Cloud Hosting, Intuitive Interface and Complete End-To-End Business Analytics for HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing Professionals Successware, a business management software company for the home service industry has introduced its new state-of-the-art platform based on next-generation technology. Available now, the upgraded platform boasts a simpler, more intuitive interface, data-driven features and secure cloud-based hosting. Professionals in the HVAC, electrical Read more
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Cloud Hosting, Intuitive Interface and Complete End-To-End Business Analytics for HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing Professionals
Successware, a business management software company for the home service industry has introduced its new state-of-the-art platform based on next-generation technology. Available now, the upgraded platform boasts a simpler, more intuitive interface, data-driven features and secure cloud-based hosting. Professionals in the HVAC, electrical and plumbing industries are now able to access a complete end-to-end business management solution with mobile application that makes day-to-day operations streamlined and efficient.
For over two decades, the Successware® Classic software platform has been helping customers in the trade industry manage and grow their businesses. When developing the new platform, Successware was able to build upon the popular functionalities of the Successware® Classic software while adding enhanced features that elevate the user experience and offer the most comprehensive functionality in business management software on the market. Updated features include:
- Analytics-Driven Reporting Dashboard: The analytics-driven reporting dashboard allows clients to see key performance indicators and advanced data analytics at a glance. This tool shows total revenue, gross margin, cost of goods sold and more in one convenient location, giving users access to essential business data to help them drive decision making.
- Call Handling: The call handling screen is now more intuitive and allows users to collect customer information to help schedule jobs more easily. The call handling screen automatically updates scripts and available appointment time slots with the time slot capacity management feature as job information is entered, such as call reason, job class and job type.
- Dispatch Assistant: The brand-new dispatch assistant makes it easy to assign technicians to jobs with a drag and drop feature. Users are able to see who is available for the job, the technician’s skill set and travel distance between job sites.
- Cloud-Hosted: Hosted in the cloud, the new platform gives businesses the benefits of increased uptime and security, scalability, data backup and disaster recovery, freedom to work anywhere and more.
“We have fostered trusted relationships with our customers over the past 20 years and have been carefully listening to their feedback every step of the way,” said Rohit Change, Chief Operating Officer of Authority Brands. “The new platform launch is a culmination of that insight combined with ground-breaking technology to help trade professionals take their businesses to the next level with advanced analytics, a fully integrated communications platform with voice, text, and email and many additional marketing tools. We know our dedicated users will find this feature-rich platform to be an essential tool in their business management and look forward to helping them streamline their operations through our best-in-class customer service for years to come.”
Like the Successware® Classic software, the new platform provides all-in-one business management solutions integrated with its mobile application. In addition, Successware’s back-office software still offers a full suite of features such as sales and marketing, field tools, contactless payments, integrated accounting, online learning, omni-channel communications and more.
The plumbing industry has grown steadily by 2.1% since 2017. This makes it one of the most actively growing industries in the US. By January 2022, there were 129,517 plumbing businesses operating in the US, which is likely to increase by 2023. However, running a plumbing business can be as challenging as any other establishment Read more
The plumbing industry has grown steadily by 2.1% since 2017. This makes it one of the most actively growing industries in the US. By January 2022, there were 129,517 plumbing businesses operating in the US, which is likely to increase by 2023. However, running a plumbing business can be as challenging as any other establishment. Although it has peculiar problems, some general business solutions can be applied. Here are some common problems to be aware of.
Difficulty in customer retention
Like any other entity, repeat business for plumbing works often depends on client satisfaction. When the customer is dissatisfied with the work done, the likelihood of hiring another plumbing company is higher. This makes customer retention a huge challenge for plumbing businesses. According to an IBIS World survey on this issue, three out of five customers are likely to try another plumber. It further reported that this often happens when the customer or client is unhappy with a previous job.
Indeed, it is a very competitive industry with high customer expectations. So, if you’re struggling with customer retention, perhaps, it will be worthwhile to assess your services. For example, do you frequently attract people with unbelievable discounts and offers? If that is the case, you may rather be putting potential clients off. Those unbelievable discounts may be interpreted as sub-standard service. Furthermore, do you have hidden charges only known to the customer after the job is done? Once again, if you answered in the affirmative, it may be time to review that strategy. Many things often account for why your plumbing business cannot retain customers. However, when you identify those loopholes, things could turn around for the better.
