Organization ?

[N.TX]

Well im 22 and ive been mowing since i was in highschool.. After advertisments this spring i have over 50 accounts ... some of them really large so its equivialant to having about 65-70 residential yards... I was wondering what the best methods are that you guys use to keep track of when you do them and all that. Does anyone use quick books? Right now i use an invoicing program but it doesnt help me with keeping track of the accounts ive done. Should i make a spreadsheet with all the customers per day and have mark off boxes . Also im looking to expand alot .. so any of you big guys gimme some pointers on organization please ... thanks

[Woody]

You can always try Dave's software by clicking here.

[Gene97]

Woody, is that a good program in your honest opinion? I just downloaded the free version and the cost is $75, looked pretty good, but who designed the program, do you know? I got one account as you know about yesterday, but I do need to keep up with the receipts and such(I do plan on having more than one very soon, just don't want anymore like that one unless I am paid more, as you stated to me "it was a great learning experience".
Thanks,
Buddy

[jgc8fan]

I don't use any scheduling software or even set schedules as you never know when things will change. What I did is make a spread sheet with all my account names on it, and 6 blank spaces next to each:

Regular Service Completed Month __________

Joe Blow ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

Joe Blow ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

Joe Blow ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

Joe Blow ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

Also 5 blanks at the bottom for any new customers. At the end of each day I put a date on each account I did that day, so I can just take a quick look, and see that I haven't missed anyone. I usually do it in my driveway right before putting my gear away. One sheet for each month, and I keep the filled out sheets in a folder, so that if a customer ever questions whether I did the service I can look up and give them an exact date.

I also have a second sheet I use for one time LS type jobs or any other special services: (4 of these blanks fit on one page)

Special Service

Month _________

Customer ___________________________ Date __________
Address ___________________________ Price __________
Service __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Once I got used to filling them out every day it's easy to keep track of what I've done, and what I have to do. Plus I like the idea of having a hand written record. I never remember to update computer data, so this works better for me. Also comes in handy when doing my invoices... It's right on the desk in front of me, so I know who I should be billing for what.

Mine are aligned correctly, but you get the idea.

[Gene97]

Jeff, how about expenses? Do you have a file that you keep your receipts in your truck or home, I guess it is better to pay by debit that way if you lose a little gas receipt or such, you have at least a backup through your debit card record.
Buddy

[jgc8fan]

I keep the receipts in an envelope in my truck, and whenever I think of it I move them to a file folder on my desk. Probable gonna have to get some expanding folders as its starting to get pretty packed.