwwsmartservice.com or call directly to receive a free demo of the software! keep us posted on what you end up going with!

I stumbled across RouteRite. It looks a little “old school” to me, but it appears to be very robust. Does anybody have any experience with it? I’m also in the process of looking for a solution for my billing, customer database, scheduling etc, as a start up my business.

I use http://www.lessannoyingcrm.com
(Less Annoying CRM)
Has a calendar that syncs with google, you can set up your own pipelines (check out LACRM if ya don’t know what a pipeline is…)
LACRM have a LOT of good stuff but the best part is there is not a lot of stuff in it a small business will never use.
I tried TONS of CRM from ZOHO to excel and all in between. This (in my opinion) is one of the BEST CRMs for a small business… PERIOD.
The Cost?? free 30 days- $10 a month after no subscription!!
NO I do not sell this, just use this…
CF, Service Side Kick, Service Auto Pilot Ect. are ALL GREAT programs.
However, I think LACRM a GREAT alternative for those on a FRUGAL diet.
I plan on using it for a year then moving to CF…MAYBE.
LACRM and and Google Chrome and ya good to go!!!
Works great fir me and made for small business

Pax

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Hi All. Check out servicetask.com. We sync with Quickbooks and cater to window cleaning companies. Check us out on Intuit’s App Center here, QuickBooks App Store

I’ve had a CRM that was desktop stand alone software.

It’s windowcleanerpro - it was great when it first came about getting updates regularly with new features - but as the developers sold more and more, the updates dried up because they weren’t getting much money from one off payments to develop the software.

The developers ended up stopping all further developments, yet they still sell the product (which many class as un finished!).

I’ve now moved onto the CF, and it’s looking a good product - being regularly developed, i’ve even had a suggestion agreed to be implemented - and that was only 2 hours after i suggested it.

The monthly payments software are the way forward for regular updated software that moves with the times - only thing is that it’s web based worries me, in case i cant get my internet to work or routing issues from the US to the UK causing downtime. But i will continue to use it, as it looks a lot better that what i’ve already used and have seen - it’s only $35 a month… the features can easily make the ROI per month achievable against a 1 time payment program.

Of course, there are plenty of other products out there - try some, see how they work for you.

$60 a month is not necessarily crazy. It’s relative to what you get in exchange for it. It’s all about value…not price. A solid CRM will create HUGE value for your small biz if you properly leverage it. What if your company does $50,000 a month? Is a $60 a month tool still crazy? I try and think ahead with a vision of growth for my company so I am always looking for good ways to leverage a few bucks into great value (systems) for my biz.

Just my 2 cents.

Chris’ company probably has $50,000 weeks! This is not possible without a CRM…and he would have never grown that big without strategic investments early on in systems like a good CRM.

I’m interested in going with Customer Factor. My question is what keeps it from growing past 2 or 3 trucks. My current business plan involves growing to a few more crews then that, though that is still a few years off.

I am trying to set up systems that will scale with growth. It is more work up front but I’m hoping it will pay off in the long run. I’ve lived through changing crms while working with a few other companies and if I can prevent that early on it would be worth it.