Problems with pay systems
A fundbox.com survey stated that 50% of plumbers face cash flow problems. This, however, applies mostly to licensed freelance plumbers as those who work as employees for companies often do not experience this problem. It is even worse for plumbing businesses with multiple branches in different locations. It takes a lot of effective management skills to handle so many workers in different locations. Without it, your business may struggle with making timely payments, among other things. You will need an effective payroll system to avoid any delays. Moreover, because many plumbing companies pay their workers on a commission basis, this is necessary.
Non-existent or poor target marketing
First of all, it’s already been established that the plumbing sector is highly competitive. For whatever reason, it’s been discovered that some plumbing businesses fail to work on effective marketing. The truth here is that people do not seek information about plumbing businesses until they’re in dire need of one. However, if your target marketing is done right, you will have clients calling for routine plumbing checks.
Target marketing involves studying the demographic of your business’ location. If it is mainly a residential area, your marketing can focus on homeowners living in really old properties. The reason is that old houses often have hidden plumbing issues usually discovered when things get out of hand. By positioning your business as the go-to plumber, you increase your business’s chances of receiving more calls for old home jobs.
With proper planning and effective strategies, most of these problems can be avoided in your plumbing business. No business operates without glitches. However, what you do to avoid or minimize them can influence your success.
If you want to set up a successful plumbing business, then you are not alone. So many people are in the same situation as you are right now, but if you do not take the right steps, then you may find that you end up falling behind. If you want to stop this from being Read more
If you want to set up a successful plumbing business, then you are not alone. So many people are in the same situation as you are right now, but if you do not take the right steps, then you may find that you end up falling behind. If you want to stop this from being the case, then you need to try and make sure that you follow this guide. Take a look below to find out more.
Setting Goals
First of all, you have to make sure that you ask yourself. Why do you want to start a plumbing business? Do you want to grow your income? Maybe you want to make your work way more flexible so that you can spend more time with your family. Either way, you have to be crystal clear on the reason why you want to start a business. If you can do this, then you will be able to build everything on a solid foundation. You may also find that when you have your goals and your general objectives set, and when things become clear in your mind, you can devote way more mental energy to the more practical aspects of running a company.
Create a Business Plan
Do not expect to be able to take your business off the ground if you do not have a good plan. You have to remember that it takes time, but it’s time well spent. If you go into a business without a solid plan, then you may find that you end up struggling overall and that you are simply not able to get the sales or the customers you need. A good business plan will help you to make the right decisions as you go, and it will also give you a solid structure to work from. Ideally, your plumbing business plan should give you growth opportunities as well as marketing strategies. It should also give you financial support, long-term goals to aim for, and more. If you can do this, then you will soon find that things end up working in your favor.
Training and Qualifications
People do not like to hire plumbers who are not qualified. You probably know this already and you might even have the right training, but at the same time, you have to consider your qualifications too. You need to make sure that you have the skills required to push things forward and that you meet all of the minimum requirements. If you don’t, then you may find that it becomes harder to get more established in the long run. If you can gain more qualifications, then this means that you will be able to offer more services in the future and this gives you the chance to make more money overall. If you aren’t sure what qualifications you need, then look into central heating, water recycling and oil.
Finances
The next thing that you want to do is try and get serious about the capital and the resources that you have. You have to remember that starting your own company is not cheap and you will always need to have some kind of outlay when it comes to cash. If you are an independent plumber, then some of your major costs will come from investing in a car and any other related equipment. The scope may vary depending on what service you intend to provide, but either way, it’s vital that you consider points like this. if you want to fund your venture then you have two options here. You can either fund your own venture or you can find cash from another party. If you are not lucky enough to have some cash on hand for your own company, then you will need to approach other banks and lenders about getting a business loan. Almost every major bank will have some kind of business department and they can give you the help you need, amongst a range of credit lines. The bank will want to know that you have a plan though, so be sure to keep this in mind if at all possible.
Marketing
In your business plan, you will also have to detail how you are going to market your business. You have to be able to show the banks how you are going to invest in your idea and how you are going to attract customers. You may not be able to hire a full marketing department to support your venture early on, but there are other options so be sure to look into them. If you want to find out more, then click the link.
