The right field management/HVAC software can improve your business operations in ways you could never have imagined.
However, that is all dependent on whether the platform you choose comes with an array of features to meet all your operational requirements and comes in at a reasonable price.
Housecall Pro and Jobber are such service scheduling and dispatching apps. Each offers its own set of unique features and pricing plans.
In this article, we will dive into both Jobber and Housecall Pro software options, along with the various pros and cons of each tool.
Housecall Pro Review
Housecall Pro field service management software provides a single solution for managing your technicians, scheduling work orders, invoicing customers, and more.
Housecall Pro Features
Job Scheduling And Dispatching
The job scheduling and dispatching feature allows you to schedule your appointments in the most convenient way. The app will automatically send out text messages to your technicians to alert them about appointments.
This ensures that every technician knows when their shift is starting, reducing the time spent waiting around at the office between appointments.
Email Marketing Automation
Email marketing automation allows you to send automated emails based on certain criteria, such as when a new customer signs up or when someone books an appointment with you through the app.
This can be extremely useful for keeping in touch with customers and reminding them about upcoming appointments or other services related to their HVAC systems.
Google Local Services
This feature allows you to create an online presence for yourself and your business using Google’s local listing service. When potential customers search Google for HVAC companies in their area, your company will appear at the top of the results page.
Payment Processing
Housecall Pro is a complete point-of-sale system that allows you to accept credit cards, process payments, and manage your inventory.
This feature makes it easy for you to provide an invoice with a detailed breakdown of the services performed and the amount charged.
QuickBooks Integration
Housecall Pro is integrated with QuickBooks, which means that you can import all your invoices directly into your accounting software. This will help you to keep track of every transaction and ensure that your financial records are always up-to-date and accurate.
Customer Management
The platform contains a built-in customer database that allows you to save information about each customer’s name, address, phone number, and more, making it effortless for you to stay in touch with your customers.
This is especially useful as you can implement referral campaigns to entice customers to refer their friends and family members to use your services.
GPS Tracking
GPS tracking allows you to track exactly where each technician is located at any given time. This way you can dispatch them throughout your service area without wasting time or money on unnecessary travel expenses.
This feature also helps reduce response times when customers need assistance right away.
Pricing Plans
Basic Plan
$49 per month for one user
Essentials Plan
$129 per month for up to 5 users.
Pros Of Housecall Pro Software
Easy To Use
The user interface of Housecall Pro is customizable and easy to navigate, which makes it easy for employees with little or no experience with technology to use.
Mobile Friendly
This tool offers mobile functionality to allow your employees to access their accounts anywhere in the world. This also means that they can respond to customer requests anytime, even when they’re on the go!
Real-time Updates
Housecall Pro provides real-time updates on everything from customer requests and invoices to inventory levels and more so that you always know exactly what’s going on with your business at any given moment.
Fully Integrated
Housecall Pro is fully integrated with all other modules in the system, so everything works together seamlessly. This includes your inventory, time tracking, work orders, and more.
Cons Of Housecall Pro Software
High Cost
The cost of the software is relatively high compared to other tools in the market. It should be noted that features like website builder and GPS tracking come at an extra cost.
Limited Customization
You cannot customize the software or add additional features to make it more useful for your business.
Complexity
While Housecall Pro has many great features, the implementation can be complex and time-consuming.
You can read a more detailed Housecall Pro review here.
Jobber Review
Jobber is a powerful, easy-to-use HVAC business management software that can help you grow your business. They offer premium features for scheduling, dispatching, and invoicing.
Jobber Software Features
Scheduling And Dispatching
You can use Jobber’s drag-and-drop scheduler to create jobs and assign them to technicians. And with the time tracking feature, you can view how much time technicians spend on each job.
Schedule jobs with the calendar view or by using the built-in calendar. You can also post notes directly on the job board for technicians to see without logging in.
Expense Tracking
You can track maintenance costs, fuel usage, and other expenses with Jobber’s expense tracker. You can create expenses such as oil changes or new filters with just a few clicks.
You can also include photos of receipts, so you don’t have to go digging through your desk drawers looking for them when it comes time to submit an invoice.
Online Booking
With the online booking module, customers can book appointments online without having to call or email you first.
When a booking is made online with one of your technicians, it automatically updates the calendar in real-time, so that the tech knows exactly when to be there for the appointment.
Invoice Creation And Billing
The invoice creation process is simple. Enter the job information, hit the Create Invoice button, and Jobber will automatically create it for you. From there, you can easily send invoices to clients via email.
Email Automation
Once you have created an account with Jobber, you can use the list of email templates to automate your marketing campaigns.
You can also create customized emails for each client with their name and address in the subject line. This makes it much easier for your customers to see who sent them the email without having to open it first.
CRM
The CRM module allows users to keep track of their leads and contact them easily when needed. You can store all your customer information, including their name, contact information, payment history, and more, within this system so that all of your data is easily accessible.
Pricing Plans
Core
1 user, $30/ month for monthly subscriptions and $19/month for annual subscriptions
Connect
7 users, $90/month for monthly subscriptions and $50 /month for annual subscriptions
Grow
30 users, $180/month for monthly subscriptions, and $119 /month for annual subscriptions
Pros Of Jobber Software
It’s Easy To Use
It has a simple interface that makes it easy to set up jobs, assign employees and track their time.
It’s Flexible
Jobber scheduling and dispatching solutions are ideal for small business owners who want a simple application that can handle multiple work shifts with minimal effort.
Jobber Improves Efficiency
It allows for more accurate planning of resources, which in turn helps with efficiency. The software can also help you optimize your schedule so that there is no over- or underutilization of resources.
Cons Of Jobber Software
Restricted Tracking
Their mapping system isn’t 100% accurate, and you are only allowed to reset the route twice a day.
Challenging Customization
Adding new contract details to proposals can be challenging in the app.
You can read a more detailed Jobber review here.
Housecall Pro Vs. Jobber: The Key Differences
Some of the major differences between Jobber and Housecall Pro include the following:
Ease Of Use
Both programs are easy to use, but Housecall Pro has more features and complexity. If you’re new to a home-based business or haven’t used a computer before, Jobber is perfect. It is extremely simple and easy to understand.
If you already have some experience with computer programs and want more control over your own business, Housecall Pro is the better solution.
Invoicing Features
Housecall Pro has a more robust invoicing system. You can create invoices to send to your clients, then track all the payments from each invoice.
Jobber has a more simple invoice feature that can be customized to your needs.
Reporting And Analytics
When deciding between Housecall Pro Vs. Jobber, Jobber is a suitable option for those who need to analyze their data.
Housecall Pro has reporting capabilities too, however, it may not provide the detailed level of insight you need to manage your businesses effectively.
Integrations
Housecall Pro has more integrations, including Google Calendar and Slack (for project management), QuickBooks Online (for invoicing), and MailChimp (for email marketing). It also offers mobile apps for Android and iOS devices so you can track your appointments on the go.
Conclusion
While both Housecall Pro and Jobber are useful as field management tools, Housecall Pro allows for better invoicing and has many more integrations than Jobber. However, Jobber has superior reporting capabilities and is easier to use.
Which of these two options should contractors choose? Both platforms have pros and cons, the answer will ultimately be based on your business model, budget, and individual needs. But keep in mind that neither platform was designed specifically for the HVAC industry.
If you’re in the market for an all-encompassing platform that can meet all the needs of your HVAC business, book a demo and see 3C Connect in action.
