Real Green Software Alternatives?

[The Lawn Crew]

Hi! The real Green Software looks to be a nightmare so far. No user's manual, an hour on the phone to set it up. Simple things like entering the company name are a challenge. Endless unexplained field with triple drop-down menus with an array of other actions required to enter information.

It looks like a powerful program but with a very steep learning curve which could be a BIG problem with any future office employees or future company owner.

I think there were two lawn care software companies, one was Lawn Solutions and the other SRS? Scott's used the latter of the two before switching to Real green.

Not really getting the vibe from the company either. They seem kinda greedy and impersonal in a way. I could be wrong...

Anyway, any suggestions for quality and simplicity?

Thanks!

[garydale]

Quickbooks pro!

[DUSTYCEDAR]

what he said^

[Shades of Green LService]

Groundskeeper Pro.

[J Hisch]

The software is not hard to use. An hour on the phone to set it up doesnt sound right, they do onsite installation and 2 days of training while there. plus you get free support for 6 months. They are a class act company. did you buy the software? the price scares away most smaller operations, but our crews enter their own production, and gets their own work to do once the season starts. I suggest unless you know your facts you stop making comments. Or supply me with your name and number and I will ensure you get the help you need.

[teeca]

i demo'd the real green, and it looks like it may take a bit to set up, but that is because it's a VERY powerfull program, it looks to have just about anything you could ever want when it comes down to reports/tracking employees/customers. just alittle more then i can spend, so i'm going w/ Qxpress. real green does offer interest free purchase, 1/3 down and the rest spread over 12mos. or something simular to that.

[The Lawn Crew]

J. Hisch. I know the facts. Don't post snide remarks. You certainly don't know the facts of my experience, wouldn't you agree? There you go...

For the price of this software it should come with a user's manual. It is not intuitive at all. It has all the feel of a DOS program from two decades ago.

[dblcspraying]

Try this. I use it and it seem to have what I need
www.gophersoftware.com

[Runner]

There really is no comparible software to the Realgreen system. Though there are some that may be a bit similar (Qxpress, etc.), none are as powerful or do as much as the Realgreen. I am waiting to take the plunge myself, and know that it is the inevitable. Right now, I have my my own home designed system in place, and while it is a slight bit more work entering data, it DOES allow me to do things that the Realgreen (or any other program) would not. As I say though, I know eventually, the choice will no longer be mine..I will HAVE to go with it - especially with the rate of growth we are doing. Which leads us to another chapter, altogether...the Realgreen systems has marketing abilities like no other that is packed under one roof.

[Russ]

Which leads us to another chapter, altogether...the Realgreen systems has marketing abilities like no other that is packed under one roof.
Very true. I attended one of their seminars where they were demonstrating what 21% of gross revenue turned back into advertising could produce in sales over a 3 year period. I had to wonder how effective their program and materials would be at less than 21%. Does anyone have any 1st hand experience?

[Green Dreams]

So I assume that Real Green is based in Indiana? I looked into Real Green and found y'all to be quite full of yourselves as well.

Acted like I was bothering you with questions.

I also had to laugh HARD when you sent one of your own customers a letter threatening him when he posted honest answers that were posted in a thraed like this.

Very sad. Bill Gates would be impressed though.

[teeca]

based in michigan

[J Hisch]

Post your Facts! Name of who you talked with, how you did not recieve a manual etc. then I might believe this story.

[teeca]

cabin feavor is setting in early this year!

[J Hisch]

Probably so! We havent even had one salt event this year....

[teeca]

one salt here, (because we do a few hospitals). i have 4 mowers stripped down to bear frame wating for paint from scag, they closed over the x-mass and new year holiday. spring couldn't get here soon enough!

[J Hisch]

Stipped to the frame, wow now that is time consuming...

[teeca]

sandblasted and all!, need to get them painted before i forget where all the parts go!! lol

[Victor]

sandblasted and all!, need to get them painted before i forget where all the parts go!! lol

Lol!!

Vic

[cemars]

J. Hisch. I know the facts. Don't post snide remarks. You certainly don't know the facts of my experience, wouldn't you agree? There you go...

