Does anyone use quotation software?

Does anyone use quotation software?

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Does anyone use Quoteroller or other online software for fixed-fee proposals? Such systems seem very popular with digital and creative businesses. Interested to hear views from accountancy practices (creative or otherwise!)

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By ShirleyM
22nd Sep 2014 09:54

We use our own system

I have a quotation system in Access/VBA. It needs a lot of tweaking as we have made many changes since I first designed it, but nothing is hard coded, so it's simply a matter of changing the table entries.

A couple of years ago, Quick Easy Quote appeared, and uses exactly the same pricing calculation structure as my system (I designed mine years earlier!). I gave my system to someone (an AWebber) and was promised a partnership to develop and retail my system, but it never happened and the communication just stopped. A while later, Quick Easy Quote appeared! Coincidence? Maybe ....  maybe not! 

It is a much more 'finished' system than my own, so maybe worth a look.

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Replying to Crouchy:
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By andy.partridge
22nd Sep 2014 15:04

I like the look of Quick Easy Quote

ShirleyM wrote:

I have a quotation system in Access/VBA. It needs a lot of tweaking as we have made many changes since I first designed it, but nothing is hard coded, so it's simply a matter of changing the table entries.

A couple of years ago, Quick Easy Quote appeared, and uses exactly the same pricing calculation structure as my system (I designed mine years earlier!). I gave my system to someone (an AWebber) and was promised a partnership to develop and retail my system, but it never happened and the communication just stopped. A while later, Quick Easy Quote appeared! Coincidence? Maybe ....  maybe not! 

It is a much more 'finished' system than my own, so maybe worth a look.

The only thing I don't like is the cost - £30 per month. So I think there us still a market opportunity for you Shirley if you can bring the price down to £10 per month.

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Replying to IANTO:
By ShirleyM
22nd Sep 2014 15:25

I may give it away for free, Andy

andy.partridge wrote:
ShirleyM wrote:

I have a quotation system in Access/VBA. It needs a lot of tweaking as we have made many changes since I first designed it, but nothing is hard coded, so it's simply a matter of changing the table entries.

A couple of years ago, Quick Easy Quote appeared, and uses exactly the same pricing calculation structure as my system (I designed mine years earlier!). I gave my system to someone (an AWebber) and was promised a partnership to develop and retail my system, but it never happened and the communication just stopped. A while later, Quick Easy Quote appeared! Coincidence? Maybe ....  maybe not! 

It is a much more 'finished' system than my own, so maybe worth a look.

The only thing I don't like is the cost - £30 per month. So I think there us still a market opportunity for you Shirley if you can bring the price down to £10 per month.

I am ok on software, but no good at making sure it will work on different operating systems/environments, and I don't want the hassle of providing support .... so one day, when I get the time, I will put a help system in it and give it away. If it works on your system then all is good. If it doesn't work on your system then you don't get your money back. ;)

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By Maslins
22nd Sep 2014 10:36

Never heard of Quoteroller...but a lot of packages that do invoicing will also do quotes.  After all, it's typically the same thing just with "Quote" instead of "Invoice" at the top.

FreeAgent certainly lets you send out "Estimates" (basically a quote by a different name).  It's also popular with digital/creative businesses as it's pretty modern and cloud based.  You can either use some of their pre installed templates, or write your own using CSS if you're that way inclined.

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By andy.partridge
22nd Sep 2014 16:22

Philanthropy
That sounds a great idea. How about a 1-off donation to the charity of your choice instead through Just Giving or something. You have a sufficiently high profile on Aweb to make a success of it I'm sure.
No pressure!

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By ShirleyM
22nd Sep 2014 17:44

That sounds good, Andy

I just need to find the time and the inclination now I know I have a ready made market, and there are plenty of worthwhile causes to choose from.

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By tanvir
23rd Sep 2014 19:36

I'm building my own
One currently. It takes a lot of effort.

Shirley, does yours have PM functionality as well? I'll be interested in seeing your (password protect it if you want) and possibly buying a copy if you're happy to sell and if I'm happy with what I see? I'm not interested in building a software company. Just want to save time and effort (but don't want to pay £30 a month)!

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By ShirleyM
23rd Sep 2014 19:55

Hi tanvir

I have a separate PM. I have considered combining them, but haven't so far. I could maybe combine the data (backend) so it picks up the client details, but keep the programs separate.

I know the software inside out, but there isn't a help system. Next week, I'll try it out on someone who's never seen it before and see how they get on. I think it will need some tidying and polishing though.

Do many people have Access, or would most people need runtime Access?

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By tanvir
25th Sep 2014 09:23

Shirley
You should def combine the backend. I started working on automating (not 100%, needs manually clicking buttons) reminders, vat return approval emails, etc.

Long way to go to fet to the finished product. How long did it take you to develop yours?

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By ShirleyM
25th Sep 2014 09:38

Years and years, tanvir

I first developed it about 7 yrs ago, then started using BTC PM, then reverted back to my own PM, which looked old & tired compared to BTC (although better for us as it is tailored for our systems & procedures), so I have been tarting it up a bit and have changed it to tabbed forms and am now moving our (currently) Excel based WIP/tasks over to the PM. I've got the first part completed.

It is time consuming, and a lot of work, but I play around with it when I have nothing better to do. The beauty of bespoke is that if you want something from your PM, then it can be done. I haven't yet found anything that can't be done in Access VBA.

My employee loves it ... I keep thinking she may just be being 'nice' but she usually speaks her mind. I've a new employee starting next week so we will have a fresh pair of eyes to pick holes in it:.   ) 

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By tanvir
25th Sep 2014 10:05

I can imagine
It taking years and years! Especially if you're developing it part time.

Agree with you re the tailored bit. The potential is unlimited. You can do whatever you want.

I'm considering outsourcing the work to overseas software developer to speed things up as well unless I find another semi-built one that I can tweak/ build upon.

Keep us posted.

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