Ditch the paper diary
When you are starting a business, a paper diary to schedule jobs, reminders, record job enquiries and quote details is ok. As your business grows, a paper diary and receipts can lead to stress and overwhelm.
What is a tradie job management app?
A tradie job management apps allows you to quote and estimate jobs, schedule jobs, track time taken on jobs, and issue invoices all from the app. The apps ‘talk’ to Xero to transfer customer invoices, bills, payments and suppliers. You still need Xero for your accounting and payroll needs. The tradie job management apps are specifically designed for tradies and expand on Xero’s capabilities.
Why use tradie job management apps?
- Save 2 to 4 hours per week on reduced admin – use the time saving either ‘on the tools’ or working less in your business.
- Spend less time in the office – capture more information ‘on the go’ with your phone or tablet.
- Get it out of your head and onto the job management app to reduce your stress in running your business.
- Everything is in one place – no more searching the diary or receipts.
- Increase your profit by getting more jobs done – get a full view of your job schedule including your staff.
- Increase your bank balance - invoicing ‘on the go’ so you get paid faster
- Understand your cashflow in real time – using an app helps keep your Xero up to date so you will know your current bank balance, what money is coming in and what suppliers you need to pay.
How to choose the right tradie job app?
There are over 53 tradie job management apps listed on the Xero app store. How do you choose the right app for you? Don’t have time to review all 53 apps?
Here are 3 questions to help.
1. How long do you typically spend on a job? Tradie job management apps can be broken down into two categories, field service or construction. Field services jobs are typically completed in 3 days or under and construction jobs are 3 days or more.
For a field service business, you want to manage staff schedules and see in real time where they are. Your team members can get turn by turn directions to the next job and even notify customers they are on their way. Once on site, they will have access to job details including checklists and tasks. They can record photos and videos before and after the job. Obtain the customer’s signature before invoicing the job.
For a construction business, you are working on more complex, longer projects so advanced job planning such as Gantt charts is crucial for getting the job done on time and on budget. Schedule tasks for your team so they know what they need to do. They can get turn by turn directions to the job site. They can enter time for any jobs and send any notes or photos to you. Send invoices or progress payments when you reach job milestones. Determine job profitability by comparing estimated costs to actual costs per job stage.
2. What product features do you need? What are you trying to achieve by implementing or changing your tradie job management app? Some apps have limited features and won’t have the functionality to perform the tasks you want. Other apps have many features but if you don’t need those features why not choose a more suitable app?
3. What is the app user experience like for you? Some apps are simple to use, and some are more complicated. It really is your personal preference. The tradie job management apps work best when you are using them all the time. If they are too complicated, you might ‘put off’ using it or stop using it all together. You can try the apps to determine whether they will be the right fit for you.
Here is a summary of 4 of the best tradie job management apps:
Need help deciding on which app is right for you and your business? Book a tradie app advisory session. We’ll discuss you and your business, what your requirements are and give you a recommendation. We will help you get set up and trained on the app. Now you are spending less time on admin, how are you going to spend your extra 2 to 4 hours per week?