Even in a vocation as seemingly timeless as pest control, taking advantage of new technology as it enters the industry can often be the deciding factor when it comes to winning out over the competition. With the emergence of mobile GPS tracking, pest control operators are increasingly seeing the benefits that it can provide for both their businesses and their customers. From the way you schedule and dispatch your technicians to the way you allocate…
As artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become more accessible and intuitive for the average user, their applications have expanded exponentially. This explosion in AI functionality has permeated virtually every industry under the sun — and pest control is no exception. Taking advantage of AI for your pest control operation isn’t without its limitations, but when applied in the right areas of your business — and with the right amount of human touch along the way…
Today’s field service businesses rely on a wide range of data to keep things running smoothly — customer information, service histories, payment and finance records, and more are all crucial to efficient operations. As that data piles up, businesses are faced with figuring out where to store it all for easy access as needed. Fortunately, there are a variety of cloud hosting and storage options for businesses to choose from, each providing unique benefits, costs…
Over the past decade, we’ve seen subscription-based business models become increasingly popular in virtually every industry, from streaming TV and home meal kits to hygiene products and cleaning supplies. Businesses across various industries are increasingly embracing this innovative approach, recognizing the allure it holds for consumers and companies alike. While subscription models certainly represent a shift from the traditional individual transaction-based approach, they do build on the traditional tenets of customer satisfaction and driving revenue…
In the rapidly evolving landscape of customer communication, businesses are leveraging innovative strategies to enhance the customer experience. As technology continues to advance, companies are able to adopt new approaches that prioritize personalization, self-service options and social media interactions into their communication channels. These trends not only allow businesses to operate more efficiently but also enable them to cater to the diverse preferences of modern consumers. Recent trends in customer preferences and expectations offer valuable…
Job scheduling software plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of ERP field service businesses. In the dynamic environment of these industries, where timely and accurate execution of tasks is paramount, job scheduling becomes a linchpin for success. Having specialized software within an ERP system streamlines the entire process of assigning, managing, and monitoring tasks, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring customer satisfaction. For contractors in the field service industries — including HVAC,…
In the ever-evolving landscape of commerce, small businesses are continually seeking efficient and secure payment processing solutions to streamline transactions. Understanding the intricacies of payment processing is crucial for field service businesses looking to establish a seamless and customer-friendly payment system. Payment processing can significantly impact your business, your customers and the relationship between the two, so it’s important to understand what’s going on behind the scenes so you can make an educated choice when…
Whether you run a pest control operation or work as a technician, chances are that if you’re working in pest control, you frequently use pesticides on the job. While pesticides can be extremely helpful in managing many kinds of pests, maintaining safe practices when applying them is critical to keeping both employees and customers safe and healthy. In keeping with this approach, it is important to ensure anyone on your team who you expect to…
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software plays a crucial role in enhancing profitability and efficiency for field service businesses. In today’s competitive business landscape, where customer expectations are high and operational challenges are diverse, effective management of resources is essential. ERP systems provide a comprehensive solution by integrating various business processes, streamlining operations and optimizing resource utilization. For field service businesses in industries like HVAC and plumbing, which often involve mobile teams and complex logistical operations,…
Running a field service business comes with a world of everyday expenses, from buying materials to gassing up vehicles. Handing out petty cash or reimbursing employees for expenses as they arise might be enough to scrape by for a little while, but tracking all of those purchases, verifying receipts and avoiding roadblocks in cash flow quickly becomes a full-time job that eats up labor hours and costs more than it’s worth — and that’s nothing…
Marketing is a complicated process that requires comprehensive, tailored solutions. What works for one brand might not work for another and there are countless channels — like paid search, social media, and search engine optimization — to promote various products and brands. Companies often invest in multiple strategies and look for full-service promotional tools to execute these tactics. Artificial intelligence has been part of marketing for several years but is increasingly popping up in various…
Put your best foot forward with our free contractor estimate template! Providing an estimate is a crucial step for many field service businesses and serves as a chance to leave potential customers with a positive impression of your business. A clean, concise and informative estimate showcases your business’s professionalism, making you a more attractive option. What does this free contractor estimate template do? In short, this template helps you to make sure you’re not missing…
Pest control professionals face a unique blend of challenges and rewards that come with managing and eliminating pests. Besides the impact on their customer’s quality of life and helping people, the field also presents diverse job opportunities, ranging from owner-operators and office staff to hands-on technicians and experts in pest management strategies. Here, we’ll focus on the ins and outs of working as a pest control technician—a role that’s currently in particularly high demand, ensuring…
In the age of digital interactions and shopping, online reviews have become a natural and pivotal part of consumer buying and business reputations. They are a digital avenue for word-of-mouth marketing, shaping perceptions and influencing decisions even before a customer interacts directly with a business. Referrals, reviews, and testimonials are social proof that a company aligns with its claims and delivers on its promises. As people see positive experiences from others, they feel more confident…
Accountability means someone is held responsible for an action, goal, or assignment. Within the workplace, someone who is accountable might take the lead on a project or become a direct contact with a client or vendor. Accountability can be a good thing when employees feel empowered to make their own decisions and come up with creative solutions to problems. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) highlights several benefits of accountability for employee morale. These include…
In the age of smartphones and social media, consumers are bombarded with targeted ads, influencer endorsements, and personalized content, shaping their purchasing decisions and online behaviors. In such a noisy environment, it’s easy for brands to get lost and consumers to get caught up in the chaos. This is where word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing becomes invaluable. Despite the rapid evolution of technology and communication channels, WOM marketing remains a powerful tool in building brand trust and…
All with credit card processing Pest control and other field service businesses may be considered timeless industries, providing homeowners with necessary services seemingly forever, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from implementing the latest technology. Just like pest control operators recognize the benefits of innovative tools like software, smart traps and upgraded equipment, these businesses must embrace new payment options if they want to remain competitive and increase their revenue. By allowing customers to…
Whether you’re just starting out as a pest control professional or have been in the pest control game for a while, you can’t expect to successfully manage pests and satisfy your customers if you don’t have the right tools for the job. In pest control, this means having all of the pest control products and equipment needed to deal with pesky bugs and other pests. Take a look below at the essential tools you’ll need…
Whether your goals include expanding into new territories or just increasing your revenue to keep things operating smoothly, your pest control business relies on bringing in new customers to flourish. While it remains true that word of mouth is a strong source of leads for field service businesses, including those working in pest control, it’s not enough to cross your fingers and hope your current customers will lead their friends and neighbors onto your list…
For any business with technicians working out in the field, choosing a software solution goes way beyond desktop applications. As soon as your employees hit the road to head out on service calls, mobile functionality is a huge component in addressing your business’s needs. If your operation is looking for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, you likely have a significant number of field employees, each of whom relies on technology day in and day out…