For the price of this software it should come with a user's manual. It is not intuitive at all. It has all the feel of a DOS program from two decades ago.

I don't know the facts of your experience but here are the facts of mine. When I purchased the software a Real Green employee flew in and spent 2 days teaching me the basics of the software. They have an excellent call in support system to answer your questions, although you usually have to wait a bit to get a call back during busy periods. You can also e-mail questions to support through a easy to use feature in the program. They did supply a huge owners manual which I have rarely used because the help menu built into the software answers most questions and is updated regularly. Real Green software is constantly being updated and improved, I go to their site to update monthly. The software is very powerful and dynamic, it takes some time to get comfortable with but once you learn the ropes it is awesome.

[Runner]

Anytime I have ever talked to them, they have been very cordial, helpful, and informative. The salesman that is working with me has extended his invitation a few times to come down and tour the facilities. They are always ready and able to answer any questions about the program and software. I would have to see this other thread that was mentioned to believe it.

[scweedman]

You need to talk to them and get some questions answered.

[J Hisch]

Again like, I said I am not buying Lawn Crews stroy at this time.. unless he can provide the facts surrounding his claim. I too have had all great dealing with them.

Thec flew in 2spent 2 days with me, gave me a big manual, free support etc. My experience has bee just like Cremers.

[New Green]

I don't know the facts of your experience but here are the facts of mine. When I purchased the software a Real Green employee flew in and spent 2 days teaching me the basics of the software. They have an excellent call in support system to answer your questions, although you usually have to wait a bit to get a call back during busy periods. You can also e-mail questions to support through a easy to use feature in the program. They did supply a huge owners manual which I have rarely used because the help menu built into the software answers most questions and is updated regularly. Real Green software is constantly being updated and improved, I go to their site to update monthly. The software is very powerful and dynamic, it takes some time to get comfortable with but once you learn the ropes it is awesome.

"ditto":) :)

[Duekster]

I just set up Quickbooks Pro.

I wanted it to track all the different sales tax we have by city/county and State.

Job scheduling for me should not be too bad because I am commercial. Less accounts.

[The Lawn Crew]

They will fly in and provide you with two days support. You pay for their airfare and hotel. Customer Support? Sure, they have it. Leave your name and telephone # and they will get back to you. Want an instruction manual? Sure, just ask and we will send you one. We don't include it with the software. We will, however, include literature on every other product we offer, we'll even slip a cd in a folder for you to sift and find. We will not ship the software and manual together as a comprehensive software package. But if you're a good sifter and decipherer, this is the program for you.

It is NOT an intuitive program at all. If you think that you can load it on your computer and go--NO WAY! If you will be out in the field and need to hire a secretary, you will definitely either need to have time to train her, and it's a steep learning curve or pay Real Green's airfare and hotel cost and hope the person can learn the program in two days.

When the cd is loaded, there are a bunch of tasks involved with setting it up. You will need to find folders, copy contents, delete contents, re-paste content. Download new version, even though they just sent you their, presumably, latest version.

It looks like a lifelong partnership of paid support. So complex, even if it may be powerful, and so non-intuitive, that it just may not be worth it. At $2995 for a 500 account program, plus paying for support after 6 months--you really need to run a program like this and see if it fits your needs. Best done in the down time of winter, you do Do Not want this learning curve during the season.

It has the look and feel of a 20 year-old DOS program. If Microsoft made software that is this complex to operate, they would not be where they are today.

9000 customers in 3 years. Very good! I beleive they previously owned and sold a lawn care company. I'm curious to know how many of the old customers are on board with the "New" 9000 customer base. Non-competes only are good for so long...


Does anyone have a contact for SRS Software or Lawn Solutions?

[Rayholio]

I purchased the software about 4 months ago.. I have yet to use it. I'm hoping to get my 1st of the year activations sent out.. that said.. I have to weigh in on this..

