Does Anybody Recomend Any Software For Manageing This Buisness???

[A-Z LAWNCARE]

HELLO

I WAS JUST WONDERING IF ANY BODY HAD ANY FEED BACK ON SOFTWARE OUT THERE FOR OUR INDUSTRY THEY MAY HAVE TRIED AND LIKED, OR IF ANY BODY USES ANY SOFTWARE CURRENTLY.

JUST WONDERING AND LOOKING FOR SOME ADVICE?

ALEX
A-Z LAWN CARE INC.:dizzy:

[Runner]

It depends on what you're utilizing currently for your accounting program. There are a FEW different programs out that work very well. First, you have to consider two things. How much do you have to keep track of currently, and how much (where are your projections) do you intend on keeping track of in the near future? (next 2-3 years). First, for accounting, you have a choice. You can go with one of these small packages, like "My Deluxe Software", which offers your basic invoicing, statement, estimates, and so forth, (and does a pretty good job, I might add) for a relatively cheap price. This is great for a small business, like a solo operator. Next up, you have packages like Quicken (a few different versions of packages) which will also do taxes and payroll for you. Next up, you have packages like Quickbooks and Quickbooks Pro, which are both offered by Microsoft. Now, THESE are EXCEllent packages for ANY business, as it can figure payroll, taxes, and many other operations along with that. Now, to get to the REAL deal. The packages for US. These programs work WITH the accounting package of QB Pro. There are a few great packages out there, and two of the probable most common are CLIP and Lawn Monkey. Clip has done some improvements in the last few years, from what I understand, and Lawn Monkey has ALWAYS offered many great features including routing and estimating to go with all the other features anyone would need for this business. The best thing to do is to research each one, and ask people who have used both, to dtermine which is best for you. Obviously, depending on your size and volume, there are programs that are best suited for your needs. I hope this helps, and there are plenty of otheres on here that use or have used these different packages. You will learn aLOT more from them than you will from me. :D Good luck, and I hope whatever package you choose, it will suit you just perfectly.;)

[A-Z LAWNCARE]

I WILL CHECK INTO THIS CLIP PROGRAM I HAVENT HERD OF THIS ONE YET .

I HAVE A DEMO OF LAWN MONKEY IT IS 2844.00 FOR THE COMPLETE PROGRAM ( OUCH)

AZ:alien:

[mowerman90]

You will undoubtedly get many replys to this post reccommending Clip, Lawn Monkey, Quickbooks Pro and many more. They are all large programs that require you to spend several hundred dollars and are so complicated (IMHO) that you'll wish you hired a bookeeper. I've been using a program called Medlin Accounts Receivable for the last 10 years or so and it costs less than $50. It's simple to learn and use. You can e-mail statements and invoices from it if you want. It's easily cutomisable and will print invoices/statements to plain paper or pre-printed forms. It does NOT have any type of scheduleing module. But if you're like me or most of the people on this board, you don't have more than 100 customers to begin with so you should be able to schedule that many using index cards or a simple calendar. You can try Medlin for free by downloading it from their website at www.medlin.com It's a small program so it doesn't take long to download either.

[MacLawnCo]

Originally posted by A-Z LAWNCARE
I HAVE A DEMO OF LAWN MONKEY IT IS 2844.00 FOR THE COMPLETE PROGRAM ( OUCH)

AZ:alien:

Do you really need the full blown version of LM? I doubt it, but if you do, look into leasing it. You can lease it for a couple hundred per yr and the lease payments are direct write offs. Not so expenseive now in my opinion.

Turn off your capps.

[lawn and stump]

I have had Clip since 1992 and it has been good for me.
They have a quick-clip that is very affordable and it can be upgraded as your business grows. I have a friend that bought a different program at the same time and his no longer offers support.
He is switching to Clip but is having to enter all his customers and if loosing years of customer history. If you plan to grow your business don't pick software you will out grow!

[Farmboy]

I see you are in springfield mo. there is a dealer for clip in springfield.

[philk17088]

I'm looking for software that will run on a Mac computer. Any ideas? Iv'e been pondering the clip program for awhile. If there isn't a Mac version,I'll have to buy a PC.

