Estimating software

AAE

AAE

Learner
Is there a non-subscription estimating software for the occasional user? If not, is there a general formula you use to make an estimate?
Thanks
Kent
 
They're all subscription based. web-est.com is among the cheaper alternatives. There are formulas for figuring out clear coat times, and parts seem to have labor times that are similar, but I think if you are doing this professionally, $120/mo is not really that bad to have access to all the labor times and parts prices.
 
you might find some used crash books. there probably going to be several years old but they might be something to reference off of.
 
Mitchell used to have a pay as you go system online. Not sure if they still do. Crash whar are you using cause $120 a month is cheap. CCC Comp Est is what we use at my work and it's like $275 a month.
 
I'm grandfathered into CCC-Comp-Est for $160, been using it for over 11 years now. Last year they changed it all and were going to charge me more, I said nice knowing you then, and they changed their mind.

Web-est is the one that's $120.
 
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Audatex has my vote same program Allstate used for years but if your looking for basic get you in the the ball park abf systems is as economical as you can get
 
RobertW said:
Audatex has my vote same program Allstate used for years but if your looking for basic get you in the the ball park abf systems is as economical as you can get
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Down side is that it isn't mobile. Perfect price though.
 
Wich isn't mobile my wife has abf systems on her tablet for quick quotes vary much mobile
 
Dell tablet with Windows 10 as far as phone apps that's a tuff one I know yada systems had something for Windows phone I'm not sure what your labor rates are but here it's 50.00 a hour so a good rule of thumb is 300 a panel except for bedside and large roofs and then of course add for repairs I don't know if that might help you out
 
RobertW said:
Dell tablet with Windows 10 as far as phone apps that's a tuff one I know yada systems had something for Windows phone I'm not sure what your labor rates are but here it's 50.00 a hour so a good rule of thumb is 300 a panel except for bedside and large roofs and then of course add for repairs I don't know if that might help you out
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I've been using the Guesstimate program and charging 250-300 for everything. I'm not a shop but am getting more inquiries. I just don't want to leave a bunch of $$ on the table.
 
Vary true in this business you can be the busiest guy in town and most popular with the paint suppliers and at the same time not making any money . It's more important to have accurate estimates then most think because in the end you have to charge enough to do a good job and always be willing to walk away when someone pressures you to just shoot from the hip a price
 
I think any estimating program can be "mobile" if you put it on a laptop and know where the wifi is, or a phone that can hotspot.
 
I had web est for a couple years, but switched to audatex about a year ago. I liked both systems but the audatex has more features and more upgrades available. for just there basic systems prices our comparable. I have audatex on a laptop and as long as you have internet connection you can use it anywhere.
 
Audatex's 3d is awesome and there fasteners coverage is unmatched by anyone
 
CCC is the big gun with most insurance Co.'s and if your a DRP with certain Co's they require you have it and our fee is close to $600 a mo. for 3 computers, the subscription fees are based on how many computers are hooked up to it.
 
I used to be DRP and used CCC for years. In 2008, I dropped the DRP's and went back to about 70% restoration (I prefer to buy/restore/sell and not customer restorations) and 30% collision. When I got off DRP's I went with CrashWriter which was bought by Web-Est. It works and estimates match closely with any of the big three. I don't remember what features I pay for but mine is $135/month with a annual agreement. And by the way, don't buy into all of the DRP crap. I was turning well over a million a year and almost starved to death. I make (keep) way more money turning $300-400k my way. I have one employee and time off. Sorry on a tangent......
 
I agree with Bartman been down that drp road I would rather sell my shop and work for Earl schieb than ever be associated with it again
 
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