Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
We use digital contracts through Powercode. They added this feature last year. I can 'push' contracts to accounts and they are redirected and cannot access the net until they are signed. We have them sign at the time of the install. I have only had two who sat there and read the entire thing. Of course one of those was an install that went until like 8pm. Once signed, the agreement is saved in .pdf format to the customer's account. This has really simplified the process for us. Thanks Powercode! On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 6:46 PM, David Milholen via Af af@afmug.com wrote: We still use a the carbon copy forms.. No hardware . The cost of printing (ink) is approx .25 - .75 cents a print or more depending on usage. The carbon prints from a professional printing company runs us about 120 bucks for a full CASE of triple copy contracts ready to sign. I say the writing is on the wall :) On 10/29/2014 11:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
seriously, why do you guys not get your contracts signed ahead of time? On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:22 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: We use digital contracts through Powercode. They added this feature last year. I can 'push' contracts to accounts and they are redirected and cannot access the net until they are signed. We have them sign at the time of the install. I have only had two who sat there and read the entire thing. Of course one of those was an install that went until like 8pm. Once signed, the agreement is saved in .pdf format to the customer's account. This has really simplified the process for us. Thanks Powercode! On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 6:46 PM, David Milholen via Af af@afmug.com wrote: We still use a the carbon copy forms.. No hardware . The cost of printing (ink) is approx .25 - .75 cents a print or more depending on usage. The carbon prints from a professional printing company runs us about 120 bucks for a full CASE of triple copy contracts ready to sign. I say the writing is on the wall :) On 10/29/2014 11:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
you dont have a website or email? They can fill ours out or download them from the website they can scan and email them back in or postal mail/hand deliver it would seem to me additional work for office staff whos job it is to shuffle paperwork would be better than additional work for field crews who arent paper jockeys. that just my opinion, and thats based on the fact that we hire retards most of the time, I assume thats where mileage varies. but to the original OP if you have mediacom in your area, their vans all have printers in them, theyre in the back end behind the cage, probably because of too many mustard packets in the print head. You ought to snatch one of those guys up off the street and find out what printer theyre using On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:27 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: For me, having them sign ahead of time would require extra work. I would have to have them print it and then I'd either be back on paperwork or I'd have to scan it and upload it to their account back at the office. I can't 'push' a contract to them if they aren't on my network. On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 8:24 AM, That One Guy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: seriously, why do you guys not get your contracts signed ahead of time? On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:22 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: We use digital contracts through Powercode. They added this feature last year. I can 'push' contracts to accounts and they are redirected and cannot access the net until they are signed. We have them sign at the time of the install. I have only had two who sat there and read the entire thing. Of course one of those was an install that went until like 8pm. Once signed, the agreement is saved in .pdf format to the customer's account. This has really simplified the process for us. Thanks Powercode! On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 6:46 PM, David Milholen via Af af@afmug.com wrote: We still use a the carbon copy forms.. No hardware . The cost of printing (ink) is approx .25 - .75 cents a print or more depending on usage. The carbon prints from a professional printing company runs us about 120 bucks for a full CASE of triple copy contracts ready to sign. I say the writing is on the wall :) On 10/29/2014 11:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925 -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
Do you guys also require customers to give the installer the upfront payment? I don’t have the installers handle money (unless the customer gives them a tip) because I don’t want to be in the situation where the customer says I gave the installer a check but I didn’t get a check. Or someone trying to pay the installer in cash or chickens. Or kittens, they are always trying to give us kittens. From: That One Guy via Af Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2014 9:32 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork you dont have a website or email? They can fill ours out or download them from the website they can scan and email them back in or postal mail/hand deliver it would seem to me additional work for office staff whos job it is to shuffle paperwork would be better than additional work for field crews who arent paper jockeys. that just my opinion, and thats based on the fact that we hire retards most of the time, I assume thats where mileage varies. but to the original OP if you have mediacom in your area, their vans all have printers in them, theyre in the back end behind the cage, probably because of too many mustard packets in the print head. You ought to snatch one of those guys up off the street and find out what printer theyre using On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:27 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: For me, having them sign ahead of time would require