[Rob T]

I bought Clip in '97. What a WASTE of MONEY!
I spent $800 for the software , they said I could try it and return it if I didn't like it. Yeh right, I tryed to return it within the 30 days, when I called the guy convinced me to keep it for a few more days. When I call back the same guy tells me theres "NO WAY" he's taking it back because now it's "past 30 days". (32 days as I recall)


Then, they never even gave me a registration#.
Did you know you have to get a registation # from them even after you fork over the big $$$ for the software. Without the reg# the software won't work. What kind of Co. is that? Seems they are more concerned with piracy then they are with paying customers.

If you use the software for a while and decide you want to go a different route, they CHARGE YOU to sell the software to someone else. ($300 for the program I had, a user Re-registration fee they call it)

They will promise you the world untill they get your check. After they have your money forget it!

That's OK though because I personaly DON'T want to run my company with a computer program that opens with a cartoon. A goofy cartoon at that!

Just my 2.5 cents. I would look elseware.
BTW, they STILL have my $800 and I still DON'T have a reg#, I'm pretty sure thats theft.

[walker-talker]

I purchased the Lawn Monkey program almost a month ago and like it so far. They have a support forum right here on lawnsite.com I paid $749 for my version.

Good luck
MATT

[KirbysLawn]

I bought Lawn Monkey and it has worked out great. While I have downsized by about 50% and I don't "need" a program to manage my accounts it has proven to be worth it. I just sent out letters to several catagories of customers, fertilizing/aeration/aeravation/full service, each group got a different letter. With the click of a few buttons produced a letter for that group, I printed and signed them and they are gone, that was great! It si also perfect for reminding you of fertilizing jobs, insect treatments, and so on.

Support and service has been solid and better than I ever expected.

[Stonewall]

Ray,

Maybe I missed the discussion elsewhere. What prompted you to downsize so much?

[The Mowerdude]

I've been using CLIP since 1995. In one of their ads in PRO magazine, they had a testimonial where a CLIP user stated that CLIP gave him his life back. I could not have said it any better. It has been an extremely powerful tool for organizing and maintaining the administrative end of my business.

Admittedly, the price seems quite high when compared to generic software programs that have been written for businesses in general. But that's only because of the industry specific nature of Sensible Software's customer base. When Quicken goes to market, anyone with any kind of business is a potential customer. Not so with the Green Industry people.

Originally posted by Rob T
I bought Clip in '97. What a WASTE of MONEY!
I spent $800 for the software , they said I could try it and return it if I didn't like it.

For $800 you must have gotten what they call the "Small Business Solution." That allows you to oversee up to 125 accounts, whereas to get unlimited customers, you have to buy the upgrade for....well, I don't know how much it is because I've been out of touch with them the last few years. However, with all due respect, if you didn't like it, it must have been because you didn't WANT to like it. Let's face it. $800 is the price of 2 good string trimmers. If that's too much money for you to invest into your business then you're probably in the wrong business. However, the rest of your complaints I'm going to coraborate.


[QUOTE]Yeh right, I tryed to return it within the 30 days, when I called the guy convinced me to keep it for a few more days. When I call back the same guy tells me theres "NO WAY" he's taking it back because now it's "past 30 days". (32 days as I recall) [QUOTE]

This is typical! Truth be known, I don't really believe they've ever honored a money back guarrantee. I've never seen anyone with so many twists and turns when it comes to "fineprinting" the customer to death. And these folks will do this even at the expense of losing the customer. Good will means NOTHING to these people. They don't care! During one converstation that I had with them I just came right out and said: "Why don't you just call me a lying thief to my face." They have what I call the "HA HA, STUPID, YOU LANDED ON BOARDWALK AND I'VE GOT MOTELS, SUCKER!!! NOW YOU'RE GOING TO PAY!" mentality.


