electrictim510

I just downloaded the trial. I find it pretty cool. I'm hoping there are ways to slightly alter the names of certain categories and such but so far it looks pretty flexible. I really like the way there are many price categories for each item. This makes it easy to show the customer they're getting a deal when you give them one price which is much lower than the next. There are other psychological aspects to that I will not get into because of the type of open forum this is, but I will say it was thought out well.

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"Understand one thing every one has a place in this trade, and no matter what your skill set I doubt you know it all." brian john

vinroc

I signed up for the PC and iPad trail version. I actually like the software. I see where it can help me make a leaps in the way I offer services, and what services I provide.

I did notice some minor problems. But I wonder if thats just because its the trail version, I hope so.

I cannot scroll screen on the book page

ES2 cost estimator did not work for me, now it wont recognize my UN and PW

Is it possible to change quantities and prices within the estimate and or invoice?

There were pics on the iPad version and no pics on the PC version, now their are no pics anywhere.

I understand trail and error. But not when I have to enter into a contract.

Kite&KeyElectric

There are minor problems and and are being dealt with according to the developer

Not sure what you mean by scroll screen.

Email the developer, he will help with the UN and PW

As of right now, no on changing quantities when already on the invoice. But that's not a deal breaker.

All the pics are now gone. The program was real slow, and most of us feat they were not necessary. I don't show the program to customers, I have a pricing sheet with options that I present.

There is no trial and error. This is one of the most extensive flat rate programs there is. Like I said before, it has everything you need. Just like any app, you have to get familiar with it and learn how to use it.

If you can't see the value in it, then you may not be ready for flat rate. I have made way more money in my first 4 weeks than I did in 3 months charging hourly.

electrictim510

That might be going a little over the top. I find it to be a good system, but it is not the only way to go. Saying that, I think that part of your comment is a little harsh. I have been doing flat-rate for about 10 years now and I still have my reservations on the system. From an outside point of view it can be a little intimidating for those who are not use to flat-rate yet. I am not against the system at all, in fact I will probably end up purchasing it. I just think that comment is a little harsh. I want to see everyone change over to flat-rate personally.

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"Understand one thing every one has a place in this trade, and no matter what your skill set I doubt you know it all." brian john

B W E

Ok, so I do like what the program has to offer. I also like that I spits out a price not too far off of what I come up with (it's higher, which is better than lower.)

Here are my concerns:

1. Another bill to pay each month / a huge up front cost.
2. Hours and hours of tweaking / modifying / renaming / recategorizing / etc.
3. It seems like a bitch to set up, but i am going off of complete assumptions.

Can someone put these concerns to rest? I do know that if I use it, and it spits out winning bids, it will pay for itself immediately.

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Amazing love, how can it be, that you, my King, would die for me?

electrictim510

I would like to see if it is possible to go in and change/make up new formulas per task. Being able to change hourly and material bump up helps greatly, but I tend to also add charges for more technical or critical stuff that would not apply to all tasks.

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"Understand one thing every one has a place in this trade, and no matter what your skill set I doubt you know it all." brian john

B W E

Tried to do the free trial, said my company number couldn't be found....wtf?

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Amazing love, how can it be, that you, my King, would die for me?

electrictim510

check your email for a confirmation email. The company number will be sent there.

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"Understand one thing every one has a place in this trade, and no matter what your skill set I doubt you know it all." brian john

B W E

never got one, does it take a couple days or something? i just signed up like 30 minutes ago for the trial. Pizza's here...... gotta go.

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Amazing love, how can it be, that you, my King, would die for me?

electrictim510

Got mine in a couple minutes, check your junk emails.

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"Understand one thing every one has a place in this trade, and no matter what your skill set I doubt you know it all." brian john

TheBrushMan007

I might be able to do that. We are pretty good at making requested changes. Having the simple tasks added has made the program that much better.

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www.electricalflatrate.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrBW...mbzgKA&index=1

Kite&KeyElectric

Your're right, its not the only system, but its the most economical and most extensive. I did my research. With this system, you start at $89/month, which I hear is going down. All other systems require $1000's of dollars to start, and then $100's to upkeep.

It was a little harsh, but it was meant to rock vinroc's boat. I was the guty with the outside point of view last year, but when I researched flat rate to the T, I discovered that flat rate was the best way to price for the customer and the contractor (time and material guys, I'm not jabbing at you). I then was introduced to ES2 by another contractor and after all my research recognized the value of it. Maybe vinroc needs to research it some more and the other flat rate systems. When he does, he will see that ES2 is one of the best.

vinroc

Since I started my shop four years ago I have been doing flat rate (unit) pricing. What I am truly looking for is a large data base of jobs in a book or a disk. If its a program I must be able to make any changes I feel necessary.

I am continually making new flat rate sheets but I can't think of everything. I use Craftsman books 2012 electrical estimator, book and program to gather information and make my list. I also found bits of information in various other books.

I find residential work is and can be very specific and if data base builders would focus Solely on that, I would be very happy

vinroc

i cannot move the screen up and down with my mouse wheel.

electrictim510

It's going to be hard to be able to make a task for every job imaginable. I work off about a 75 page book right now that covers 90% of the calls I do. Anything else can be estimated on the spot.

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"Understand one thing every one has a place in this trade, and no matter what your skill set I doubt you know it all." brian john

macmikeman

That program has made me at least ten times the amount of money I spent per month on it, and thats no lie. Its the bomb.

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Proof and exoneration http://www.latimes.com/news/politics...,7305052.story

vinroc

I have used the software for just about a week. I did like the entire database. I needed more scenarios. So I am still using the same method as before. I did like the layout.

When they drop the the contract and make more changes I will consider using again.

HARRY304E

I'm pretty sure that there is no contract now just monthly payments.

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ES2 Flat Rate , The best $99 I've ever spent ..

Chris1971

What other options are available for flat rate pricing software?

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I'm innocent. I did nothing wrong. I'll take the fifth.

TheBrushMan007

NSPG
Aptora

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www.electricalflatrate.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrBW...mbzgKA&index=1