Pda

[btbej]

I used the pda in my last sales job and would not think about being without it in this business. The key is having the right software which for me is ACT. Great customer database and keeps track of my sales opportunites etc.

I think in this business sales and customer service is the key and if someone calls me in the middle of mowing I like to pull the pda out and log the conversation into my program.

[LawnPerfect]

That sounds interesting. Right now Im using my laptop but really hate the hassle of it all. If I can quit eating and scratching my belly long enough I will have to go check them out.

[ArchiesLawns]

Hey Lawndoctorllc, I was wondering how you like the Lawn Doctor franchise? I was looking at there info a couple of months back. Do you have any info you could share?

Thanks
Archie

[lawnman_scott]

I thought they were a useless waste of money, till i got one. in a matter of secs i can look up when a customer paid last. The file is syncronized with my computer daily, so its always up to date. It was worth every penny

[ArchiesLawns]

Scott, what brand did you get? And how easy is it to download from your computer? Any other tips or info?

Thanks

[lawnman_scott]

I have a 5455, the 5555 replaced it this year. I keep my customer payments and addresses in databases in ms works on the computer. at night i put the pda on the charger that is hooked to the computer for syncronizing, and whatever changes were made during the day (checks that were put in the computer during the day, or new customer addresses) are changed in the pda. It takes about 20 seconds to do this. It helps out greatly in many ways. If i have a note to write i can use the voice recorder, write it on the screen, or type it in. It has handwriting recognition, so if you dont write too badly, you can convert your handwriting to text.

[LawnPerfect]

Originally posted by ArchiesLawns
Hey Lawndoctorllc, I was wondering how you like the Lawn Doctor franchise? I was looking at there info a couple of months back. Do you have any info you could share?

Thanks
Archie

Im not a franchise. I am simply an LLC dba "Lawn Doctor". Legally registered in the states of Mississippi and Alabama. I get asked this question all the time, lol, maybe I will put the above statement in my signature.
IMHO I dont see the value in the extra expense you will pay to buy into a franchise operation such as "lawn doctor" or "u s lawn". (In case you were wondering as to my thoughts on the matter) LOL

[broken leg]

I use a pocket computer. It's great I have a singal locator and know were there are singles at certain hotels when out working and want to check the radar for rain or my email just pull in turn on go right in on there network. They never know im there except when they see my trailer in parking lot.

[ArchiesLawns]

Lawnman Scott, Thanks for the input. But, what brand is the 5555? Can you get this one at Best Buy? So you know about how much the new ones are running? I have seen some in the past that has the voice recorder, but I haven't seen any of the ones that will take your handwriting and convert it over. Very interesting! Any more info would be appreciated.

[GarPA]

I'm on my third one...when I broke the last one, I was lost without it. This one has a metal flip cover and fits nicely in my back pocket.SONY Clie peg model

I keep job lists, equipment service reminders, material costs, many phone numbers, follow ups, schedules etc...At least once a day I think of something I need to rememer to do relative to the business, or equipment or whatever. I just pop it out, make the notation and back in my pocket.

It is like having an office assistatnt riding with you everyday. I just use the standard Palm software that came with it. I will never be without one of these (am I am no lover of techy gadgets....but this thing keeps me very organized)

I back it up on a memoery stick once a week and also synch it up to the pc once a week. This one was $300 but you can get them for $100 and it will do most things people use them for.

I rank it up there along with my Mantis with the Honda...small cost but large efficiency

[lawnman_scott]

Originally posted by ArchiesLawns
Lawnman Scott, Thanks for the input. But, what brand is the 5555? Can you get this one at Best Buy? So you know about how much the new ones are running? I have seen some in the past that has the voice recorder, but I haven't seen any of the ones that will take your handwriting and convert it over. Very interesting! Any more info would be appreciated.

Its a Hewlett packard pocket pc. They have a few others that have the same basic features that arent as expensive. they run from about $250-$600. They sell them at best buy. I bought mine on e-bay for about $300. It was $699 new, and it had an expansion pack (bigger battery, and port for putting in more memory). Most of the hp have handwriting recognition. If you go there ask if they have it, they should be able to awnser any questions.

[ProMo]

I saw one on tv a few months ago that had a rubber case they were drop kicking it and submerging it in water to show it could take abuse. my old casio wasnt drop freindly and I have an hp I got on ebay for 50 dollars

[grassrootsinab]

I use a Palm m130 with Documents to Go....it allows me to work with Excel spreadsheets (which is how I track my client base and employee hours etc.) Every time I sync, my sheet gets updated. I also have a nifty CHEAP mileage program as I use my personal vehicle as a business truch too. I always thought a PDA was an expensive address book but I couldn't imagine being without mine!!