[QUOTE][/i] When, they never even gave me a registration#.
Did you know you have to get a registation # from them even after you fork over the big $$$ for the software. Without the reg# the software won't work. What kind of Co. is that? Seems they are more concerned with piracy then they are with paying customers.[/B][QUOTE]

The registration # is some kind of time key. The way it works is this:

They make it seem like they're doing you a huge favor by letting you have the software for a downpayment. At least that's the way it worked for me because I didn't have all the money at the time. But the registration # is sent to you after you've paid for the program in full. If you don't pay in full, the program shuts down after 30 days and it's useless. And this is what I'm talking about when I say they have this "monopoly" mentality. You've put up a $400 deposit, decided you didn't like the program, then they stall you until the 30 days is up and don't give you the "key" (reg. #) and refuse your money back. Now you're out your money and the program is useless. The ONLY way to salvage this situation is to pay the rest of the money to get the key, then pay the late penalty that's in the fineprint and take the verbal scolding from the salesperson when he explains that if you weren't a thief and trying to rip them off, this wouldn't have happened in the first place.

And, you're absolutely correct. They ARE more concerned with piracy than helping the customer. And for what? The program is written in FoxPro. There are FoxPro programmers on every street corner. IMO, it's the peak of arrogance to assume that no one else has the ability to write such a program and they all need to STEAL it. Gimme a break!

[QUOTE][/i]If you use the software for a while and decide you want to go a different route, they CHARGE YOU to sell the software to someone else. ($300 for the program I had, a user Re-registration fee they call it)[/B][QUOTE]

Yup, absolutely right!. They take the attitude that you haven't actually bought the software but rather, you've bought the license to only "USE" the software. It's that fineprint thing again. If you sell your business, the new owners have to buy a license as well. Not only that, but if you move your business to a new location, they'll charge you $50-$100 just to change the address on your invoices. But, it gets better. As long as you're a CLIP user, you're expected to buy a mandatory minimum of tech support every year. And it aint cheap. If you're like me and you go through a time period where your business is really running on a shoe string AND you don't pay the yearly fee, you'll be expected to bring everything current when you DO make contact. Otherwise they will have nothing to do with you. For example, let's say that you'd like to have their link to QuickBooks. I don't remember the price, but it seems that it was $400 the last time. And for example, let's say that you haven't paid for any tech support for 3 years. If you call them on the phone, the very first thing that they'll ask for is payment for the the 3 year's tech support, the current year's tech support and THEN and only then will they talk to you about the link to QuickBooks.

[QUOTE][/i]They will promise you the world untill they get your check. After they have your money forget it![/B][QUOTE]

Right again! That's because you're only a 2nd class citizen and you were put on this earth to serve them anyway. I word it this way because I don't know how else to describe the incredible arrogance that has been displayed to me with virtually every conversation I've had with them over the years.

The Bottom Line. The CLIP program itself is one of the most awesome tools I've ever seen for our industry. It's well written, smooth running, flexible and powerful. I really don't think that any competitor could ever better it.

But Sensible Software REALLY SUCKS!! They are arrogant, condesending and they assume that EVERYONE is trying to rip them off. And as a result, they trust no one and they pass over NO opportunity to rip the customer off. And after so many years, they're very good at it.

My granddaddy always said that if you meet a man that doesn't trust you, you can't trust him. I think that describes Sensible Software to a "T." If they went out of business tomorrow, I wouldn't lose one minute of sleep over it and I've been waiting for YEARS to voice my feelings about these SOBs. Thank you Rob for lighting this candle.

[Sean Adams]

I would voice your concern to the owner of Sensible Software - Dave Tucker. I know Dave and I know he has a reputation for solving problems. I agree, CLIP is an amazing tool. The people who use it seem to bond together and support oneanother like no group I have ever seen. Sometimes dealing with individual salespeople puts a bad taste in one's mouth. I believe it is best to go straight to the top to find the answers you need. Give them a call at 800-635-8485 and ask to speak to Dave.

[KirbysLawn]

Mr. Dude, interesting post, glad I bought LawnMonkey, they have treated me like their most important customer every time I called/emailed them. BTW, it should be [/quote] at the end of each quote, you forgot the "/" in your [quote] at the end of the quote.

Jonathan, I had surgery and have had problems with that since, still recovering so I had to drop back some.

[devildog]

But Sensible Software REALLY SUCKS!! They are arrogant, condesending and they assume that EVERYONE is trying to rip them off. And as a result, they trust no one and they pass over NO opportunity to rip the customer off. And after so many years, they're very good at it.