1st the bad..
Free installation and training... Which they informed me after the sale that I would have to pay for... (yes, just travel epenses... but after a nearly 10K epense.. it should be included) I have yet to be able to afford the 'free training'

The manual... Yes.. I recieved a manual.. it's about 6,000,000 pages, and after trying to look a couple things up unsuccessfully.. Well.. it's been 'filed'

The software installation... Installation is a nightmare... My best buddy is a software developer, and based on what he has created from the ground, up... I can tell you that on the development side, this software is cut-rate, and put together by someone who has too little eperience.. Ever wonder why you have to unzip certain files to certain directories, etc? well they havn't invested in an install shield software to to the install for you. you also have to run all of the data maintenance manually.. then again.. I think that they WANT the software to be clunky to deal with so that you need to call support.

The interface.. from the point that I was asked to input a password with a 3 letter only username, I knew that something wasn't right.. I went strait to paramaters... and I wasn't having any trouble with initial setup... but the menus are unintuitive, and they try to squeeze too much info into a single screen.. It is very confusing at 1st.

Now.. lets talk about mapping... Powerful.. sure.. but did you know that to make your mapping work, all you need is a copy of MapPoint ($300) the functionality is built into the software... all they have to do is 'activate it'... But you're mistaken if you think that this mapping software is something that they developed from the ground up.. they just wrote some quick plug-ins to exchange lat and long data.. Map Point does all of the routing, mapping, etc. to add injury to insult... They sent me an acedemic version of mappoint... They saved $100... but Last time I checked, none of us are using this for school.. they'll get caught some day. so mapping... Not worth doubling the price for the software..

Support.. Yep.. you have a problem.. you call support.. then you stop what you're doing and wait by the phone for freaking 5 hours.. this PISSES ME OFF... This is paid support.. You would pay less for 24 HOUR SUPPORT through quickbooks, or microsoft... and they can't be troubled to answer calls as they come in? there's no excuse for it.

Now.. lets get on to the good...

The software is more than capable.. (so far) it seems to be able to automate every aspect of my service business.. someday it will reduce my office work to a trickle instead of a flood.. the amount of data you can input on each customer is astounding... the upsale features could one day pay for the software on their own.. There really is a lot this software can do that some of us may use, and others may never use.. but it's nice to have the options... the mapping is awesome.. being able to auto-generate a sales letter with all of their active neighbors as references is sweet.. If you have a big operation, this software is a must have...

My final thoughts....

They're asking too much money for the quality of the software... the fit, and finish just isn't there. And I know a lot of people don't agree... but it doesn't matter how functional something is if you can't figure out how to work it.. Being sent this software is like having someone park a space shuttle on your front lawn.. You can talk about how cool it is all day long, but you've got a lot more of those $600 confences, $50-$75 a month support calls.. and 'free' training to go before you'll ever make it into space!

I love the software... but only because it's the best thing available right now.. and in order to take advantage of the money back guarentee, you have to sacrifice 1000s in a 'restocking' fee. The money back guarentee is useless... so You'll LEARN to love it too! LOL

[The Lawn Crew]

Ray, you hit the nail on the head. Exactly. Well put and right on point.

There is other software. Lawn Solutions and SRS--which is what AScott's lawn Service utilized before Real Green.

If anyone has a contact for either of these two programs, I'sd appreciate the post.

[TSM]

So I assume that Real Green is based in Indiana? I looked into Real Green and found y'all to be quite full of yourselves as well.

Acted like I was bothering you with questions.

I also had to laugh HARD when you sent one of your own customers a letter threatening him when he posted honest answers that were posted in a thraed like this.

Very sad. Bill Gates would be impressed though.

not sure if i'm the guy green dreams is speaking of but i did get a letter from their lawyer threating me with a slander law suit.

actually i'm a fan of their software. been using it for many years. we were using the older lawn assistant 2 and in 2002 we upgraded to the newer LA 3. We do not pay the fees for their downloads and we dont need their tech support. So, even though we are using a older version (no updates since 2002) it works very well for us.

I was bitchin about their 1800lawncare scam ..... i mean marketing for success (or whatever they call it these days) on this message board when their lawyer contacted me. Seems they didnt appreciate me calling jim or brian liars! But when someone looks you in the eye and fabricates all sorts od sh*t just to get you to join them....then they are liars!

