I’m looking for advice, and Customer Factor is not an option for me. I have used two CRMs since the inception of my company and tried CF. I am currently with Markate after having left HouseCall Pro. I left because of functions in Markate that I never use. I may stay with Markate, I may return to HouseCall Pro, but I may also go elsewhere. The bottom line is I don’t want to go through this every year or two. I ran into this article that I thought I might share with the group:
There are some REALLY slick functions in several of these. For example, Nimble appears to be an info generating giant and a prospector’s dream, sourcing and scouring the web automatically to generate contact info on folks with whom you may have crossed paths. APPTIVO looks good for overall business operation and is available free for up to three users. Agile looks extremely smart, automating triggers that could streamline marketing such as generate pop-up windows that make specific offers at specific pages on your website, with a " library of Triggers for contacts, deals, events, calls, forms, SMS, and more."
Does anyone here have experience with and of these? They all use Zapier, so may actually work together. Also, HouseCall Pro uses Zapier, so one could ostensibly integrate any one of these into their HouseCall Pro account. Markate does not integrate which leads to one of the problems with their platform: they think that they can build into their app any function that we’ll need when often times we may want to use another platform simultaneously.
Customer Relationship Management software. Let’s say you had a hot dog stand. Let’s say you wanted to draw more people to that hot dog stand from neighboring buildings, so you found a way to reach out to them and they noted an interest in being able to keep up with all of your new hot dog offerings, like your new cheddarwurst that was becoming very popular. A CRM would enable you to make special offers, maybe give them a free hot dog on their birthday, announce hot dog events like a bluegrass quartet that plays on Fridays, etc.
Today’s business runs on relationships. A CRM enhances that ability to create them.
You might not know what it is but one company sure thought you needed it considering they found your number online and continually cold called you after you asked them to stop numerous times. I can’t remember which one it was but remember you talking about it. It was a CRM company though. I think you said you even emailed them multiple times asking them to stop calling and they lied about how you contacted them first…lol
Have you looked into Jobber or Service Autopilot? Those are two not mentioned but I hear about them a lot from guys in this industry. Software is tough. Lots of trial and error. I feel like a lot of times there is not a “one size fits all” perfect software. Some have too few features or not what you want, others have to many features and are just overloaded. Anyway, good luck!
I’m in the same boat. I am using signpost for a crm but it doesn’t have the features I want and is quite expensive. $200 a month for just reviews generation and hounding customers for a review It’s not good for anything more.
Hello George @MrSparkleVA I read your post and I’m happy you’re back using Markate again! I just wanted to let you know that Markate does have the ability to connect to zapier. Also, I understand you don’t utilize all the features within Markate now, but would like to see addtional connections to other apps and was wondering what those are specifically to see how we can accomodate your needs and make that happen? I would love to speak with you more if you have the chance. You can call me anytime at 480.360.1360 or my cell at 480.284.9139. Thank you and I look forward to continue working with you! Have a fantastic day! Julia
@MrSparkleVA I must be missing something I dont understand why you would want this service. I could see it if you sold hotdogs and you were trying to get them to eat at your hotdogs stand 5 times a month. But wouldn’t be easier to just sell the customer their next service when you finish the job. It’s free and fills the schedule as you go. Instagram will do it for you for free just get them to follow you. Everyone loves before and after pictures plus there is a reason that pressure washing videos are satisfying to watch people love it. I guess what I’m saying is be your own CRM then you dont have to worry about someone else half 111 job
@Busta ~ Hello! Are there certain features you’re looking for that I could discuss with you and see if they’re something we offer. You can check us out at Markate.comWe offer all your crm needs, automation, marketing, recording of expenses, reports such as profit and loss, notifying your customers you’re on your way, employee management. We also integrate with QuickBooks. If you’d like to learn more please feel free to text me at 480.284.9139 and I’d be happy to schedule a call with you on Monday and answer any questions you have. We charge $24.95 a month, with the option of 6 different add on features that are $5 each/mo. such as online booking, lead contact form, ask for review, employee management, zapier connection and for $10 a month you can connect to nice job. Anyway, please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you and your business. Have a wonderful weekend! I look forward to hearing from you soon!
@Busta You can also email me at julia@markate.com and I’d be happy to email you back responses to any questions you have.Have a fantastic rest of your day!
