There are a lot of choices when it comes to how to handle your business operations, and all of them come with a cost. That cost might be actual money spent on monthly or annual subscription fees or it might be time spent implementing software and onboarding and training employees on it. It might even be time you wasted on inefficient customer support calls or figuring out that the software lacks the functionality you need.
Additionally, there can be big costs to not automating your business process—some you might not even be aware of, such as compliance risks, human error and oversight, and team member (dis)satisfaction.
But have no fear—if you choose the right partner based on your specific needs, preferences, and workflows, you can more than recoup your costs and quite a bit more.
Whether you are evaluating lawn care business software for the first time or you’ve been humming along for years and are just poking around to see if there’s something you didn’t even know you needed, there’s a clear starting point. Ask yourself, “What does my team need?” Any software worth the investment has been created, field-tested, and refined with the people who will be using it in mind, so take a few minutes to chat with the people who will be using it.
Some areas to focus on are:
1. Business Fit
One-size-fits-all should never apply to your business operations. One of the very first things to consider and research is what size of company the software and service provider caters to. If they cater to your business now, do they offer solutions that scale to help you successfully grow your business?
Some lawn care business software companies cater to small owner-operator businesses but lack the functionality to handle the needs of larger companies. Conversely, you’ll find a host of software options that focus solely on large enterprise businesses with multiple offices and hundreds of employees.
It’s important to not only assess your current needs but also to consider what your mid- to long-term business goals are to ensure you’re maximizing your return on investment.
Choosing a lawn care business software partner that grows with you also minimizes the need for costly custom integrations or functionality builds to accommodate your success. It also prevents you from having to purchase, onboard, and train employees on an entirely new system simply because you maximized your software’s functionality to increase profitability and growth—exactly what it’s designed to do!
2. Features and Functionality
Evaluate the features offered and see which align better with your business requirements. Look at aspects such as scheduling, routing, invoicing, customer relationship management capabilities, reporting, mobile functionality, and marketing support and capabilities.
Consider what lawn care business software features are essential for streamlining your operations and improving efficiency. And don’t forget about the features you currently might be taking for granted—you’ll want to make sure you don’t lose those!
3. User-Friendliness
Consider the ease of use and user interface of each platform. A user-friendly interface can make a significant difference in how quickly you and your team can adapt to and utilize the lawn care business software effectively.
If you opt for a demo or have a conversation with a representative, make sure to ask about onboarding and implementation, including what the standard process consists of and how long it will take. Understanding the process will allow you to plan effectively with as little lag time as possible.
4. Cost
Compare the pricing structures of any partners you are considering, including any setup fees, subscription costs, and additional charges for extra users or features. Ensure that you understand what you’re getting for the price and consider the long-term financial implications.
There’s not just a financial commitment to choosing a new lawn care business software partner—there’s also time and people commitments. Make sure you’re factoring those hidden costs into your decision.
5. Customer Support
Research the quality of customer support each company provides. Consider factors such as availability, responsiveness, and the effectiveness of support channels (e.g., phone, email, live chat).
Look to see if they have a social media presence or community forum where customers can speak freely, discuss ideas, and ask each other questions. A quality lawn care business software partner will provide an avenue to seek information from other professionals in your industry and community.
6. Integrations
If you use other software or tools in your business operations, inquire about the integrations that are offered with those systems. Seamless integration can enhance efficiency and reduce manual data entry.
Take it one step further by inquiring about what partnerships they have with other tools and services. Many decision makers don’t factor in available partnerships, related offers, and bundled savings when they’re evaluating their options, but these could result in big savings—and even bigger efficiencies—for your business.
7. Industry Reputation and Reviews
Research the reputation within the industry of any tools, services, or software you are considering. Look for reviews from current and past customers to gain insights into their experiences, including strengths, weaknesses, and overall satisfaction. Ask for references—if a company is worth its weight, it’ll jump at the opportunity to share what valued customers have to say.
Ultimately, the best choice for your business will depend on which lawn care business software platform best meets your specific needs, preferences, and budget requirements.
Demo
Consider scheduling a custom demo to get hands-on experience so you can make an informed decision. Don’t be afraid to tell the company what’s important to you, including your must-haves and your short- and long-term business goals and objectives. The experience should be tailored to you so you can save time and get the information you need, and it should cut out anything you aren’t interested in.
Pro Tip: Provide any sales rep with your current business challenges, needs, pain points, goals, and your ultimate wish list. Someone who understands your business and what you’re working to accomplish won’t just focus on what you’ve told them—they’ll take the time to show you how their lawn care business software can take your business further, which will show you if they get it or not. Avoid spending your budget on a tool. Instead, look for a long-term partner; it will save you thousands beyond a subscription price.
If you’re interested in learning how Briostack supports our customers and their goals, schedule a demo. We’re ready for you to be Brio-obsessed, and we can’t wait to work with you to grow beyond today’s business objectives.
Learn More About Briostack for Lawn Care
If you’re interested in learning how Briostack supports their customers and their goals, click here to schedule a demo. We’re ready for you to be Brio-obsessed and we can’t wait to work with you to grow beyond today’s business objectives.