I know Val monitors this message board (hello Val)

[Green Dreams]

I didn't wanna post who, but it is good to see you still around here.

My former employer used LA and these gripes sure sound familiar.

[DanielCo]

The Lawn Crew,

You should try speaking with the guys at Practical Solutions, developers of The Service Solution. Great software designed by guys that had previously run very successful lawn care operation, and I understand is used by one of the larger lawn care companies in Canada.

It has all the features of real green mentioned above, comes with an easy to read reference manual, 12 months free technical support (and yes, they will answer the phone at the time of call, so most problems can be sorted there and then), and on site training.

You should contact Dave Murphy, he will be able to answer all of your questions. I am sure you will find him extremely knowledgable (sp?) and helpful.

I should add also that I am not a reseller of this software, just a very satisfied user.

[ant]

http://www.billmastersoftware.com/getting.htm
been with him for 15 yrs. now.

[gardenkeeper88]

For Me I Like Qxpress.

[cpel2004]

I wish we can have a side by side comparison of these software programs so we could compare apples to apples. No matter which software you purchased its a large investment, your running your company on it. The first thing I ask when ever I make any type of purchase, no matter if its software or equipment is how much is it going to cost me and then whats going to be my ROI(return on investment). It is a nightmare to buy lawn care software, you cant demo the unit you only have the word of the manufacture and other users. I wish there was a way that we could have an independent evaluations of the top 5 lawn care software program. I purchased a very well known software and I have never been happy or content with my purchase. Im in the market to purchase another software that will incorporate marketing features and right now to the best of my knowledge its only one software that can intergrate the marketing side with the service side.

[teeca]

i downloaded Qxpress over a year ago, same with groundpro, still demoing it. going to buy qxpress this month.

[scweedman]

maybe landscape magazines can do the test on the top 5 programs

[mrkosar]

that would be nice, but I got a feeling that the magazines have a vested interest in who would come out on top. i highly doubt that would even be an independent study. i know they promote several software companies, but who gives them the most money for their advertising...probably real green. i would like to see someone be able to compare them though.

i'm in the process of trying to figure out which one to go with next year. i'm currently using GP, but will have to make a switch to a more powerful program next year. Real Green just seems like it is the best fit since you can combine so many different aspects into this software. i am mildly worried after seeing some of these posts about poor customer service, extra costs, and the initial investment is huge....But every big company I research uses it. that speaks volumes about the software in my opinion. the question is, "will they give you the same customer service and attention they do to TruGreen Chemlawn?" probably not, but is there any software comparable?

[teeca]

that would be nice, but I got a feeling that the magazines have a vested interest in who would come out on top. i highly doubt that would even be an independent study. i know they promote several software companies, but who gives them the most money for their advertising...probably real green. i would like to see someone be able to compare them though.

i'm in the process of trying to figure out which one to go with next year. i'm currently using GP, but will have to make a switch to a more powerful program next year. Real Green just seems like it is the best fit since you can combine so many different aspects into this software. i am mildly worried after seeing some of these posts about poor customer service, extra costs, and the initial investment is huge....But every big company I research uses it. that speaks volumes about the software in my opinion. the question is, "will they give you the same customer service and attention they do to TruGreen Chemlawn?" probably not, but is there any software comparable?

good point, but a software change for a company the size of TG or scotts would/is a major cost, not just the programing, but the cost of retraining staff would be an overwelming cost to them. the program would just have to totaly suck, or real green go out of business. i was told that i could attend a training class at their home office in wallard lake mi for free, or have them come to me nd pay travel/lodging/and daily perdeum for their trainer.

