I T & SOF TWARE
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and there were plenty – I had to fi nd out why. So,
I started to create a system that allowed the entry
of a sales prospect at the beginning of the cycle,
but which was then carried through to each
stage of the process without having to re-enter
the details. The same record was added to at
each stage rather than being re-entered, so that
anyone looking at the record could see instantly
not only at what stage of the process that job
was at, but also every aspect of cost and pricing
for example, to allow an effective project and
fi nancial analysis.”
Rhonda took the system she created, named
AdminBase, and then continuously developed
the system over years to become the tool
that now has €, users. Some of Britain’s
most successful window, door and conservatory
retail installers depend upon its integrated and
intuitive interfaces, although many single users
also benefi t.
“Securing leads without a fully integrated
administration system to hold, develop and track
them is like having a nice car with a hole in the
petrol tank,” says Rhonda. “It may be supremely
comfortable, fast and luxurious but when it runs
out of fuel then it’s useless. Sales leads are the
fuel of every home improvement business and
should not be squandered. And especially at this
time when every installation company out there
needs to make the most of even the slenderest
sales enquiry to ensure its survival in the short
term…and return to prosperity.”
Rhonda reports that enquiries from installers
about AdminBase have increased during the
lockdown as owners and managers found
themselves with the time to evaluate their
businesses. Many have been tempted by the
mobile apps launched for AdminBase last year,
that extend the connectivity on site through
iPads. Specially developed apps for sales,
surveying, installation and remedial work now
ensure that the central AdminBase system
is updated in real time. “Many have told me
that they want to be prepared for when the
restrictions are lifted, when sales, surveying and
eventually fi tting teams can follow up the virtual
lead banks being built whilst people are staying
at home,” said Rhonda.
“The crucial issue at this time is to protect
and secure those golden leads that are coming
in from people with time on their hands,” insists
Rhonda. “Companies equipped with AdminBase
enter the homeowner’s details, the nature of
their enquiry, actions taken and so forth, into
the front end of AdminBase just the once,
and that lead will be there throughout every
process of what should become a hard sale
once surveys can be carried out, fi nal pricing
confi rmed and every stage thereafter.
It even includes fi nal inspection and
snagging, at which point the balance can
be taken – because it will be clearly
shown on the app carried
by the engineer,” she
explained.
One key issue at this
time is the cost of adopting AdminBase
and of course, having it installed: “AdminBase is
actually available through a monthly subscription
and every enquiry we receive is pleasantly
surprised at how inexpensive it is from £Ž‘ per
month. And we have not visited a customer to
install the system in years. It is all done remotely,
including the training,” expounded Rhonda.
As tales grow of homeowners settling in to
lockdown and making plans for what they will
do to their now over-examined properties when
the virtual shackles are removed, it makes sense
to put a system in place to ensure that every
lead is protected and nurtured. If our industry
is to recover quickly, every opportunity must be
realised.
"Securing leads without a fully
integrated administration system to
hold, develop and track them is like
having a nice car with a hole in the
petrol tank"
/www.ggpmag.com
