How to Win More Jobs with a Better Pest Control Estimate Process

Operating a pest control company means having to produce job estimates on a regular basis. So, you want to make sure you’re using the best software for that purpose.

The Best Pest Control Software for Estimating May Be One You’ve Not Yet Considered

If you have already looked at full-blown field-service management software, you know it often comes with a high price tag. But you don’t need software that elaborate for estimating purposes. In fact, a good floor plan app will do just nicely!

A high-quality floor plan app, such as magicplan, can actually be an ideal pest control tool for estimating residential properties and small businesses. It will improve the accuracy and efficiency of estimate development, reduce the risk of errors, and provide a better customer experience.

Below, we outline the type of app you need, and then we explain how to use it.

What You Need:
A multifunctional floor plan app with an easy-to-use interface that allows you to do all of the following:

1.    Set up a custom price list
2.    Sketch an accurate floor plan at a new jobsite
3.    Add details to your floor plan for greater clarity
4.    Document your inspection findings and recommendations
5.    Turn your sketch into a work proposal
6.    Create an estimate quickly, right onsite
7.    Share your work proposal and estimate to close the deal

Let’s look at each of those steps individually.

1. Set Up a Custom Price List With Your Floor Plan App

A custom price list – one that you create and personalize for your own business – can be a valuable resource. Your floor plan app will use it to automatically generate estimates quickly and accurately. Plus, you will be able to update your price list whenever necessary, to account for fluctuating material and labor costs.

When you first create your price list, make sure it addresses various factors that can affect estimating:

• Type of pest: The type of pest that needs to be controlled will affect the level of difficulty and time required to complete the project. For example, termites, bed bugs and rodents generally require more advanced methods compared to common household pests such as spiders.
• Extent of infestation: A severe infestation will require more work and resources to ensure the pests are eradicated.
• Treatment materials and labor: Some materials are more expensive than others. And some jobs may require more time and effort to implement – e.g. jobs that involve more types of pest control tools and equipment.
• Property size: The square footage of a property can impact the cost to treat it. Larger properties will require more time and resources to treat, and may also require more frequent treatments.
• Property location: If the property is located in a rural area or hard-to-reach location, you may want to charge an extra amount to cover your travel costs.
• Pet considerations: The presence of pets can require certain precautions during the treatment process.
• Warranty: Offering one may impact the cost of the project.
• Initial visit: You can establish a set fee for your consultative visit, where you investigate the property, document your findings and determine the best solution.
• Follow-up visits: Some infestations may require repeat visits to ensure that the pests have been eliminated. This will affect the overall cost of the project. So, you’ll want to make sure your price list includes different options that you can select (e.g., every month, bimonthly, quarterly and yearly).

2. Sketch an Accurate Floor Plan at a New Jobsite

The app will scan each room, using input from your mobile device’s camera and gyroscope sensors, to sketch a floor plan to scale within just a few minutes. Then you can combine rooms to create an overall floor plan, if necessary. This will help you visualize the scope of the property you will be treating.

3. Add Details to Your Floor Plan for Greater Clarity

Once your initial sketch is complete, you should be able to add structural features and other items from a built-in library of objects. These may include doors, windows, walls, cabinets, and furniture, along with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Details such as these can add context to make your floor plan more comprehensive and, therefore, easier to understand.

4. Document Your Inspection Findings and Recommendations

Now you’ll want to flesh out your floor plan with notes and photos to summarize your findings – pest entry points, locations of pest infestations, and other relevant information. This is a fast and easy way to record exactly what you found within the home. You also can insert notations to indicate your recommended treatment plan.

5. Turn Your Sketch into a Work Proposal

Once your documentation is done, you can use the floor plan app’s built-in reporting function to create a branded proposal document.

6. Create an Estimate Quickly, Right Onsite

After you have documented the job site and created a work proposal, it’s time to move on to the next step. You will use your floor plan app’s integrated estimating feature to calculate a professional estimate. This is easy to do, because the app will calculate costs automatically, based on your captured floor plan data and your custom price list.

7. Share Your Work Proposal and Estimate to Close the Deal

Export both as PDFs, so you can share those with your customer. That way, you can discuss both documents, answer any questions, and clinch the sale before you head out the door. It’s the ultimate way to improve your closing rate when meeting with new prospects!

Summary: A Floor Plan App is Ideal for Estimating

If you have thought about investing in an elaborate field software solution for estimating, you know how expensive that option can be. But wait – maybe you really don’t need all those bells and whistles. So, before you go that route, consider using a multifunctional floor plan app instead. A high-quality floor plan app will be easy, accurate and fast to use. And it will help you win more jobs so you can grow and scale your business.

Read This Related Article:

Effective Communication with Clients: How Your Pest Control Business Can Close More Deals