This summer, probably more than just about any other summer, has been extremely challenging and intense. From creating new business offerings such as curbside service, and home delivery to expanding online store options and redesigning retail stores for social distancing—every pool and spa retailer in our industry has had to adjust. As the intensity of the summer tapers off, it is time to ask, “How did we do?” And in particular, “How did our business software support our business?” If you think your company could have been more successful with a different business software solution, now is the time to join the many pool and spa businesses that are making the switch to pool industry software.
Selecting a software solution
Implementing a pool industry software will immediately reduce or eliminate stressors that are currently inhibiting your business growth. This summer emphasized the importance of having MOBILE software solutions to thrive during this pandemic and into the future. With resources stretched, be sure to select industry-specific software that includes:
- Mobile Live – Retail: Provide better and faster service with retail Line Buster features using a mobile device – lookup inventory in real-time, get instant access to customer history and profiles from any location.
- Mobile Live – Service: Service technicians can operate more efficiently by viewing all Scheduled Jobs along with the Customer’s Information including equipment profile, job notes, directions, and pictures on record—all from their mobile device.
- Electronic payment option – Provides the convenience of paying online or from mobile devices — perfect for touch-free business transactions.
- Water testing station integration – Connects business software with industry water testing software for fast purchasing recommendations in person or from your online store.
- Pool industry integration – Eliminates duplicate purchase orders and input of inventory. Pool industry software directly integrates with pool and spa vendors and distributors with pre-programmed SKUs. Save time with automatic pricing and inventory imports/updates.
- Route optimization for service departments – Lowers fuel usage and helps do more jobs in a day to generate more revenue.
- Builder job costing – Tracks ongoing costs of construction work and actual job progress. Track subcontractor costs along with labor, inventory, and expenses.
The cost of new software
When looking at the cost of purchasing new software, don’t be intimidated by the price. Instead, bring a list of all the areas where you could generate more revenue if your employees had 20 additional hours a week to follow up on sales leads, make additional service calls or attend to customers in the store during peak hours in the season.
Software features increase profits
Pool and spa stores, builders, and service professionals need to take advantage of every technology tool available to keep up with demand and foster deep customer loyalty long after this pandemic crisis has passed. Whether providing a touch-free retail environment, a personal shopper, delivering chemicals to the client’s doorstep, or doing interactive phone calls to troubleshoot problems, it is time to use mobile technology and software systems to maintain customer loyalty while maximizing profits.