extra work. I would have to have them print it and then I'd either be back on paperwork or I'd have to scan it and upload it to their account back at the office. I can't 'push' a contract to them if they aren't on my network. On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 8:24 AM, That One Guy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: seriously, why do you guys not get your contracts signed ahead of time? On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:22 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: We use digital contracts through Powercode. They added this feature last year. I can 'push' contracts to accounts and they are redirected and cannot access the net until they are signed. We have them sign at the time of the install. I have only had two who sat there and read the entire thing. Of course one of those was an install that went until like 8pm. Once signed, the agreement is saved in .pdf format to the customer's account. This has really simplified the process for us. Thanks Powercode! On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 6:46 PM, David Milholen via Af af@afmug.com wrote: We still use a the carbon copy forms.. No hardware . The cost of printing (ink) is approx .25 - .75 cents a print or more depending on usage. The carbon prints from a professional printing company runs us about 120 bucks for a full CASE of triple copy contracts ready to sign. I say the writing is on the wall :) On 10/29/2014 11:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925 -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
Very cool concept Jeremy with the portable POE/Router and Tablet. I tend to agree it seems like extra work in the office to have the paperwork signed first. Also, one main reason for us is part of our paperwork relates to them signing that they now take responsibility for the install, IE: they approve how our technician installed it and are not going to call me in a couple weeks and say, ‘I never said your tech could drill a hole into my house and now you’re paying for me to fix it.’ Our techs take pictures of their completed work, we upload those to the account profile on our in house software, and then have them for reference. Also the price can change if they decide they want a router or some other piece of equipment, so when they sign they sign off on the install, the price, the equipment, and the terms of service. I would like to however go paperless with tablets and direct pay via CC, which is what I plan to work towards now. For cash and checks our employees are pretty responsible. However, we have a procedure that the employee writes the amount of money and form of payment on the paperwork that the customer keeps as their receipt, then when that employee gets to the office the book keeping staff verifies the amount wrote on the paperwork is turned in. It’s been a pretty simple process that is very efficient. If the customer wants to say they gave our employee money, then it will be on the paperwork they signed, and if it is, then the employee is responsible for losing that money and faces disciplinary action. That rarely to never happens, so I feel like it’s a good system. Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net From: Ken Hohhof via Af Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2014 9:38 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork Do you guys also require customers to give the installer the upfront payment? I don’t have the installers handle money (unless the customer gives them a tip) because I don’t want to be in the situation where the customer says I gave the installer a check but I didn’t get a check. Or someone trying to pay the installer in cash or chickens. Or kittens, they are always trying to give us kittens. From: That One Guy via Af Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2014 9:32 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork you dont have a website or email? They can fill ours out or download them from the website they can scan and email them back in or postal mail/hand deliver it would seem to me additional work for office staff whos job it is to shuffle paperwork would be better than additional work for field crews who arent paper jockeys. that just my opinion, and thats based on the fact that we hire retards most of the time, I assume thats where mileage varies. but to the original OP if you have mediacom in your area, their vans all have printers in them, theyre in the back end behind the cage, probably because of too many mustard packets in the print head. You ought to snatch one of those guys up off the street and find out what printer theyre using On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:27 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: For me, having them sign ahead of time would require extra work. I would have to have them print it and then I'd either be back on paperwork or I'd have to scan it and upload it to their account back at the office. I can't 'push' a contract to them if they aren't on my network. On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 8:24 AM, That One Guy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: seriously, why do you guys not get your contracts signed ahead of time? On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:22 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: We use digital contracts through Powercode. They added this feature last year. I can 'push' contracts to accounts and they are redirected and cannot access the net until they are signed. We have them sign at the time of the install. I have only had two who sat there and read the entire thing. Of course one of those was an install that went until like 8pm. Once signed, the agreement is saved in .pdf format to the customer's account. This has really simplified the process for us. Thanks Powercode! On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 6:46 PM, David Milholen via Af af@afmug.com wrote: We still use a the carbon copy forms.. No hardware . The cost of printing (ink) is approx .25 - .75 cents a print or more depending on usage. The carbon prints from a professional printing company runs us about 120 bucks for a full CASE of triple copy contracts ready to sign. I say the writing is on the wall :) On 10/29/2014 11:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