[Forever Green Lawn]

We just upgraded to Real Green a few weeks ago. Overall, it was a smooth process. There are a few things in the set up that are a little outdated as was mentioned earlier, but you only set it up once. John spent 2 1/2 days with us and was very helpful. Once you get the basics down of entering data, it's easy to use. I think the hardest part was getting all the parameters in and deciding how you want to do things. This isn't a program you will have a complete understanding of in a week. There are a lot of reports and marketing tools to go through. There are a few things that probably could have been changed but overall, we like it.
As for the customer service, we haven't had any problems. We called and left a message and got a call back in 10 min. Never had a problem with anyone being rude and anything of the sort.
Yes, it is an expensive program, but like any piece of good equipment it will more than pay for itself. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Scott

[RigglePLC]

I heard that it was based on "Foxpro" an old Dos database. I am betting that big customers demand --and get good service. Realgreen's revenue has to come mainly from servicing these big accounts.
If you have software--how does it perform? If you cannot post checks and billings in about 5 seconds each--why not?
If you cannot find a customer account to review it in 5 seconds why not? I think software should allow you to begin sending out bills and have the printer start printing them in under two minutes. Today's computers are fast.

[Forever Green Lawn]

You can post checks very fast with the scanner. Reviewing customers is also simple. Printing invoices, pre-pay letters and statements is also simple and fast. It is based of Foxpro, while not cutting edge technology it still works well. We are no where the size of the national companies but we can't complain about the customer service. If that changes I'll let everyone know.

[Rayholio]

It dosen't bother me that the software is based on a standard of record keeping from the dos days... It is plenty fast after all.. maybe even faster than an access or an sql server database that you would see in more modern software...

I havn't noticed any real slow downs with the software on a modern laptop.. as far as that goes, it does sometimes crash.. especially with interfacing with mappoint... it concerns me that I have to perfrom manual data maintenence.. that is probably a sign of that dos standard.. and I make regular backups because I don't trust it.

Enering billing, and such info is quick.. It has the best customer record search utility I've ever seen.. fast.. havn't printed invoices yet... but 2 minutes sounds about right..

So.. Yea RealGreen is the way to go.. just know that it is frustrating at 1st.. and in my opinion, it shoudn't have to be.

[teeca]

question for you guy's that have realgreen, i was told that i needed to buy quickbooks to go along with it, so i could keep track of accounting. the question is, do you use quickbooks, and does it interface with realgreen? clip software claims to interface with quickbooks, however i haven't heard anybody that has consistant luck with clip doing it, let alone anything else sonsistantly.

[J Hisch]

I use QB with the software, but I do not make it flow together. I just use QB for dumping whole numbers into. meaning if my receivables were 10k then I enter a sales receipt for 10k in QB. The use it to write check etc.

[dblcspraying]

Gopher has alot to offer. Check it out
http://www.gophersoftware.com/

[The Lawn Crew]

Any other software out there that is easy to learn and implement? The Real Green manual is something like 1000 pages long. I don't want to read 1000 pages to learn a program. And what happens when you have to train staff? It's really a mess. Good for Real Green, they will always have revenue from technical support, which is not an immediate support whre someone answers the phone and gives you support. It's a "leave your phone # and someone will get back to you" type of support. A bit shoddy for a service one is paying for.

Anyone have a number for a guy in Michigan? Lawn Solutions? Or SRS Software, possibly bought out by Perfco printing?

[ant]

www.cbsbillmaster.com

[ant]

www.billmastersoftware.com

[DanielCo]

The Lawn Crew,

As I stated at the top of the previous page, you should have a look at The Service Solution, developed by Practical Solutions of Ohio.

This is an excellent scheduling and marketing software package designed almost specifically for lawn care operators.

There may be simpler software packages out there, but they will not have the marketing power of some of the better software packages. You can't have it both ways unfortnately.

I have used in the past QXpress, and found it to be quite difficult to learn how to use it to its full potential, hence my change to The Service Solution.

Try calling Dave Murphy on 785 242-8243. I am sure he can help you out.

[gardenkeeper88]

I have used in the past QXpress, and found it to be quite difficult to learn how to use it to its full potential, hence my change to The Service Solution.

The 1st winter was a little tough because it has so many things it can do but boy this year the new tings I did'nt use last year are a lot eaiser because I know how it works and man are ther a lot of time savers being worked in for this season.
I feel that any program is hard to learn the first season. QX was a lot eaiser than clip fo me any ways.