Purchasing your Equipment
If you do not have the equipment you need right now, then you will need to make an investment. This is going to be the biggest cost that you face. The administrative side of setting up a business is usually relatively low, but you will need a car if you do not have one already. Normally plumbers will have a van or a large vehicle where they can house all of their tools. If you are running a mobile business, then this is especially the case, and you need something big enough so you can have everything that you need on hand. Equipment costs can vary quite a lot here, but at the end of the day, a lot of it will depend on your needs and your general preferences. When it comes to your equipment, you should not try and cut costs. If you do, then you may end up paying for it later. Cheap tools are not reliable, and you may find that they end up deteriorating far more when compared to quality tools. You may be able to get finance on some good tools too, so do not be afraid to look into things like this.
So, running a plumbing business is not easy and at times you may find that it is incredibly expensive. At the same time though, you have to remember that it can be a very lucrative business and it is always possible for you to make all your cash back, plus profit.
Caleffi North America proudly announces our new regional sales manager, Joe Robbins. Robbins will focus on the southeast United States sales region and is based in Estero, Fla. He has worked in the construction, distribution and manufacturing industries for over 25 years. “Manufacturing is all about customer relationships,” said Robbins. “In my role as Eastern Read more
Caleffi North America proudly announces our new regional sales manager, Joe Robbins. Robbins will focus on the southeast United States sales region and is based in Estero, Fla. He has worked in the construction, distribution and manufacturing industries for over 25 years.
“Manufacturing is all about customer relationships,” said Robbins. “In my role as Eastern Regional Sales Manager at AB&I, my focus was building and developing relationships in commercial projects across the east coast. I’m honored to continue on in this market with Caleffi because I know they are a world-class company.”
Before joining Caleffi, Robbins worked as Vice President and General Manager at the Halins Construction Group. He specialized in historical renovations utilizing LEED building standards. His 20 years of experience in the distribution sector brings valuable supply chain knowledge to the Caleffi sales team.
“We are pleased to add Joe to our sales team in a key market for Caleffi. The southeast states are important for Caleffi’s growth. His experience in the distribution channel will help us expand,“ said Roger Corrente, Caleffi Director of Sales. “Joe has built long-standing relationships in the southeast and will provide great support in the region.”
Starting a business could be an exciting venture, especially if you decide to join the plumbing business, whether you’re a commercial, residential, or industrial. Unfortunately, many people think that running a plumbing business is difficult, but this is not true. You will be able to handle the work of the plumbing business by yourself, and Read more
Starting a business could be an exciting venture, especially if you decide to join the plumbing business, whether you’re a commercial, residential, or industrial. Unfortunately, many people think that running a plumbing business is difficult, but this is not true.
You will be able to handle the work of the plumbing business by yourself, and this can be rewarding on its own. In addition, running your own plumbing business will allow you to make your mark on the world and create something for yourself. To do this, ensuring that you have the right tools that can help you to manage your business could make or break your business.
Here are a few tips to help manage your plumbing business:
Invest In Management Software
If you decide to make plumbing your career, you will need to invest in equipment and tools to help your business run smoothly. For instance, some businesses invest in cheap vps hosting services to help protect their business. Another of these investments should be updated management software for your plumbing business.
This software will keep track of all the updates for any pertinent equipment and provide you with any technical or safety information that may affect your business or its employees.
Ensure You Train Your Workers
A plumbing business will need to ensure that its employees are up to date with the industry’s latest trends, methods, and tools. Training is crucial to ensure that they can keep up to date with the latest changes and provide good service.
The knowledge and skills of a plumber can easily become outdated due to new innovations in the industry. As such, you should ensure that your employees are trained and updated on what’s happening in your industry to make sure they can do their job well.
Ensure You Keep up With Your Marketing
Marketing is an important part of any business. No matter how good your product or service is, you can’t sell it if people don’t know about it. And that’s where marketing comes in. You need to tell people about your product or service, and then you need to convince them why they should buy it from you instead of their competitor.
You can use some traditional marketing methods like print catalogs, TV commercials, radio spots, billboards, or flyers to get the word out about your company and what you offer. But there are also some newer ways to promote your company like SEO (search engine optimization) and content marketing on social media sites like Reddit and Facebook.
Ensure That You Keep on Top of Your workload
Keeping on top of the workload for your plumbing business is one of the most important things that you can do to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Unfortunately, the workload can get heavy, and it is easy to become overbooked.
For many businesses, it is easy to focus on what you are doing now and not think about what will happen in the future. This often results in an overworked staff and unhappy customers because things are not getting done properly.
You should always be thinking about how to avoid this problem by keeping up with your workload for your plumbing business. That’s where management software can help.