Record keeping

[Firefighter1428]

Now that this year is coming to an end, I would like to try something new next year when it comes to keeping track of my jobs. I was wondering how any of you keep track of the dates, times, location of each job, Along with payment from each client. Anyone use a good computer program or other any other ways.

Im not much of a "Secretary" and I would like to find a good and reliable way of record keeping.


Thanks for any help

[Matt k]

Quickbooks, Qxpress, Clip, etc... There are tons to pick from. We use a combination of Quickbooks and Qxpress. If you would like to save some money, you can always just set up a series of spreadsheets in excel, thats how I started.

[firefightergw]

I've used LawnPro software the past two years. I've been pleased. It is pretty reasonable at $74. The link is http://www.lawnprosoftware.com/. I also have Quickbooks Pro and Gopher. Will be trying to switch over to these two in the off season exclusively.

[AndyTblc]

I used a cheep program, then my computer crashed and I didn't have it backed up. So for every bit of your sake, BACK-UP PROGRAMS!!!

[Gatewayuser]

I use a laptop to record all dates and times then I transfer all info to my office computer and/or clip at the end of the day. If a customer wants an invoice right then on the spot I can print one right in the truck. I can also send info to my office computer anytime in the day because I have a wireless chip that auto connects to anything within range. I have Internet anywhere I go.

Good luck next year!!! So are you a voly FF or a ft FF? I am a voly FF and EMT-B.

[procut]

I guess I'm kind of old school. I have a three ring binder where each regular customer has a page. On the individual customer page, there is room to record, the date service, amount and payment description, plus a spot for any misc. notes. In the same binder, there are also pages to record info for one tine and temporary customers. The thing is basically a fancey ledger.

However, I do use Groundskeeper for invoicing, so I guess I have another copy of everything on the computer as well.

[AndyTblc]

What kind of paper is in your 3 ringed binder. And don't say paper from a tree either. What does it look like on it.

[Gatewayuser]

What kind of paper is in your 3 ringed binder. And don't say paper from a tree either. What does it look like on it.


Wow I didn't know they made paper from something other then trees!



:laugh:

[ECS]

Everything is on Excel, on my computer, backed up on my laptop, also backed up on a Flash drive, also backed up onto a CD each month right after I send out all my invoices. Back up, back up, back up.

[grass_cuttin_fool]

I use excel on my computer, my wife put the formulas in for each column, adds, subtracts, gives total for the year, balance owed ect.

In the truck I use a day runner weekly calendar, each day has a line from 7 am to 6pm, I write in each client and then check them off as I go each day. At the end of the week I put it in a 3 ring binder and keep it for a record. here is a link to it
http://www.dayrunner.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product3_10053_10004_127984_-1_false_10053##

Also on my pc, I keep records on the hard drive, flash drive and floppy disk. #electic copies and the paper to fall back on if needed.

wayne

[parkeeee]

I keep a small notepad in the truck where I write down the time spent at each job, activities and materials. At home I use an excell spreadsheet to keep tract of invoices/payments/year to date sales. It has worked fine for me.

[procut]

What kind of paper is in your 3 ringed binder. And don't say paper from a tree either. What does it look like on it.

lol. I made them myself using word. On the top of the page there is the customer name, address, ph. #, act. #. Below that are 35 horozontal spaces divided into four columns, where the date, service, amount, and payment description can be recoreded by hand. At the very bottom of the page is a spot to write the yearly $ total for that account. The only problem is I wish I could fit more than 35 spaces per page, becasue about half way through the season, some accounts need a second page and most will require 2 pages before the season is over.

[tthomass]

I just spent $420 on Quickbooks 2007..........now I'm gonna bite the bullet a little harder and buy a laptop. Dell is running them for $500 with 1gb of memory. Then I'll end up with the cute little printer that I can put in my truck + a mount..............the Chevy and International are getting their own version of "Pimp My Ride"

[AndyTblc]

I've thought about carrying around some clipboards for each customer and filling in a the crap that needs to go on there. Because sometimes I foreget to record them in the computer.

[Team Gopher]

Hi firefightergw,

Thanks for thinking of us.


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[rodfather]

Very happy with QuickBooks

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

We use a ADKAD program called Grounds keeper pro. It takes care of all our needs from date, time, employ time, expenses and so on. You can get it almost anywhere. Any question PM me.

[grassrangers]

we use to use excel for our daily jobs and locations, we have A & B weeks all year long (due to bi-weekly customers) and ill just print a new sheet every week
and used quickbooks pro to keep track of all our expenses, payments, invoices etc
Recently purchased Gopher and that is 10 times better...i have all of my lawn care customers scheduled for 2007 already and its so much easier when creating invoices...i would def look into it

[firefightergw]

Hi firefightergw,

Thanks for thinking of us.

Do I get a free upgrade or a Gopherhaul?