EstiMate – Sign Estimation Software

[Michael Potter]

Hi Ian
we have been using this program for about 2 years, it was fairly simple to set up for Australia and makes quoting very straight forward. Shane Drew is using the latest version and has upgraded from the version we use he has had it for longer than us, I know he uses it because we talk regularly, He is coming over for the uk sign show so maybe you can get in his ear then.
Cheers Mike

[Ian Jenkin]

thanks for your help Michael.

I will certainly get in touch with Shane

[Neil Davey]

Hi Ian, I’ve been using Estimate for a couple of years and think it’s very good. Easy to set up and enables you to take the guess work out of quoting.

You can also override the figures if you feel the need to do so.

Also speeds up the quotation process as you can email the customer directly from the software and they can also see what they’re paying for.

Hope this helps.

Neil

[John Childs]

There’s been quite a bit of discussion on estimating software in the past Ian.

If you do a search, you should come up with the information you need. Certainly lots of opinions. 😀

[Ian Jenkin]

Neil, thanks for your input, it sounds really, really handy, i take it you can get a multiple user package?? The email function sounds particularly handy.

Hi John, yes ive had a little look, and can see the reponses. Thanks for the reply, i might delve a little deeper!

[Graeme Speirs]

how much does this cost in the UK?
thanks

[Ian Jenkin]

i will find out, i have been chatting to the guy on Twitter recently, and he sent over the details via email.

Let you know tomorrow, if its not sorted by then.

[Shane Drew]

Ian,

I love the program and wouldn’t be without it now.

It comes with plugins that you pay extra for like vehicle wraps, emroidery and labour to install.

Takes the guess work and emotion out of doing a quote.

I’ve asked them to include an ordering system as well which they are going to consider in future upgrades.

My accountant tells me that since I’ve been using the program I’m making better margins than previously which is a good thing.

It forces you to be more consistant in your quoting, and gives you a far more professional appearance.

[Jill Marie Welsh]

I was lucky enough to win a copy at a sign forum meet last fall.
(It had been donated by the EstiMate people)
I have never sat down and tried to figure it out.
But from what I have heard it is an absolutely excellent program.
And you put in your materials costs so it can be completely customized.
Right Shane?
Love….Jill

[Shane Drew]

quote Jillbeans:

And you put in your materials costs so it can be completely customized.
Right Shane?
Love….Jill

Yes Jill,

you enter all your fixed costs, all you material costs, and what you want to earn an hour. Bear in mind that most businesses that work 8 hours, only 5 or 6 of those hours are ever fully chargeable.

They have a free tool that lets you find out what you need to earn an hour to break even too.

It also takes into account the expense of doing 1 job, with waste, as opposed to multiple jobs with little waste.

You always have the option to override the suggested price, but it will tell you if you are actually making money at that price.

It educated me to realise I was doing some jobs that were just not profitable enough, and other jobs that were good profits, so I know which part of my business I can target.

They even have a plugin for painted substrates and signs.

Hope that helps.

[Ian Jenkin]

Its sounds very good,

Thanks for your input guys! 😀