Hello all.. I am looking to get some new invoicing/ estimation and job cost programs.. What is everyone using.. ? I am currently using word and excel spreadsheets.. It is way to time consuming for me.. I am not very excel savy. Thanks.
Edited 9/7/2009 10:52 pm ET by mbr440
Replies
Nova Invoices and Estimates Pro. Database driven; comes with many different stock forms but also has a full graphics program so you can make your own custom forms; produces sales stats & reports; has easy back-up; is inexpensive (well under a C-note).
Does not do standard accounting, tho. Just billing, statements, estimates, inventory, orders, and stuff like that.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
foolish men call Justice....
Hey Dino,
how long have you been using the Nova package? Ive had mine for years, and they recently told me they haven't supported it for a couple years. I switched over to iMacs a few years ago, and have been running the Nova package on Parallels. THat has been sort of successful, but I wish I had something else.
At its most basic level, capitalism offers people the freedom to choose where they work and what they do … the dignity that comes with profiting from their talent and hard work. … The free-market system also provides the incentives that lead to prosperity -- the incentive to work, to innovate, to save and invest wisely, and to create jobs for others.†-President George W. Bush
In other words, free-market capitalism is the best path to prosperity.
Since at least 2003, IIRC. I had no idea Dynacom had dropped it but I suppose I'm not surprised. It's too good for the price they charged for it. Think I paid C$49.95.
Mine hangs when I do certain (now) predictable things, but otherwise runs fine. The only real trouble I've ever had with it was once when I thought I had a major crash, I restored...but from the wrong back-up disc--and over-wrote everything in the database prior to 2005.
That's what they call 'non-recoverable pilot error.'
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. I've learned to avoid those actions that create the "hang-ups". Otherwise, I haven't found anything else to do what it does as well, especially for the price!!
At its most basic level, capitalism offers people the freedom to choose where they work and what they do … the dignity that comes with profiting from their talent and hard work. … The free-market system also provides the incentives that lead to prosperity -- the incentive to work, to innovate, to save and invest wisely, and to create jobs for others.†-President George W. Bush
In other words, free-market capitalism is the best path to prosperity.
http://www.superbuild.com/pricing.aspx?partner=andersen&CC=rem
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Thanks.. I will check them out..
mbr440
What kind of work do you do?
How big is your company?
These answers would be helpful in answering your question.
Rich
Rich, I am a renovation contractor, mostly kitchens, with 3 employees and numerous subs.. 300 to 500 thousand in sales.
Costomer profiles and job cost tracking are important to me..
james.
Edited 9/8/2009 10:10 pm ET by mbr440
mbr440
Try these links.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=96046.20
http://www.synapsesoftware.com/
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=96046.50
http://www.turtlesoft.com
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=96046.61
Xactimate for Remodelers.
Craftsman site License (cost book with estimate, invoices and lnk to Quickbooks)
http://craftsman-book.com/products/index.php?main_page=cbc_product_software_info&cPath=39&products_id=387
What I am doing
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=120723.40
I built it myself with excel. it works for me to keep track of my jobs. It is not set up for using alot of subs, but it would not be difficult to add subs. This may not be suited to what you do, but if it is then I would be willing to share it with you.
I hope this helps you
Rich
Edited 9/9/2009 11:04 am ET by cargin
We are using exactimate. I agree with Cooper.
Thanks.. I will do some reading.. I looked at Quick books contractor ed.. but it is expensive, and I dont need all the features.
Try MYOB accounting software. I have used it for many years and am completely satisfied.
I'm interested in this too. I'm doing a mix of foundation/frame sub work and general contracting on new construction. Volume $800,000 to $1.2 million, two or three projects running concurrently.
I'm currently using my own Excel sheets for own-forces material and labour takeoffs. I've built up a reasonable amount of labour estimating data but need to automate things more. I have moderate proficiency with Office applications but no experience at all with estimating or project software.
best free online invoicing software system
You should try fetchflow. They offer full featured invoicing solution for free. It is OS independent as it is web based. You can create Unlimited PDF [Adobe PDF] branded invoices, estimates & PO's. There are many cool features like paypal integrated invoice payments,MS-Excel template based invoicing,Integrated stock & catalog invoicing etc.And many useful add-on,s are also available.
So John..........
You work for "them"? Fetchflow?
Then you should use language that suggests just that-"they offer"?
But this is an older thread and maybe I'm way off base-but how does billing / invoicing / and being able to write up estimates (a quote) help that original guy "do" the estimate? You've got a way to tidy it up for the customer, but as far as helping with the estimating cost process-where's "your" company stand?
thanks.