Calls
Return every missed call before the customer rings someone else
Decide who calls back, how quickly and what gets written down, so calls that come in while you are on a job still turn into booked work.
Read the missed calls guideStart here: pick the admin problem costing your UK trade business most
This site is for UK plumbers, electricians, builders and other trades where the owner still does the work and the paperwork. Each block below covers one problem, from returning missed calls to getting paid, and links to a free guide on what to set up and what to check each week. Not sure which one is costing you most? Count your missed calls over a normal fortnight and put the figures into the free missed call calculator.
Quotes
Follow up every quote until you get a yes or a no
Keep one list of open quotes with a follow-up date and a name against each, so quotes stop going cold while you are busy on site.
Read the quote follow-up guideJobs
Get photos, notes and agreed extras back from every job
Agree what has to come back from site at the end of each job, so invoices go out without ringing round for details.
Read the job records guideGetting paid
Invoice the day the job finishes and chase late payers on time
Set a routine for invoicing completed work and chasing overdue bills, including customers and letting agents on 30-day terms.
Read the getting paid guideSoftware
Check job management and invoicing software before you book a demo
What to ask about the full cost over the contract, how it links to your accounting software and whether you can get your data out again, before you commit to a system.
Read the guide to choosing softwareFree tools
Free tools: work out what missed calls cost you and what to ask software suppliers
The missed call calculator uses your own figures to show what missed calls could be worth as bookings. The checklist turns five answers about your team and setup into three priorities and questions to ask suppliers. Both run in your browser with no sign-up.
See the free tools