No matter who you are or what type of work you do, all electrical contractors have one thing in common: the need to win profitable work. An important step in that process is using electrical estimating software to get your estimates right and land more lucrative jobs.
Sometimes, the idea of integrating software into your workflow can seem like a hassle – especially if you’ve tried software in the past that didn’t support your projects very well.
Do any of these excuses sound like you? Maybe it’s time to reconsider what electrical estimating software can bring to your business!
You’re right. You probably don’t need electrical estimating software … but how much better would your life be if you used it?
No matter how business is going, it’s easy to lose track of true costs and where time is spent. For example: If software could save a journeyman 1.5 hours each week on runs to the supply house, you put more than $3,500 per year back into your pocket and keep workers on the jobsite instead of in a vehicle.
The right electrical estimating software does much more than reduce trips to pick up or return materials. You can quickly and efficiently create and send accurate estimates (no guessing!), build a detailed scope letter, track job progress and costs in real-time, communicate with your foremen, schedule your workforce, and track bids.
If you’ve used software that slowed you down or you didn’t understand, then your feelings are valid and understandable. We’ve seen lots of electrical contractors roll out complicated software and abandon it a few months later because it was too time-consuming and frustrating.
You should be able to figure out the basics in about 30 minutes. Otherwise, the software is probably too complex and offers features you don’t need.
When you sign up with Electric Ease, we offer multiple avenues for training including tutorials, use case videos, one-on-one training, and our industry-exclusive JumpStart program. JumpStart members receive access to prebuilt bid templates and special use case videos that are specifically designed to move the contractor from a first-time user to bidding like a pro in a matter of hours. On average JumpStart members produce estimates 4x faster than those using other estimating methods.
If you struggle to keep up with work and find free time, then electrical estimating software was created specifically for you. Software creates more time in your day and makes it practical to work on your business instead of in your business.
Using software shouldn’t interrupt your workflow or require hours of onboarding. It should be a natural part of your daily process, making tasks easier instead of more complex.
As a cloud-based software, Electric Ease needs only an internet connection. There’s no download time, no waiting for software to install or update, no trial period, and no maintenance or patches to worry about later. It’s immediately accessible and, as we mentioned above, takes only a few minutes to learn the basics.
If you can’t afford a small investment in software, then there’s a reason: Are you not winning enough work? Maybe the work you’re winning isn’t bringing in enough money? Whatever’s happening behind the scenes, software can help you identify and solve the issue.
In fact, if you invest in the right electrical estimating software, we promise you can afford it for one simple reason: It will pay for itself quickly (in under a year) and continue to save you money and time every day. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Using Electric Ease as an example: Single-member access is $2,000 per year ($5.48 per day). You’re paying more than that for your daily energy drink or fast-food lunch. (And electrical estimating software gives you much more in return than either of those things!)
If you’re an electrical contractor, then you’ll benefit from electrical estimating software – no matter the size of your projects, the size of your company, or the type of work you do (residential, industrial, commercial, or specialty). In many works, residential contractors actually benefit the most from software!
Electrical work for residential new construction projects tends to run on razor-thin margins. The time you spend organizing bids, materials, and manpower can take away from that already-lean profit.
Residential remodel work requires excellent communication among the estimator, customer, and electrician to reduce callback, upset customers, and negative online reviews. Software supports this level of communication, even generating detailed scope letters that protect all parties and make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Another factor to consider: Even if residential work has been your focus, you may be asked to do commercial work at some point. Having electrical estimating software in place to help you bid the project will ensure you don’t leave money on the table or come in too high.
Even if everything is running smoothly, wouldn’t it be nice to have more money to invest in your business (in marketing or fleet upgrades, for example)? Or additional free time so you can take a vacation, watch your kids compete, or just take a few more days off?
We’ve helped electrical contractors save tens of thousands of dollars per year (no exaggeration) by simply using software to manage their business better– even when they thought things were already great.
Electric Ease is here to help you win more work– and make sure you complete it in less time. We help you quickly, easily, and accurately track job costs, revenue, and profits for electrical projects. You always know exactly how you’re doing on each job. And, because it’s cloud-based, it’s always accessible, always updated, and always saving you money.
Check out our quick self-paced demo to learn more about how Electric Ease can improve your business starting tomorrow.