1 program won't be the 1 for every one try demos and ask a lot of ?s from the rep.

[Runner]

Anyone who has experience with both QX and RealGreen?

[The Lawn Crew]

That # you gave for Dave Murphy is no good.

[Rayholio]

have to share the latest on realgreen.. Again.. I'm still in my 1st year with the software..

I discovered that in order to renew my customers services for 2007, I have to call in and get a seriel number.. appearantly, this is something you have to do every year.. imagine trying to get everything lined out for you pre-pays, and having to drop everything for 4 hours while you wait for a rude tech to give you a call.. Cuz' that was me...

It really pissed me off.. I just got a bill for tech support the day before.. $100 per month!?! OMFG! for $100 a month, they should have on site 24.7 support.. or at least answer the phone when I call.. why am I waiting by the phone, and PC for 3-6 hours for a return call?

now I need to call tech support, but I don't because I can't afford to take half the day off.. Unless I can learn this software to a degree that I no longer need tech support, I'm going to have a hard time with it..

[New Green]

have to share the latest on realgreen.. Again.. I'm still in my 1st year with the software..

I discovered that in order to renew my customers services for 2007, I have to call in and get a seriel number.. appearantly, this is something you have to do every year.. imagine trying to get everything lined out for you pre-pays, and having to drop everything for 4 hours while you wait for a rude tech to give you a call.. Cuz' that was me...

It really pissed me off.. I just got a bill for tech support the day before.. $100 per month!?! OMFG! for $100 a month, they should have on site 24.7 support.. or at least answer the phone when I call.. why am I waiting by the phone, and PC for 3-6 hours for a return call?

now I need to call tech support, but I don't because I can't afford to take half the day off.. Unless I can learn this software to a degree that I no longer need tech support, I'm going to have a hard time with it..

I have been around software for along time. I have Real Green and have used it for about one year. It has had its bumps and bruises and frustrations. I have used software that has run as much as $30k and as little as $700.00. I have no desire to talk to techies on the phone and when I do I am frustrated. I have found that all software has a learning curve. I find that they all want to keep that monthly tech. support money rolling in. Those that have inexpensive monthly support generally give lousy service. Real Green is really not bad service. JMO. I would rather wait a few hours for a phone call from a competant tech, than instant service from an incompetant tech with language barrier problems. My recommendations: Hang in there, keep your cool and work on something else while waiting for that return phone call. I will bet you a year from now, you may have a frustration or 2 still, but your only regret will be why you waited so long to convert. I will tell you that I used a cheaper competitor and saved some $. But it cost me alot more in the long run.

[DanielCo]

The Lawn Crew,

Sorry my bad. That number again for Dave Murphy is 785 242-8343.

[lawnservice]

I have been around software for along time. I have Real Green and have used it for about one year. It has had its bumps and bruises and frustrations. I have used software that has run as much as $30k and as little as $700.00. I have no desire to talk to techies on the phone and when I do I am frustrated. I have found that all software has a learning curve. I find that they all want to keep that monthly tech. support money rolling in. Those that have inexpensive monthly support generally give lousy service. Real Green is really not bad service. JMO. I would rather wait a few hours for a phone call from a competant tech, than instant service from an incompetant tech with language barrier problems. My recommendations: Hang in there, keep your cool and work on something else while waiting for that return phone call. I will bet you a year from now, you may have a frustration or 2 still, but your only regret will be why you waited so long to convert. I will tell you that I used a cheaper competitor and saved some $. But it cost me alot more in the long run.
Amen and Amen

[J Hisch]

Ray that's funny you mention that becasue when I called for my munber the operator who answered the phone asked me for my company name and gave me the number right then and there.

[mwaller98]

they give u the number needed for renewing your cust base the instant you call. as far as the program itself it's awsome and does more than you want it too. however, i do agree that their tech support needs help, especially at this time of year. we pay 150 each month (100 for the main program and mapping and 50 each month for the gps handheld computer) for support/leasing the handheld and when i have to wait over 4 hours 3 seperate times in a two week period it really does get frustrating. however, with that said, i must repeat the software itself is awsome. I'm sure with more and more complaints about tech support, joe and the gang will get it right like they normally do.

