Vent: Our estimate paperwork system is driving me nuts

I've been dealing with our company's estimate forms for years, and they're way too complicated. We have to fill out three different sheets for each job, even small prunes. Last week, I spent an hour on paperwork for a simple tree removal that took less time to do. This eats into our day and slows down how fast we can help clients. I started using a simple checklist on my phone instead, and it cuts the time in half. I note tree size, access issues, and needed gear right at the site. Now I send a quick photo and list to the office, and they handle the rest.

4 comments

4 Comments

fionagreen1mo ago

Our old system used three sheets too, and it absolutely killed us on small jobs. You end up writing more than you actually work sometimes. I get Alice's point about all jobs having paperwork, but that hour you lost on a quick removal is an hour you could have been moving to the next client. Your phone checklist idea is smart, it deals with the real problem of getting the basics down fast.

aliceb801mo ago

Sounds like every job has some annoying paperwork though. My cousin in roofing deals with way more forms than that. Is it really slowing things down that much?

the_susan1mo ago

Oh sure, @aliceb80, because more paperwork is always so efficient.

wade25011d ago

Ever notice how every extra form just adds another place for a mistake, @aliceb80? That's what really gums up the works.