[Smudger]

Hello all

Just wanted to start a new "clean" thread you hopefully can see that forum admin have posted on the original post I started before Christmas - I have been using CP since it first started being developed and I know there are others on here who have been beta testers too - I just wanted to say we have loved it - and I cannot recommend anyone looking for a change of software to at least take a look at Cleaner Planner - We came from using WCP all our data was imported and we have found it a breeze to use and I don't think there is any other window cleaning software on the market that currently offers all of what Cleaner Planner does - anyway thats enough of me waffling I have copied in admins post below - Take a look!!!

 Hi Guys,

Great news - Cleaner Planner is now live!

You can contact Rob directly at rob@cleanerplanner.com or chat on his own sub forum by clicking here!



A message from Cleaner Planner can be seen below:
_________________________________________

Hi Everyone,

After 6 months of rigorous testing, tweaking and polishing with the help of my brilliant beta testers, Cleaner Planner is now officially open for business!

You can find out more about the new features CP brings to the table such as SMS, GoCardless integration and iOS & Android apps, as well as details on plans and pricing on the new website:

www.cleanerplanner.com

Or to jump straight to the 45 day free trial:

www.cleanerplanner.com/trial

As always, I'm on hand both here on the forum and via email at rob@cleanerplanner.com to answer any questions you may have and help you set up some of the more advanced features has to offer.

If you'd like to import your latest backup or export from your existing software so you've got some data to play with simply email it over and I'll set this up for you.

I do hope you'll find time to take CP for a spin and I look forward to hearing how you get on Smiley

Cheers,

Rob
_________________________________________

[wfp master]

what is it.?

[Smudger]

Window Cleaning Programme

[Rob @ Cleaner Planner]

Hi wfp,

Good question

It's a web-based software application for managing your window cleaning business. Helps you get more organised, optimise your business and save time.

You can organise your rounds, customers, jobs and scheduling, keep track of debts (and chase them via SMS), print out worksheets (or download them to your iPhone) and "much, much more".

It works in a similar way to software such as Window Cleaner Pro and George if you've ever used either of those, except that it's web-based so there's no software to install, it runs on Macs and iPads, and I'm constantly tweaking and improving it based on user feedback.

The following thread gives a bit more background to the development of Cleaner Planner (and me) for those who are interested!

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=175653.0

Happy to answer any further questions you may have - thanks for reading!

Rob

[Topclean]

I would like to +1 to what smudger has stated, personaly I have used a few diffent programs and this one by far is the best I have used, if you have used wcpro  and liked the simplicity then this is the software for you! We have been using this for a little while now and it really is worth a look.

I have spoken to Rob the developer both by email and by phone,  he seems a nice guy and quick to respond to any issues we have had.

I am looking forward to the next stage of this program, that brings payroll and sage into the equation.

Check it out!!

[concept]

Smudge, we too have been using WCP for a number of years, and recently switched over to CP.

Why change?

Well, for a number of reasons really. The main one being we have outgrown it. Not outgrown it in terms of numbers, but in terms of its capability to do what we want/need it to do. The developers are no longer developing the program, and it's clear to see times have moved on in terms of accessibility, data storage, etc. the support was simply not there, and my business was locked into WCP, which is not good when it goes down and I can't get any answers.

Why CP?

Having spoken with Rob, the developer, at length, many times, by phone or email, giving him numerous requests and feedback, there was no hesitation for me to sign up.

Rob has bent over backwards to accommodate my requests, tweaking many times, adding features, and benefits, as he was listening to the needs of not only me, but the other testers.

What is so good about CP?

First off, the seamless transition, pulling in all the data from WCP, including schedules, debts, frequencies etc.

It's really intuitive, dead easy to use, and the interface is simple to get to grips with.

It's packed with useful features, and more to come, such as auto invoicing, bulk SMS delivery, mobile app, and more that I can't think of right now. Safe to say there's been a few moments where I've thought "this feature would be handy" and CP already does it.

It allows multiple users, which is great as it can be used on any device with internet access, something WCP couldn't do, so before a holiday, it would take me days of scheduling work, printing sheets etc, whereas now, it's minutes, and then I allocate the worksheet to the operatives, and they can access it on the app. Saves paper, time and stress.

Ok, rambling on a bit now...

Can thoroughly recommend it, and if anyone has any questions, fire away!