[Rayholio]

I suppose the reason that they didn't just give me the code is that I asked for tech support... I wasn't aware that you couldn't change the active season without the code.. so I was calling to find out how to change the year.. LOL

I'm in much better spirits today.. I tried something new.. I entered a call request from their web site, and recieved a call back within 10 minutes today.. not once.. but twice!

so maybe they have good days, and bad days.. I've just only ever experienced their bad days until now..

other notes.. I finally got some use outta my software.. printed about 120 pre-pay letters for current, past, and prospect customers. I was impressed with the options, and customization that could go into just that one form.

So.. At risk of seeming moody.. LOL I'm happy with the software finally.

BTW, MWaller98.. How does that handheld work? I've had handhelds in the past, and it seemed like they didn't get much use... Is this functional enough that I won't leave home without it?

[Rayholio]

Maybe you realgreen users can help me out.. I was so proud of myself.. LOL I got all my pre-pays printed, and folded, then went out to find envelopes... it seems that Realgreen may have made their invoices in such a way that we're forced to buy their envelopes... is this a reality? is there anywhere else I can get #10 double window envelopes that are compatable with RealGreen invoices?

[New Green]

Maybe you realgreen users can help me out.. I was so proud of myself.. LOL I got all my pre-pays printed, and folded, then went out to find envelopes... it seems that Realgreen may have made their invoices in such a way that we're forced to buy their envelopes... is this a reality? is there anywhere else I can get #10 double window envelopes that are compatable with RealGreen invoices?

Ray,
It is in the setup when doing the pre-pays, there is a box for envelope type. You do not have to use their envelopes. They are quite reasonable though. I was also unaware of this box and was planning on using their envelopes, so I ended up using my old #10 window envelopes.

Feel free to PM me on anything you need

[mwaller98]

so far we love the handheld....no more wondering where the employees spent their day. already had 1 guy quit because he didn't like "big brother" watching over him but he was the next on the list to go so, that saves the un-employment benefits! trust but verify my superiors at the old leisure lawn instilled into me! these units definitely VERIFY!

no more production entry each day...no more estimate entry every day...no more map books...these things actually tell you how to get to where your going.

[Rayholio]

Yea, I think that you have to use their envelopes if you want a double window format.. that's ok.. I just ordered some of theirs.. They're worth it.. Just not fast enough for me!


As for the handheld, That sounds awesome.. you believe that they're worth it for a one-man operation? can you print quotes, and invoices on the road? does the handheld crash, or have data loss?

-Ray

[lawnservice]

one thing is for sure.......

64 responses and 1845 views of this thread.....

thats a lotta free advertising for real green, they must love you guys

[RigglePLC]

Well I am using MS Works database. One nice feature is that I can make it print "Customer Cards" or you might call them "Truck Cards" . I arranged it so that the computer prints on 6 by 8" cards. Name, address, directions to house, notes about dog, or call ahead, or special problems, number of rounds, grub control (yes or no), price, price for grub control, square feet, pounds of crabgrass control needed for that square feet, also grub control lbs, summer fert pounds. If prepaid--this is stamped on card manually with red rubber stamp. Cards have a "Route Order Number" which we enter in computer using paper map. We start on the west, put a dot on map for each customer, connect with pencil line, number dots and put number in computer and card. New customers fit between, using decimal points. Computer can put database in order by customer's route number instantly.

[The Lawn Crew]

Real Green seems like the real deal. Definitely more of a hardcore, up-to-date software developer than a marketing company. Plus, I heard they just finished a FREE 3- or 4-day marketing seminar in Myrtle Beach. Free, other than the airfare and hotel.

You really can't beat that!

[Rlclawnguy]

Well I just got back from that and only one day was free the other 3 days was the user conference which was not free. But now that we are back, I have nothing but great things to say about our experience. I just wish I could go again to learn more. There is always something new to learn and make you better at everything. We are really starting to make some progress with this program.

