Choosing the Best Field Service Management Software

There are many software options out there for running a field/trade service business and picking the right one can a challenge.

General contractors, handyman, HVAC, plumbers, electricians, arborists and tree services, roofing, pest control, carpet cleaning, and power washing: each one of these business types has different needs. Differently sized companies will have varying software needs as well. For example, consider the software requirements of a single handyman versus those of a larger service company with 50+ employees!

Don't think in terms of "the best" software, think in terms of what software is a good match for your business.

• Does the software offer the features you need?
• Does the price point of the software fit your budget?
• Is the software company a good partner willing to work with your business?

Field service management software should offer a variety of features, such as managing customer data (CRM), intake, estimates, proposals/quotes, invoices, job scheduling, inventory, credit card payment processing, custom form generation, and more.

Using flexible field service management software gives you options! Ensure the software you choose for your business doesn't force you into particular workflows that don't suit your business needs. You want to do business how you do business.

Let's face it; for many businesses, one of the first considerations when choosing software is the price. You'll want to know how much a field service management system will cost your business to help you determine if it's a worthwhile expense.

It's best to avoid companies that don't readily disclose prices as they aren't providing you with the information you need up front, to make an informed purchase.

Before purchasing field management software, it's essential to understand whether the purchase will lock you into an annual contract. Some companies hold you hostage by forcing you to pay for a yearly subscription. (Whether you use it or not!)

Some software vendors offer monthly verses yearly subscriptions. It's best to start with a monthly subscription to determine if a product is a good fit for your company before locking in long term.

Make sure that the software offers a free trial. Many companies offer a 7 day or 14-day free trial. Typically, field/trade service businesses are very busy, and 7 or 14 days isn’t enough time for them to properly evaluate software. Look for software that offers a 30-day free trial to give yourself enough time to properly evaluate whether it is a good fit for your business.

Make sure the software has a reputable company behind it with good support. Is there a phone number, a support email, or a way to contact support when you need help? Does the company have online help for self-education? Are they willing to get on the phone to help you with your questions? Partner with a company that is invested in helping you be successful.

We've seen it all too often: many businesses continue to use software they aren't happy with because all of their data is in that program. Changing software isn't without its pain points, but if the software you're using isn't working for you, it's better to change course and use something else than to suffer with software that is not a good fit for your company.

While we might be slightly biased 😀 but we think that Trade Service Pro is an excellent field service management solution for your business. Whether you work in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, tree service, pest control, power washing, etc., Trade Service Pro checks off every box discussed in this article. Check out our free 30-day trial to see if Trade Service Pro is a good fit for your business. Let's get to work!