We fight management all the time on upfront payments. Too much can happen between the beginning of the day and the end up the day to make the installer responsible for company funds. Maybe once every 6 months management approves a payment on site. Thats shady business if you ask me. If they dont have the money to pay the fee today why would they have the money to pay the fee on the install date. We make it virtually impossible to not get free installation and the minimum upfront payment is one months service. If you dont have it today, yet youre signing up for our service, what kind of customer will you be? On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:59 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Very cool concept Jeremy with the portable POE/Router and Tablet. I tend to agree it seems like extra work in the office to have the paperwork signed first. Also, one main reason for us is part of our paperwork relates to them signing that they now take responsibility for the install, IE: they approve how our technician installed it and are not going to call me in a couple weeks and say, ‘I never said your tech could drill a hole into my house and now you’re paying for me to fix it.’ Our techs take pictures of their completed work, we upload those to the account profile on our in house software, and then have them for reference. Also the price can change if they decide they want a router or some other piece of equipment, so when they sign they sign off on the install, the price, the equipment, and the terms of service. I would like to however go paperless with tablets and direct pay via CC, which is what I plan to work towards now. For cash and checks our employees are pretty responsible. However, we have a procedure that the employee writes the amount of money and form of payment on the paperwork that the customer keeps as their receipt, then when that employee gets to the office the book keeping staff verifies the amount wrote on the paperwork is turned in. It’s been a pretty simple process that is very efficient. If the customer wants to say they gave our employee money, then it will be on the paperwork they signed, and if it is, then the employee is responsible for losing that money and faces disciplinary action. That rarely to never happens, so I feel like it’s a good system. Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net *From:* Ken Hohhof via Af af@afmug.com *Sent:* Thursday, October 30, 2014 9:38 AM *To:* af@afmug.com *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork Do you guys also require customers to give the installer the upfront payment? I don’t have the installers handle money (unless the customer gives them a tip) because I don’t want to be in the situation where the customer says I gave the installer a check but I didn’t get a check. Or someone trying to pay the installer in cash or chickens. Or kittens, they are always trying to give us kittens. *From:* That One Guy via Af af@afmug.com *Sent:* Thursday, October 30, 2014 9:32 AM *To:* af@afmug.com *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork you dont have a website or email? They can fill ours out or download them from the website they can scan and email them back in or postal mail/hand deliver it would seem to me additional work for office staff whos job it is to shuffle paperwork would be better than additional work for field crews who arent paper jockeys. that just my opinion, and thats based on the fact that we hire retards most of the time, I assume thats where mileage varies. but to the original OP if you have mediacom in your area, their vans all have printers in them, theyre in the back end behind the cage, probably because of too many mustard packets in the print head. You ought to snatch one of those guys up off the street and find out what printer theyre using On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:27 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: For me, having them sign ahead of time would require extra work. I would have to have them print it and then I'd either be back on paperwork or I'd have to scan it and upload it to their account back at the office. I can't 'push' a contract to them if they aren't on my network. On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 8:24 AM, That One Guy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: seriously, why do you guys not get your contracts signed ahead of time? On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:22 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: We use digital contracts through Powercode. They added this feature last year. I can 'push' contracts to accounts and they are redirected and cannot access the net until they are signed. We have them sign at the time of the install. I have only had two who sat there and read the entire thing. Of course one of those was an install that went until like 8pm. Once signed, the agreement is saved in .pdf format to the customer's account. This has really simplified the process for us. Thanks Powercode! On Wed
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