WOW, AM I GLAD I DID'NT BUT IN LAST YEAR, CAME O-SO-CLOSE. THANK YOU MOWERDUDE. With Regards... devildog

[1grnlwn]

WoW that was an informative post. I thought it was a rip-off when you have to buy tax multipliers from Quickbooks every year. These are # the government gives you for free but quickbooks wants to charge you for them. So I calculate them by hand. You know once you have a business people want to get in your pocket extra deep. Thats BS about changing your address. Anybody used lawn and pest assistant III? t is for application and looks really complete. I am afraid to even ask how much. Guessing about $5000.

Mark

[walker-talker]

1grnlwn, is that from real green? I have a demo and video tape they sent me. I put the tape in and go so lost I had to turn it off. It was confusing the hell out of me. If memory serves me right, it was very expensive. I think Lawn Monkey was expensive, but it very powerful, yet simple to operate.

MATT

[1grnlwn]

Walker, Yes it is and I have only looked at 1/2 the tape but it had ideas on how to improve the application bus. It is definitely designed for the big guys. I must look at the whole thing soon.

[lawn and stump]

Wow- I have never had a bad experance with sensible software.
When I bought my Clip program in 1992 I paid about $600 it was back in the dos days! I have upgraded to windows and now visual Clip. After learning the job costing feature at a clip conference I have made my business so much more profitable.
when I bought clip I thought I was paying too much for a computer disk. Now this tool that a bought and learned how to operate makes me tons of profit every year.The software I bought in 92 was like a 48'' bobcat belt drive 11hp it is now like a 60" lazer yes I paid my $85 per year warrenty but software needs updating it gets better each year. Learning a program takes time and work. I didn't know how to turn on my new computer 16mz! in 1992

[Darb]

Wow, it is very enlightening to read the complaints on CLIP. It is even more so finding that there are people that concur on the same points.

[devildog]

Darb,
Are you a CLIP user, with the same experiences as the mowerdude? We came oh-so-close last winter, to purchasing it. I would certainly like for this dialoge to continue. "WHERE'S THE BEEF?"... LETS HEAR FROM MORE OF THE CLIP USER'S. With Regards...devildog

[bruces]

Originally posted by 1grnlwn
WoW that was an informative post. I thought it was a rip-off when you have to buy tax multipliers from Quickbooks every year. These are # the government gives you for free but quickbooks wants to charge you for them. So I calculate them by hand. You know once you have a business people want to get in your pocket extra deep. Thats BS about changing your address. Anybody used lawn and pest assistant III? t is for application and looks really complete. I am afraid to even ask how much. Guessing about $5000.

Mark

Somewhat off topic, but how much time do you spend calculating the payroll manually?

Not to especially defend Quickbooks, but each year they have to program the payroll tax changes in to their program for any updates during the year.

The $150 or so per year would be well worth it to me to make sure the payroll tax deductions are accurate.

Almost any software that I have seen that does payroll will charge for annual updates or maintenance.

After all, that is how they generate ongoing income after the initial sale.

[The Mowerdude]

What happened to David Tucker's post?

I got up this morning and checked my email. I saw that Dave had responded to this thread. Then I read the post and he made some good points in favor of Sensible Software. I was going to prepare a reply of my own when the phone rang. Then after the phone rang, I had to do some other stuff. Now that I'm back, I see Dave's post is gone.

Any help?

At any rate, I at least got to read it once, so I'll respond to the part that I remember.

Dave

You made a point about my possibly dealing with one person who may not be at the company anymore. I got to thinking about that and I realized that, YES, in fact, I've only ever dealt with one person and in all fairness, HE may in fact be the real problem. Or I should say, he might have BEEN the problem. (past tense) Mind you, it's been quite a number of years since I had any dealings with Sensible Software so my memory is sketchy. The program itself is so good that it has a way of healing wounds. What I do remember is how livid I was at the gall and attitude that this person displayed to me. Please forgive me if I've unfairly associated the entire company with the actions of one individual. If this is the case, I honestly would hate to see many hardworking LCOs pass up buying a CLIP program when IMO, it has been the very best investment I've ever made. I truly LOVE the CLIP program, itself. It really ROCKS and it always has.

Maybe the post I read was in fact, a private message. I'll go check.