[p1w1]

having been using cleaner planner for a number months now I would agree with all of the above,nothing more to say really that will top whats been said. Its a great piece of software that does many things and really easy to use and the layout is simple but really effective for me the main monthly planner and bulk sms is brilliant. I would also highly recommend the back up support  Rob provides.

[Mick Kent]

If i was to sign to cleaner planner it would cost £25 a month What do you get that aworka cant offer for just £10 a month?.

[Mick Kent]

Mind you the ultimate package does look appealing and worth an extra cost, any idea of costings yet?. And how would the vehicle tracking work?? I lle the sound of that.

[Rob @ Cleaner Planner]

Hi Mick,

Key things right now are:

SMS - you can send SMS directly from Cleaner Planner (no need to use a separate app) to send reminders (e.g. "we're cleaning your windows tomorrow") and chase debts with a couple of clicks.

GoCardless integration - Kick off and track GoCardless payments directly from Cleaner Planner (again without having to log in to GoCardless separately).

iOS & Android apps - Simple, easy to use mobile worksheeting that works offline, so it's fast and you don't need to worry about 3G signal while out and about.

Not to mention email invoicing, bulk email (via Mailchimp), multi-user support with ability to assign worksheets to operatives so it's all they see in the app, and much more.

There are literally 100's of little tweaks and improvements we've made over the last 6 months based on user feedback and will continue to do.

Cleaner Planner is all about listening to what people want from their software and constantly moving the game forward.

And yes - advanced features such as vehicle tracking and accounting integration very much in the pipeline. Currently gauging interest to see what people really want out of an "Ultimate" package so a bit early to talk costs. However, pricing is something I happily take input on from users on along with everything else

Thanks,

Rob

[Rob @ Cleaner Planner]

Also worth bearing in mind for the sake of comparison that the other software option you mentioned costs £10 per user.

With Cleaner Planner Pro you can have as many users (operatives) as you need (e.g. using the mobile app, completing their own worksheets) for no extra cost.

[Dave Willis]

I would try it but for one guy on his own if it's £25 a month then that's just too expensive in my opinion.

[p1w1]

I would try it but for one guy on his own if it's £25 a month then that's just too expensive in my opinion.

its not really if you look at it as a couple of houses a month covers the cost, its less then a £1 a day

[lee_dewing]

I would try it but for one guy on his own if it's £25 a month then that's just too expensive in my opinion.

agree with you dave.

Not saying it's good but £25 a month for a 1 man band.

I even think Aworka too dear at £10 a month.

George for me.

I'l just have to use my phone to send the odd text 2 mins a night for text's £300 a year saved

[Window Lickers]

I would try it but for one guy on his own if it's £25 a month then that's just too expensive in my opinion.

+1

I'm out.

[Dave Willis]

I've got the free trial of Aworka at the moment, if the price was the same I'd love to have a look but it's more than double - why?

George was brilliant for me for seven years - so easy to use and clear. Aworka doesn't have the same clarity or simplicity so far - early days yet but so much of it just doesn't sink in to my dense skull 

Mind you I've now got windows 8 too (god what a load of crap!)

[tlwcs]

This is a really difficult call for me as a sole trader.
I was part of the early testing group but I lost interest if I'm honest. I used George for 5 years before going over to Aworka and I guess I'm just happy with it
That said Rob was always asking what would make it better than what was currently available and has listened to everybody that gave him input.
As for the cost, yes it may only be 1 or 2 extra houses a month, but there are cheaper and even free alternatives. Ultimately, the cost is affordable if the product is what you want or need.
If he can maintain his current level of customer service and keep up with any tweaks, he will do very well.
I certainly hope he does.
Tony

[Mick Kent]

No for a 1 man band its £15 a month but the package looks pure basic.

[TomSE]

I would guess though that most sole traders would want the pro package for all the other bits that come with it, other than the multiple user part, which would then mean £25.

[concept]

Ok, so, £25 is too expensive?

The way I look at it, is, how much time does it save me?

To justify £25 outlay would have to save me very little time a month.

The facts are, this system saves me an hour a day easily, so putting that into context...say 25-30 hours a month? I value my time at way more than £1 an hour, as I'm sure you guys do.

Another perfect example is the Gardiners S2 which controls our water production. It paid for itself in a week due to the time it saved me.

That's my logic, saves me time, stress, and money, it's a winner.

Won't be for everyone, as some people would rather the money in their pocket, and that's their choice.