Maybe not the way to do it, but I don't have them sign anything. Install it and call it a day. If they don't like it, tough. - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com - Original Message - From: That One Guy via Af af@afmug.com To: af@afmug.com Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2014 9:24:31 AM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork seriously, why do you guys not get your contracts signed ahead of time? On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:22 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com wrote: We use digital contracts through Powercode. They added this feature last year. I can 'push' contracts to accounts and they are redirected and cannot access the net until they are signed. We have them sign at the time of the install. I have only had two who sat there and read the entire thing. Of course one of those was an install that went until like 8pm. Once signed, the agreement is saved in .pdf format to the customer's account. This has really simplified the process for us. Thanks Powercode! On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 6:46 PM, David Milholen via Af af@afmug.com wrote: blockquote We still use a the carbon copy forms.. No hardware . The cost of printing (ink) is approx .25 - .75 cents a print or more depending on usage. The carbon prints from a professional printing company runs us about 120 bucks for a full CASE of triple copy contracts ready to sign. I say the writing is on the wall :) On 10/29/2014 11:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af wrote: blockquote Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net /blockquote /blockquote -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
Our customers just have to pay the setup fee and first month before the install date. Josh Reynolds, Chief Information Officer SPITwSPOTS, www.spitwspots.com http://www.spitwspots.com On 10/30/2014 06:38 AM, Ken Hohhof via Af wrote: Do you guys also require customers to give the installer the upfront payment? I don’t have the installers handle money (unless the customer gives them a tip) because I don’t want to be in the situation where the customer says I gave the installer a check but I didn’t get a check. Or someone trying to pay the installer in cash or chickens. Or kittens, they are always trying to give us kittens. *From:* That One Guy via Af mailto:af@afmug.com *Sent:* Thursday, October 30, 2014 9:32 AM *To:* af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork you dont have a website or email? They can fill ours out or download them from the website they can scan and email them back in or postal mail/hand deliver it would seem to me additional work for office staff whos job it is to shuffle paperwork would be better than additional work for field crews who arent paper jockeys. that just my opinion, and thats based on the fact that we hire retards most of the time, I assume thats where mileage varies. but to the original OP if you have mediacom in your area, their vans all have printers in them, theyre in the back end behind the cage, probably because of too many mustard packets in the print head. You ought to snatch one of those guys up off the street and find out what printer theyre using On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:27 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com wrote: For me, having them sign ahead of time would require extra work. I would have to have them print it and then I'd either be back on paperwork or I'd have to scan it and upload it to their account back at the office. I can't 'push' a contract to them if they aren't on my network. On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 8:24 AM, That One Guy via Af af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com wrote: seriously, why do you guys not get your contracts signed ahead of time? On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:22 AM, Jeremy via Af af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com wrote: We use digital contracts through Powercode. They added this feature last year. I can 'push' contracts to accounts and they are redirected and cannot access the net until they are signed. We have them sign at the time of the install. I have only had two who sat there and read the entire thing. Of course one of those was an install that went until like 8pm. Once signed, the agreement is saved in .pdf format to the customer's account. This has really simplified the process for us. Thanks Powercode! On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 6:46 PM, David Milholen via Af af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com wrote: We still use a the carbon copy forms.. No hardware . The cost of printing (ink) is approx .25 - .75 cents a print or more depending on usage. The carbon prints from a professional printing company runs us about 120 bucks for a full CASE of triple copy contracts ready to sign. I say the writing is on the wall :) On 10/29/2014 11:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 tel:217-965-3699 www.royell.net http://www.royell.net -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
I’m going to second paperless. We just use google drive with a folder for open sales orders and a folder for completed sales orders. In the office, we just save new sales orders to the open folder. Tech opens them on an iPad mini, has the customer sign them, and saves them to completed. WAY easier then trying to track down paper and then file it. Carl Peterson PORT NETWORKS On Oct 29, 2014, at 1:15 PM, Jason Pond via Af af@afmug.com wrote: So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
On 10/29/14, 10:41, CARL PETERSON via Af wrote: I�m going to second paperless. We just use google drive with a folder for open sales orders and a folder for completed sales orders. In the office, we just save new sales orders to the open folder. Tech opens them on an iPad mini, has the customer sign them, and saves them to completed. WAY easier then trying to track down paper and then file it. My signature on a screen with my finger looks nothing like my actual signature. Does anyone know how that difference holds up if challenged? ~Seth
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
in 2000 president Clinton signed the Electronic Signature Act which in the US (many other countries have followed suit) makes a digital click as legally binding as your scribbled John Hancock On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 11:44 AM, Seth Mattinen via Af af@afmug.com wrote: On 10/29/14, 10:41, CARL PETERSON via Af wrote: I�m going to second paperless. We just use google drive with a folder for open sales orders and a folder for completed sales orders. In the office, we just save new sales orders to the open folder. Tech opens them on an iPad mini, has the customer sign them, and saves them to completed. WAY easier then trying to track down paper and then file it. My signature on a screen with my finger looks nothing like my actual signature. Does anyone know how that difference holds up if challenged? ~Seth