[1MajorTom]

MowerDude:

In keeping with fairness to all the great Lawnsite Sponsors we have here, including Lawn Monkey Software, Dave's post was removed.

Dave received an e-mail notifying him of the removal of his post.
I believe it is only fair if a software cmmpany wants to interact with our members, or plug or praise their product and their customer service, then rightly so they should become a sponsor.

Otherwise, this wouldn't be fair to our paying sponsors.

[Darb]

Originally posted by devildog
Darb,
Are you a CLIP user, with the same experiences as the mowerdude? We came oh-so-close last winter, to purchasing it. I would certainly like for this dialoge to continue. "WHERE'S THE BEEF?"... LETS HEAR FROM MORE OF THE CLIP USER'S. With Regards...devildog
No, I am not a CLIP user. However, we were impressed with their program. CLIP was one we were most interested in however, we don't want to be mistreated.

On surveys that ask "Where did you hear about us?" I typically answer "From a friend". I do this so the company will place their emphasis on their customers... instead of just trying to get new customers and forgetting their old ones.

It sounds like CLIP needs to work on this.

[devildog]

Originally posted by 1MajorTom
MowerDude:

In keeping with fairness to all the great Lawnsite Sponsors we have here, including Lawn Monkey Software, Dave's post was removed.

Dave received an e-mail notifying him of the removal of his post.
I believe it is only fair if a software cmmpany wants to interact with our members, or plug or praise their product and their customer service, then rightly so they should become a sponsor.

Otherwise, this wouldn't be fair to our paying sponsors.

Do you mean to say, for Dave Tucker to have the privilege to interact with the members of this forum, he needs to be a sponor?

I was fortunate to have read his post prior to its abduction, "IT DID NOT PLUG OR PRAISE THEIR PRODUCT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE".....so say you

With all due respect; your action was PROVOKING, PREVINCIAL & PUGNACIOUS..... so say I. With Regards...devildog

[The Mowerdude]

Originally posted by Darb
....we don't want to be mistreated..... It sounds like CLIP needs to work on this.

It may be that they already have worked on this and solved the problem. As I said earlier, the problems I had with the one salesperson that I was dealing with, happened quite a few years ago.

[1MajorTom]

devildog:

please read this thread.
http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?threadid=25718&highlight=clip

Now maybe they changed their mind and now want to be part of this community again. That's what I was trying to find out.

Please let me know after you read that thread if you still feel my actions were PROVOKING, PREVINCIAL & PUGNACIOUS.

Thanks,

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

Back to the topic. I'll be purchasing software for my biz soon. Thought this thread would help me, but now I seem more confused. I'm solo, no payroll, manage 60 accounts. Need something to print billing statements, do proposals. Don't really need a scheduling feature. Any suggestions????

[odin]

First everybody dont mess around with our beloved jodi in my opinion she is very fair.


lawns and mowers

If you use windows quickbooks is good you can get it at best buy.
If use mac they are also bringing out a brand new quickbooks 5.0 for mac.
Also for mac myob is a good accounting program.

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

What's the verdict on Groundskeeper Pro?????
Jodi is fair, but I must admit, I've had some threads moved which I thought shouldn't have been.

[odin]

lawns and mowers
I think jodi has a very difficult job at times.

now back to business
Groundskeepers pro is good for the scheduling and proposals but its not as good as a dedicated accounting program for the accounting part.If you want and all in one lawn monkey looks good or maybe a clip add on for quickbooks

[HBFOXJr]

suppliers Lawn Monkey and QXpress.

Even though you only have 60 accounts now there is a need for scheduling. It's better than remembering. You'll have all kinds of records to go back to. You'll have a product you can grow with and use for growth.

It's better to spend more than you planned, than less than what you should have.

[devildog]

Thank you for the responce, it will take some time to digest the posts from the tread you've kindly provided. From the CLIP post of 2/26:

The words from the Administrator "Clip no longer wants to be affiliated with the community." couldn't be further from the truth.

Our advertising agreement with LawnSite.com expired in November and we opted not to renew the agreement.

We are investing our time and resources in our own unmoderated forums. All comments are welcome there also.

We welcome all comments. The only way to grow and get better is by listening and responding to our users' compliments and complaints. You may email any and all comments to service@clip.com .