[mwaller98]

you can easily get by without the handheld for a 1 man operation. they are surely convenient though so it's up to you. no, you cannot print info out in the field. they need to be printed and imported into the unit before you go out(takes about 30 sec). our units have never crashed or lost any data.

hope this helps...good luck. just to let you know, the handheld unit is a TORQ N100. do a search online to research it. realgreen has their pocket LA software already installed with tomtom navigation.

[LawnsRUsInc.]

Any updates guys on how u like the software since the season has started?

[Rayholio]

I'm happy with it . I've discovered that their forms / envelopes are reasonably priced, and every time that I've had to get ahold of tech support (since the one bad experience) it's been relatively easy. (still over priced though)

as far as function.. for the 1st time ever, I can tell you who has treatments due now, next week, last week, or next month. I can tell you the economics of eash job, or the entire route. I'm no longer scared of a suprize inspection by the state. my records are impecable. I can tell you who has paid, and when. I don't have to manually figure out late fees. Communication with customers has improoved drasticly, with automatic monthly statments, and notes included with every invoice. Customers love it.

My Pre-pays went o.k. I had about a 20% response from existing customers. of those about 80% signed up for the Grub Tx Up-sale, and about 35% actually pre-payed. I believe that I would have had a better response if the Pre-Pay letters would have included a price and option for monthly payments. (the software is incapable of this)

Other than that, so far so good.

-Ray

[kappa915]

Rayholio,

How are you doing your records on real green? Do you enter product used during production and then print a report? If so which report?

Thanks

[Rayholio]

Well.. I don't use the software to keep track of my records at this time. I do enter any data I can during production, but the products I use change week to week, and year to year, and it's WAY too much trouble to set up each one. (It would be a full time job) So, at the end of the day, I log production in realgreen, and I'll put the amount of material that I used and a basic description (Pre-M for example)

Then I take the invoice stubs that were filled out at the job site, and verify that EPA #s, Lbs of product, etc are complete. I then staple them together and file them as my primary records in chronological order along with the automaticly printed daily production log (for quick reference)

There may be an easier way... I'm self taught on the software.. (Still can't afford the FREE training)

[mwaller98]

ray...the software does allow for a monthly "coupon" payment. i'm not sure if this is what you are speaking of but we have the ability to send a customer 12 equally priced coupons they mail in each month with their payment.

[Rayholio]

Sure.. but how do you have the software generate a quote, or pre-payment promotion to send out in january, which includes a payment options for Monthly / Yearly / or Per Treatment all in on form? That's what I'm looking for..

[Nathan Robinson]

Dont be scared to make comments about realgreen. Realgreen is overpriced but lawn and pest assistance 3 is the best I have seen yet.......
loved your comment lawn Crew.!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a long ass process to get all that crap set up and my OLD boss had a problem with it often but he would never admit it to you! Nathan

[Rayholio]

It seems that anything worth having is over priced.. And I don't see any other software coming close ATM... but LPA3 is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. but It's the best we got...

It's kinda like having to vote for either Bush or Kerry when what you really want is regan.

[Nathan Robinson]

very well said!

[Lance L]

how did everyone turn out for last year running the program for a full season???

just bought it but estimates to do out the you know what... wasnt happy with the training so i didnt sit in and let my father go through it on his own, im better self taught anyways, just no time. need a little help setting some things up, like parameters and questions about some of the processes, if anyone is willing to help please pm me!!!

thinking of getting a realgreen/lawnsite mailing list together for questions and help, think it would be cool since there IS so much this program can do, to share ideas and things that we stumble upon. handful of us in the major cities so i doubt we would be giving any competetive edges away =)

thanks in advance

[humble1]

Probably so! We havent even had one salt event this year....

lost track over 12 plowable storms, wife cant spend it fast enough

[Dandylyin Slayer]

Does anyone know the big differences between Real Green and Lawn monkey ?

I know the upsell features on Real Green are suppose to be better. Lawn Monkey uses bar coding and routing they also have hand helds.

Anybody know if there are big differences and some examples ?