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
I remember an ATT U-Verse installer finishing the job and then wanting me to sign a 7 page agreement on his iPad. He stood there killing time for 154 minutes while I read the agreement. Apparently they count on people not reading what they sign. Also it seems like the time to get it signed was BEFORE he did the work. So my recommendation is to either keep your agreement to 1 page, or provide a copy to the customer ahead of time, or to read while the installer is working (this also gives the customer something to do other than nitpicking your install work). It's a waste of time to have your installer stand there while the customer reads a long agreement. -Original Message- From: Jason Pond via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:15 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
we normally get ours signed ahead of time We used to have a customer sign off form, but when they did get filled out they rarely made it back to the shop We are looking at options through powercode to get customer signatures, even if its just a tablet upload as a file. I dont know why people are so against getting their contracts signed ahead of time as part of the sign up for service, just have part of the terms void the contract if its an unsuccessful installation. On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af af@afmug.com wrote: I remember an ATT U-Verse installer finishing the job and then wanting me to sign a 7 page agreement on his iPad. He stood there killing time for 154 minutes while I read the agreement. Apparently they count on people not reading what they sign. Also it seems like the time to get it signed was BEFORE he did the work. So my recommendation is to either keep your agreement to 1 page, or provide a copy to the customer ahead of time, or to read while the installer is working (this also gives the customer something to do other than nitpicking your install work). It's a waste of time to have your installer stand there while the customer reads a long agreement. -Original Message- From: Jason Pond via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:15 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
Excellent feedback from everyone, I greatly appreciate it. The concept of the quick PDF is nice, as well as the Google Drive folders. Our agreement is only a couple pages, the install work order is a couple pages as well, but nothing to consuming for someone to read through and then have an email of it. Thanks again for the feedback. Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net From: That One Guy via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:41 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork we normally get ours signed ahead of time We used to have a customer sign off form, but when they did get filled out they rarely made it back to the shop We are looking at options through powercode to get customer signatures, even if its just a tablet upload as a file. I dont know why people are so against getting their contracts signed ahead of time as part of the sign up for service, just have part of the terms void the contract if its an unsuccessful installation. On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af af@afmug.com wrote: I remember an ATT U-Verse installer finishing the job and then wanting me to sign a 7 page agreement on his iPad. He stood there killing time for 154 minutes while I read the agreement. Apparently they count on people not reading what they sign. Also it seems like the time to get it signed was BEFORE he did the work. So my recommendation is to either keep your agreement to 1 page, or provide a copy to the customer ahead of time, or to read while the installer is working (this also gives the customer something to do other than nitpicking your install work). It's a waste of time to have your installer stand there while the customer reads a long agreement. -Original Message- From: Jason Pond via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:15 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
I wonder how much the e-signing companies charge per document? VoIP Innovations and Lease Corp both use e-signing services and I like it. Makes it seem very professional, even though basically you are just clicking to sign. It’s nice to be able to use the link and go back later and see what you signed. Kind of like Dropbox for contracts. From: Ben Royer via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:51 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork Excellent feedback from everyone, I greatly appreciate it. The concept of the quick PDF is nice, as well as the Google Drive folders. Our agreement is only a couple pages, the install work order is a couple pages as well, but nothing to consuming for someone to read through and then have an email of it. Thanks again for the feedback. Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net From: That One Guy via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:41 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork we normally get ours signed ahead of time We used to have a customer sign off form, but when they did get filled out they rarely made it back to the shop We are looking at options through powercode to get customer signatures, even if its just a tablet upload as a file. I dont know why people are so against getting their contracts signed ahead of time as part of the sign up for service, just have part of the terms void the contract if its an unsuccessful installation. On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af af@afmug.com wrote: I remember an ATT U-Verse installer finishing the job and then wanting me to sign a 7 page agreement on his iPad. He stood there killing time for 154 minutes while I read the agreement. Apparently they count on people not reading what they sign. Also it seems like the time to get it signed was BEFORE he did the work. So my recommendation is to either keep your agreement to 1 page, or provide a copy to the customer ahead of time, or to read while the installer is working (this also gives the customer something to do other than nitpicking your install work). It's a waste of time to have your installer stand there while the customer reads a long agreement. -Original Message- From: Jason Pond via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:15 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
