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@QuotePlus 32 Frequently Asked Questions

General
Can @QuotePlus32 be used remotely, i.e. at the job site?
Yes. If you like Palm Pilots, the @QuotePalm version of the software is included that salespeople can use and hot-sync with their PC in the office. For maximum flexibility, your salespeople can use laptop or tablet PCs with high-speed wireless Internet cards to connect to your office and work from the road in real-time like they were sitting at their desks. Please contact us for more information.

What options do we have for data entry?
We have some contractors who have one or two data-entry people handle all the work, and some who have their salespeople entering their own bids into the system, and many who are somewhere in-between.

Can I handle multiple product lines in @QuotePlus32?
Yes. While @QuotePlus32 was originally designed with the insulation contractor in mind, it has been developed with any eye toward other product lines as well. Contractors are also using it for products such as fireplaces, closet shelving, garage doors, aluminum gutters, etc.

Can I run more than one copy of @QuotePlus32?
Yes. We have many clients who run separate companies out of multiple instances of @QuotePlus32 at the same time on the same computers.

How is the demo limited?
The demo is fully functional with one exception: you are limited to 10 clients with 10 jobs each.

How quickly can we get the actual software?
You already have it. The demo is the full version of @QuotePlus32, but needs an activation file to unlock it from the demo limitation. We provide this authorization file when you sign up.

Do I have to supply my own equipment?
That is up to you. You may obtain your own hardware that meets or exceeds the @QuotePlus32 specifications, or we can shop it for you and have it delivered. Contact us for more information if you wish us to provide the hardware.

Who sets up the @QuotePlus32 system?
We do. We can dial in remotely through the Internet to set it up, or we can walk your tech person through it over the phone. In the case where we provide the hardware, we can set up the whole system beforehand so all you have to do is plug it in and turn it on.

How do we get started?
There are two basic methods:
1. Cold turkey: You can enter your inventory, customer list, and A/R balances in first and cut over from your old system at one time.
2. Gradual: You can just enter the inventory and start using the system right away, adding customers and jobs as you go along, and slowly wean yourself off your previous system.

How long does it take to get started?
Using the “gradual” method, you can get started as soon as you set up your inventory, which usually takes less than a day. Using the “cold turkey” method, you can be up and running in less than a week.

Can we import customers, A/R, and/or inventory?
If you can provide us with a list of your customers, inventory and/or A/R balances in an electronic format such as a spreadsheet or CSV file, we can import any or all of them into @QuotePlus32 for you to speed up the startup process.



Technical
What other programs does @QuotePlus32 interface with?

  • Accounting:ComputerEase, MAS90, Peachtree, QuickBooks (Pro & Premier)
  • Payroll:ADP PC/Payroll for Windows
  • Internet:E-Mail, Maps & driving directions
  • Inventory:CertainTeed Order Manager
  • Fax:WinFax Pro


What other interfaces will be implemented in the future?
This depends on what our customers request. For example, if you are using an accounting package other than one of the above, and it will take input from another program, we are more than willing to add an interface to @QuotePlus32.



Pricing/Licensing
Do I have to purchase from CertainTeed in order to use @QuotePlus32?
No. CertainTeed has generously offered to let any contractor use the software, even if you don’t buy from CertainTeed, because they are genuinely interested in seeing that contractors have the best product they can to manage their businesses.

How many computers can I install @QuotePlus32 on?
As many as necessary at your location to get the job done. This includes workstations in-house, any laptops or tablets for salespeople on the road, and terminal server. Charging per-seat like traditional software companies do is a pain for both you and us, so we don’t do it.

Do I have to pay the whole price again for each branch location?
No. @QuotePlus32 becomes even more cost-effective as your business grows. Each additional branch after the first only raises the price by 20%.

Is training included?
All the necessary training via phone and/or dial-in is included in the implementation of @QuotePlus32. If desired, we can have someone visit your site for an additional fee.

Are any pricing discounts available?
Insulation contractors who purchase materials from CertainTeed receive MAP funds, which can be used to reimburse yourself up to half the cost of the software. Contact your CertainTeed representative for more details.



Support/Updates
What kind of response time can we expect on support calls?
In most cases we can handle your issue immediately when you call. For those occasions when we need to call you back, we promise a same-day callback, but the response time is usually within an hour.

How knowledgeable are the support people?
Very. How often when you call for support do you get to talk directly to the people who actually wrote the program? That’s us.

How frequently are updates to @QuotePlus32 available?
We promise updates quarterly, however, there are usually new updates available every few weeks.

How are updates distributed?
@QuotePlus32 contains a utility called AutoUpdate which obtains the latest update from our server and installs it.

Will you contact us when a new update is available?
If you would like us to, yes, or if the update contains something that affects you or that you requested. Otherwise, we don’t like to interrupt your work with frequent updates that may not have anything you’re in need of right now.

Is there online help?
Yes. @QuotePlus32 contains built-in online help that you can access from the Help menu or by pressing F1.

How do you support me remotely?
We have a remote-control package that we use to connect to your system over the Internet. You do not need to purchase any additional software if you have an Internet connection (although, the higher the speed, the better).

I’m on the west coast – how does this affect my support?
It doesn’t. Our office hours are 8:30am-6pm EST, but we have more than a few 24-hour clients. If you choose to go with @QuotePlus32, you will get our after-hours service numbers and can expect full support even after closing time on the eastern seaboard!

Why should we choose @QuotePlus32?
There are many reasons to choose @QuotePlus32, but if we had to choose three, they’d be:
  • It’s easy to use. We have worked very hard to make it easy to figure out and use, even for those people who hate computers. Judging by the responses we’ve gotten, we’re succeeding in this goal. We have also looked at other products in this field, and while some are feature-rich, none of them are as easy to use as @QuotePlus32.
  • It’s designed by contractors. Every feature and report you see in @QuotePlus32 is something that was requested by another contractor. Our strength is our ability to work with our customers and turn their requests into something that’s easy to use and gets the job done. This makes it the perfect chance for our customers to get the product they always wanted.
  • It’s comprehensive. From complete reporting to a visual scheduler to interfaces to accounting and the Internet, @QuotePlus32 endeavors to do everything you need it to. And with frequent updates, we are always adding more features to make your life easier!


Why should we choose Hero Data Services?
In no particular order:
  • Experience. Hero Data Services has been in business since 1994, but the partners have over 20 years experience each in the IT industry.
  • Well-rounded. We do a lot more than just @QuotePlus32: we build/repair PCs, install/maintain networks, host websites and e-mail, provide outsource IT services, install and support other companies’ software, etc. – the list goes on. This means that we can provide you with more than just @QuotePlus32 if you need it, and it means that we are well-versed in both hardware and software, so you don’t have to be.
  • Excellent customer service. We pride ourselves on (and get rave reviews about) our excellent customer service, and we work really hard to maintain it. Indeed, when we add to our team, the first thing we look for is people-skills, not technical skills. Tech stuff can be taught.
  • Dedication. We are all about our customers, and we intend to be there when you need us. We are looking to build long-term relationships, and our intent in this is evidenced by the fact that 90% of our original clients are still with us all these years later.

 

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