Talking with Phil the other day, we got onto the idea of creating a suite of programs that would sit on the web and allow you to effectively run your business through them rather than you having a whole series of applications for accounts, scheduling, costing, marketing, stock control, credit control etc etc
The concept would be that the user would pay a small amount each month to use the system and hence there would be no neccessity to keep getting updates, running several applications or maintaining a back up system for your data as it would be held on the web.
No need to buy expensive software!.
You could download your data and generate bespoke reports whenever you wanted.
Each of us operates in our own specific way, so we could set up a system where you are able to; within some boundaries; specify how you want "your" system to work.
For those who use their own accounts program, then the system would produce end of month figures for you to directly input into your main accounts program, so typically you would do 12 batch entries in the year on a simple cash accounting basis.
So, we are pushing the idea out to see what response it out there. Typically what we would like you to do is express any interest and tell us what your frustrations are in using current systems across the whole remit of Landscape gardening and maintenance; what they lack, what you would like to see etc etc
We will be reviewing all the feedback and then hopefully if there is sufficient interest begin to develop the suite and set up a dummy system for you to play with.
The concept allows flexibility all round, and by using direct e mail generation you can wave goodbye to increasing postal charges where clients use email.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
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Sounds interesting...
I think a lot would depend on (obviously) how effective the software was and the costs involved.
I don't use any specific software at the moment but it is something I am looking at for future years. However, if I understand it correctly, most accounting software packages etc involve a one-off fee. If you are going to charge an ongoing monthly fee this would most likely end up more expensive in the long-term.
Be interested to see what you come up with though.
I wouldn't want any direct emailing as I need to keep a tight formal reign on all communications to protect and preserve exactly the correct impression of my business.
BUT
I would consider using such a facility. My concerns would be what if LJN goes down? What if those running it get fed up and move on?
What I would need from such a system would be effective scheduling linked to a client contact record and the abiliy to change/amend the schedule easily. Simple functionality (I don't have a lot of time to try and learn systems) is also quite high up there.
What would I pay? I could see £10 a month as a realistic figure, though I don't wish to dictate to anyone what such a system might be worth. Just my gut feeling.
Fantastic idea cant to seem to find any suitable software for garden maintenance to help with scheduling promotions basically helping with controlling my round more efficiently currently using works not ideal but it works pardon the pun
"I would consider using such a facility. My concerns would be what if LJN goes down? What if those running it get fed up and move on?"
It would be hosted as a stand alone package Dan.
One often used solution is to place the software and optionally the data into an Escrow Contract that protects the software provider and end user's data in case of dispute or collaspe of the provider.
From my experience, Escrow solution are common place for hosted (data centre) or cloud based solutions ( Obviously there is a cost to this aspect).
An alternative solution (?) is to ensure the software has the ability to export your data into an indusrty accepted format and for the end user to regularly run their own backups to a local resource.
End users often believe out right purchase of software is the best choice, this is often not the case. Recurring software licenses that automatically provide for updates online & can free a business from maintaining a mission critical application.
Another hidden benefit is the 'access anywhere' capability of cloud based solutions on any supported device WITHOUT having to buy mutliple user licenses. This often extends to collabarative computing where Support/Accounant etc can gain access with your approval to look at issues.
It means you can go on holiday and still run your business !!!!
I think you would be in the right ball park with your possible monthly cost, the system would provide you with the ability to schedule using a repeat pattern of time between visits or to add into a days work a specific visit and then to be able to move visits between dates easily. Currently I market a lawn treatment suite which meets the needs of several business's so we would not be coming into it cold, plus contract gardeners etc
What would be useful would be your wish list in more specific terms! do you drop invoices off when you visit? what system doyou currently use for your accounts?
The lawn treatment software allows you to return home and simply click on the work completed where you have recieved cash/cheques and it prepares your banking slip for you -we have lost of ideas to ease the paperwork of the small business man/woman.
Keep ideas coming!
Dan Frazer Gardening said:
There are all sorts of scenarios we can look at regarding the software protection and I am certain that we will provide a solution which not only works well regarding running your business's but provides long term stability. Data downloads would be .xls or .csv format as i see the issue at the moment as these are accessible by all spreadsheet applications.
There are 2 basic types of download we would envisage -
I could get quite excited about this!
Gary RK said:
"I wouldn't want any direct emailing"
I use Xero online accounting and has an emailing facility built into statements, invoices and reports but its use is optional and everything can be printed off in a variety of file formats.
I like the option of having email if only as a back-up.
Dan Frazer Gardening said:
Tell me some of your headaches when scheduling and we will see if we have already thought about them and resolved them - seriously!!! the more you can tell us what you want then the more certain you can be certain that is what you will get - if that is clear!!!!
chris said:
If we cannot come up with a software solution that will get you salivating! then we might as well pack up now!
And yes over 5 years you will paying each month but that will be for a system that enables you to run your business more efficiently and make more money - if it does not do that then again we are wasting each others time.
So what causes your business most headaches regarding the day to day, week to week running of it?
Andy Lawrence said:
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