$20 - $50 a month per user is what some of them charge. On 10/29/2014 2:17 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af wrote: I wonder how much the e-signing companies charge per document? VoIP Innovations and Lease Corp both use e-signing services and I like it. Makes it seem very professional, even though basically you are just clicking to sign. It’s nice to be able to use the link and go back later and see what you signed. Kind of like Dropbox for contracts. *From:* Ben Royer via Af mailto:af@afmug.com *Sent:* Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:51 PM *To:* af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork Excellent feedback from everyone, I greatly appreciate it. The concept of the quick PDF is nice, as well as the Google Drive folders. Our agreement is only a couple pages, the install work order is a couple pages as well, but nothing to consuming for someone to read through and then have an email of it. Thanks again for the feedback. Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net *From:* That One Guy via Af mailto:af@afmug.com *Sent:* Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:41 PM *To:* af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork we normally get ours signed ahead of time We used to have a customer sign off form, but when they did get filled out they rarely made it back to the shop We are looking at options through powercode to get customer signatures, even if its just a tablet upload as a file. I dont know why people are so against getting their contracts signed ahead of time as part of the sign up for service, just have part of the terms void the contract if its an unsuccessful installation. On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com wrote: I remember an ATT U-Verse installer finishing the job and then wanting me to sign a 7 page agreement on his iPad. He stood there killing time for 154 minutes while I read the agreement. Apparently they count on people not reading what they sign. Also it seems like the time to get it signed was BEFORE he did the work. So my recommendation is to either keep your agreement to 1 page, or provide a copy to the customer ahead of time, or to read while the installer is working (this also gives the customer something to do other than nitpicking your install work). It's a waste of time to have your installer stand there while the customer reads a long agreement. -Original Message- From: Jason Pond via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:15 PM To: af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 tel:217-965-3699 www.royell.net http://www.royell.net -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
Or check out open esignforms for free :) http://open.esignforms.com/ On 10/29/2014 2:17 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af wrote: I wonder how much the e-signing companies charge per document? VoIP Innovations and Lease Corp both use e-signing services and I like it. Makes it seem very professional, even though basically you are just clicking to sign. It’s nice to be able to use the link and go back later and see what you signed. Kind of like Dropbox for contracts. *From:* Ben Royer via Af mailto:af@afmug.com *Sent:* Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:51 PM *To:* af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork Excellent feedback from everyone, I greatly appreciate it. The concept of the quick PDF is nice, as well as the Google Drive folders. Our agreement is only a couple pages, the install work order is a couple pages as well, but nothing to consuming for someone to read through and then have an email of it. Thanks again for the feedback. Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net *From:* That One Guy via Af mailto:af@afmug.com *Sent:* Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:41 PM *To:* af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork we normally get ours signed ahead of time We used to have a customer sign off form, but when they did get filled out they rarely made it back to the shop We are looking at options through powercode to get customer signatures, even if its just a tablet upload as a file. I dont know why people are so against getting their contracts signed ahead of time as part of the sign up for service, just have part of the terms void the contract if its an unsuccessful installation. On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com wrote: I remember an ATT U-Verse installer finishing the job and then wanting me to sign a 7 page agreement on his iPad. He stood there killing time for 154 minutes while I read the agreement. Apparently they count on people not reading what they sign. Also it seems like the time to get it signed was BEFORE he did the work. So my recommendation is to either keep your agreement to 1 page, or provide a copy to the customer ahead of time, or to read while the installer is working (this also gives the customer something to do other than nitpicking your install work). It's a waste of time to have your installer stand there while the customer reads a long agreement. -Original Message- From: Jason Pond via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:15 PM To: af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 tel:217-965-3699 www.royell.net http://www.royell.net -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