Thanks to all who have posted here in regards to CLIP Software.


The difficulty we (or some) who are watching this tread develop is the monpolistic presence over the posts which do not tow the party line.

The pretense used to justify the removal of this mornings post is nothing short of prevarication. The folks at CLIP simply decided to go their own way, by not renewing the agreement. I and most others who use this forum understand the financial needs to keep this going. However, some have forgotten it is the users whom make it work. The prestidigitation used today simply calls into question the integrity the mission of what this forum is for, THE USER. And their support of the sponsors it evident every day. Some introspection is due, past due!

The generosity by the Adminisrators to keep things tidy is acknowledged. And by neccesity PROVOKING, BUT UNFORTUNATELY NARROW-MINED. You won't find out if they want to be part of this community by being QUARRELSOME over the simple post CLIP made this morning. It concludes how I feel about your actions.

Sometimes all thats neccessary to advance onto the next level, IS OPEN THE DOOR!!!!!! What can possibly be done by handcuffing the dialouge. Using equivocal responses will not advance the agenda. With Regards... devildog

[1MajorTom]

Quote by devildog: The folks at CLIP simply decided to go their own way, by not renewing the agreement.


Exactly! Now we're getting somewhere.
That's exactly what I thought, so I was surprised to see their return. I didn't just remove their post without any notification.
Of course I e-mailed Dave to tell him that presently I had removed his post, and I was wondering about his intentions. (since just like you said, they decided to go their own way, I was confused as to their return.)

Dave, very promptly replied back, and I told him that I was handing his question over to the owner of this site Chuck Keough.
Chuck ultimately has the final decision, and I believe Chuck is a fair guy. He not only looks out for his present sponsors, but he also cares about all the members here. So I'm sure he will make the best possible decision.

[trimmasters]

I can fully and completely concur with every problem that pertains to Clip. It was a horrible experience and I could recommend it to no one. We have since moved to real green and could not be happier.

[odin]

trimmasters

You got a web link for real green id like to look it over

[trimmasters]

Thanks for the easy question, lol Its http://www.realgreen.com

[The Mowerdude]

Wow, it's amazing how things changed from the time I left earlier today and got back this evening. This thread has really turned into a HOT topic. (I'm so thrilled to have been at least a small part of it! :blush: )

I went back and read the thread from Feb of this year. Yes, I see that others have indeed had the same problems that I had. And I see that the Annual Service Agreement (ASA) is a sticking point with quite a few. It was one of my major complaints.

While Dave, earlier today, pointed out that the ASA was NOT required, this is NOT the way it was represented to me. It wasn't until I needed some tech support that I found out that what I had bought and thought I still had, expired with the beginning of the fiscal year. Since I had gone for a couple of years without having a problem, I was tapped to catch up on my being "in arrears." At the time, I stated that I wasn't aware of the ASA being mandatory. The reply I got from Micheal was: "Well, technically it isn't, but then again, we don't have to help you with your tech problem either." So he had me by the short hairs.

Since I'm airing out my laundry here, here are the other 2 complaints that I've had. Each time I was dealing with Michael. So maybe the problem is Michael and maybe it's the way Michael was instructed. Who's to know? But it's very obvious that Michael likes to play a stick and carrot game.

The first real problem was when I bought CLIP I was promised a couple of free passes to the CLIP conference that year as part of my buying the program. As all CLIP users know, the conference is held in November. I bought my program late in the year and was really tight on money because I had been losing business. In fact, that's the entire reason I bought the CLIP program was to try and plug the holes. Even with passes to the conference promised to me, I still didn't have the money to pay for travel, hotel, meals, etc. I made a simple request. I wanted to trade my passes for passes to the following year's conference. The answer was a resounding "NO."

Next problem. I've been so impressed with the software itself, that I've told a number of my LCO buddies about it. One came and looked at it and decided it would be worth the money for himself as well. Michael told me that I could get a commission for my friend buying it. My friend bought it. But I never got my commission. When I called to complain, Micheal said that I misunderstood him. I was supposedly to buy the program myself for "x" amount and then sell it myself to my friend at a profit that was to be my commission. But since my friend came to Sensible Software himself, they had no way of verifying that he was sent by me. Hence, too bad for me. Michael and I argued over this but after I realized I was to get nowhere, I promised him that the day would come when this would come back around to haunt them. That day is NOW!