Adobe is roughly $15/user/mth Regards, Chuck On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 3:21 PM, Keefe John via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Or check out open esignforms for free :) http://open.esignforms.com/ On 10/29/2014 2:17 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af wrote: I wonder how much the e-signing companies charge per document? VoIP Innovations and Lease Corp both use e-signing services and I like it. Makes it seem very professional, even though basically you are just clicking to sign. It’s nice to be able to use the link and go back later and see what you signed. Kind of like Dropbox for contracts. *From:* Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com *Sent:* Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:51 PM *To:* af@afmug.com *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork Excellent feedback from everyone, I greatly appreciate it. The concept of the quick PDF is nice, as well as the Google Drive folders. Our agreement is only a couple pages, the install work order is a couple pages as well, but nothing to consuming for someone to read through and then have an email of it. Thanks again for the feedback. Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net *From:* That One Guy via Af af@afmug.com *Sent:* Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:41 PM *To:* af@afmug.com *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork we normally get ours signed ahead of time We used to have a customer sign off form, but when they did get filled out they rarely made it back to the shop We are looking at options through powercode to get customer signatures, even if its just a tablet upload as a file. I dont know why people are so against getting their contracts signed ahead of time as part of the sign up for service, just have part of the terms void the contract if its an unsuccessful installation. On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af af@afmug.com wrote: I remember an ATT U-Verse installer finishing the job and then wanting me to sign a 7 page agreement on his iPad. He stood there killing time for 154 minutes while I read the agreement. Apparently they count on people not reading what they sign. Also it seems like the time to get it signed was BEFORE he did the work. So my recommendation is to either keep your agreement to 1 page, or provide a copy to the customer ahead of time, or to read while the installer is working (this also gives the customer something to do other than nitpicking your install work). It's a waste of time to have your installer stand there while the customer reads a long agreement. -Original Message- From: Jason Pond via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:15 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
going Digital is note that hard now days all you have to do is get youre Techs Galaxy Note Phones with a PDF Editor app have them Sign the PDF have tech email a copy to billing.. then billing can e-mail copy to customer or mail with next bill.. not sure what about that needs a plan.. On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 3:27 PM, Chuck Hogg via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Adobe is roughly $15/user/mth Regards, Chuck On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 3:21 PM, Keefe John via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Or check out open esignforms for free :) http://open.esignforms.com/ On 10/29/2014 2:17 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af wrote: I wonder how much the e-signing companies charge per document? VoIP Innovations and Lease Corp both use e-signing services and I like it. Makes it seem very professional, even though basically you are just clicking to sign. It’s nice to be able to use the link and go back later and see what you signed. Kind of like Dropbox for contracts. *From:* Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com *Sent:* Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:51 PM *To:* af@afmug.com *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork Excellent feedback from everyone, I greatly appreciate it. The concept of the quick PDF is nice, as well as the Google Drive folders. Our agreement is only a couple pages, the install work order is a couple pages as well, but nothing to consuming for someone to read through and then have an email of it. Thanks again for the feedback. Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net *From:* That One Guy via Af af@afmug.com *Sent:* Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:41 PM *To:* af@afmug.com *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork we normally get ours signed ahead of time We used to have a customer sign off form, but when they did get filled out they rarely made it back to the shop We are looking at options through powercode to get customer signatures, even if its just a tablet upload as a file. I dont know why people are so against getting their contracts signed ahead of time as part of the sign up for service, just have part of the terms void the contract if its an unsuccessful installation. On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af af@afmug.com wrote: I remember an ATT U-Verse installer finishing the job and then wanting me to sign a 7 page agreement on his iPad. He stood there killing time for 154 minutes while I read the agreement. Apparently they count on people not reading what they sign. Also it seems like the time to get it signed was BEFORE he did the work. So my recommendation is to either keep your agreement to 1 page, or provide a copy to the customer ahead of time, or to read while the installer is working (this also gives the customer something to do other than nitpicking your install work). It's a waste of time to have your installer stand there while the customer reads a long agreement. -Original Message- From: Jason Pond via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:15 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net -- All parts
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