Man this feels goooooooooooooooooooooodddddddd!!!!!!!!!!!

[Premo Services]

[HBFOXJr] suppliers Lawn Monkey and QXpress.

Even though you only have 60 accounts now there is a need for scheduling. It's better than remembering. You'll have all kinds of records to go back to. You'll have a product you can grow with and use for growth.


I will agree with harold, I have been using Qxpress from www.alocet.com .
The program integrates with quickbooks. It has taken the tasks of scheduling, invoicing, setting up contract payments, and one time jobs, and made them a lot easier. Their customer support is second to none. They will go out of their way to help when a problem comes up. I have been very happy with the decision to get this program!!!! :D :D :D

[Administrator]

This is Dave Tucker's original reply.

+++++++++

Response to "The Mower Dude"
Well, someone referred me to this thread so that I could see what was being said about our company and service.

Obviously, I appreciate the good words about CLIP and what it can do for you.

As far as the experience that "TheMowerDude" and "Rob T" have had, I can only apologize for the impression that they received about our service.

I can assure you that people have taken advantage of the 30 day return period and we are careful to honor that and we have even honored returns far beyond the 30 day period. It could be that the person you were working with is no longer employed here. Just like with your own company, you are only as good as the people that represent you.

It is true that if a company purchases the software on payments and they do not fullfill their side of the bargain, the software will stop functioning.

It is not true that you have to pay for support each year. If you want to be continually updated with the newest software, you can purchase renewals at a very reasonable rate but we do not force you to do so.

I would like anyone that is disatisfied with service or issues with CLIP to contact me directly - dave@clip.com and I would like to hear about it.

Our goal is continue to produce helpful software and service for companies like your own to help you be successful. We try hard to do just that so if it was not done in your case, we would like to know.

Anyway, I wll be checking this thread but feel free to email me directly as well.

[Sean Adams]

I'm not telling anyone, especially Jodi how to do their job. In fact, Jodi does a great job - as does Chuck and the other moderators. However, I have to disagree on this one (pulling Dave Tucker's reply). If people are bashing, questioning, and/or praising your company, you should at least have the opportunity to respond accordingly. That's just my opinion in regard to what is fair.

I assumed Dave would catch wind an respond. As I posted earlier, he is a problem solver. And like Dave said in his post (that Chuck shows above) - your company is only as good as the people who represent you and work for you - sometimes a difficult pill to swallow.

I think this is a very informative and helpful topic being discussed. I can only say, as I have said before.... still have not seen anything that compares to CLIP.

[hoyboy]

I've been a Clip user for over 10 years now. I'll be the first to admit that I am biased toward them. They are not perfect, they are human. They are expensive. They do make mistakes, and they will admit that.

I can't tell you how many times on this forum I've heard people bragging about "I'm not the cheapest in town, but I'm the best" or some version of that. Complaining about lowballers and customers who don't know what it costs to do the job right.

Hmmm...maybe we should look in the mirror, huh? Clip is one of the few companies that I can honestly say are always looking to improve for the betterment of themselves and their customers. It takes money to do that, and I use their service because I know that they will keep my company on the cutting edge of technology. You should hear Dave tell what's in store for the future Clip customer! Clip competetors are going to be left in the dust...not because they are technologically illiterate, but because they don't have the same drive that Dave and Co. do.

I'll pay the premium Clip requires to give me premium service, sorta like I charge a premium to my customers.

Dan Norton

[KLMlawn]

First, I have to say that in all fairness to the concept of this site, for the sharing of knowledge and information to improve and help our industry grow, references to non-sponsors should not be removed. Just because a company pays money to support this site doesn't necessarily mean their product is the best for "everyone".
I am sure that CLIP is a great program, with many time saving features, good technical support, etc.,etc., but for the price of the main program, then if you need add on modules to integrate it with QB, mapping and so on, it can get to be a bit more than a smaller operation like mine can afford and may offer way more options than I may ever want or need. With that said, if someone else who is a member of this site is using a product that provides the neccesary functionality for a smaller business and costs much less, then not only they, but everyone should be allowed the option to view and utilize this information.