We have a three part work order form. Installer keeps a copy, office keeps a copy, office keeps a copy. Basically without this form the installer isn't paid for those hours (not that we've ever had to fight it) - Original Message - From: Ben Royer via Af To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:51 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork Excellent feedback from everyone, I greatly appreciate it. The concept of the quick PDF is nice, as well as the Google Drive folders. Our agreement is only a couple pages, the install work order is a couple pages as well, but nothing to consuming for someone to read through and then have an email of it. Thanks again for the feedback. Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net From: That One Guy via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:41 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork we normally get ours signed ahead of time We used to have a customer sign off form, but when they did get filled out they rarely made it back to the shop We are looking at options through powercode to get customer signatures, even if its just a tablet upload as a file. I dont know why people are so against getting their contracts signed ahead of time as part of the sign up for service, just have part of the terms void the contract if its an unsuccessful installation. On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af af@afmug.com wrote: I remember an ATT U-Verse installer finishing the job and then wanting me to sign a 7 page agreement on his iPad. He stood there killing time for 154 minutes while I read the agreement. Apparently they count on people not reading what they sign. Also it seems like the time to get it signed was BEFORE he did the work. So my recommendation is to either keep your agreement to 1 page, or provide a copy to the customer ahead of time, or to read while the installer is working (this also gives the customer something to do other than nitpicking your install work). It's a waste of time to have your installer stand there while the customer reads a long agreement. -Original Message- From: Jason Pond via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:15 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af af@afmug.com wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net -- All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. -- IBM maintenance manual, 1925
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
What you are describing is a performance/discipline incentive. Those types of merit-based programs are generally going to be ok, at least from a wage and hour standpoint (though they can always raise other issues of their own--implement plans like this only with the benefit of legal advice, including good training for your supervisors). -- Original message -- From: Tushar Patel via Af Date: 10/29/2014 7:00 PM To: af@afmug.com; Subject:Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork What about linking lack of paperwork to performance review and raises? Tushar On Oct 29, 2014, at 6:09 PM, Hass, Douglas A. via Af af@afmug.commailto:af@afmug.com wrote: Remember, not turning in paperwork is a disciplinary issue, not a compensation issue. No matter if your employee does a good job, a bad job, turns in all of his paperwork, or turns in absolutely no paperwork, you still MUST pay him for all hours he works. You can discipline him, but even having a no paperwork, no pay policy on the books is going to be unlawful and can be grounds for a very costly to defend wage and hour lawsuit. Even if you have never actually enforced this, good luck proving that if your policy and your public pronouncements suggest otherwise! I am happy to talk with any of you off list about alternatives to messing with paychecks that can legally incentivize employees to do their jobs. -- Original message -- From: CBB - Jay Fuller via Af Date: 10/29/2014 6:02 PM To: af@afmug.commailto:af@afmug.com; Subject:Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork We have a three part work order form. Installer keeps a copy, office keeps a copy, office keeps a copy. Basically without this form the installer isn't paid for those hours (not that we've ever had to fight it) - Original Message - From: Ben Royer via Af mailto:af@afmug.com To: af@afmug.commailto:af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:51 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork Excellent feedback from everyone, I greatly appreciate it. The concept of the quick PDF is nice, as well as the Google Drive folders. Our agreement is only a couple pages, the install work order is a couple pages as well, but nothing to consuming for someone to read through and then have an email of it. Thanks again for the feedback. Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.nethttp://www.royell.net From: That One Guy via Af mailto:af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 1:41 PM To: af@afmug.commailto:af@afmug.com mailto:af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork we normally get ours signed ahead of time We used to have a customer sign off form, but when they did get filled out they rarely made it back to the shop We are looking at options through powercode to get customer signatures, even if its just a tablet upload as a file. I dont know why people are so against getting their contracts signed ahead of time as part of the sign up for service, just have part of the terms void the contract if its an unsuccessful installation. On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Ken Hohhof via Af af@afmug.commailto:af@afmug.commailto:af@afmug.com wrote: I remember an ATT U-Verse installer finishing the job and then wanting me to sign a 7 page agreement on his iPad. He stood there killing time for 154 minutes while I read the agreement. Apparently they count on people not reading what they sign. Also it seems like the time to get it signed was BEFORE he did the work. So my recommendation is to either keep your agreement to 1 page, or provide a copy to the customer ahead of time, or to read while the installer is working (this also gives the customer something to do other than nitpicking your install work). It's a waste of time to have your installer stand there while the customer reads a long agreement. -Original Message- From: Jason Pond via Af Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:15 PM To: af@afmug.commailto:af@afmug.commailto:af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork So the going paperless is way easier than you think. Buy a signature pad like a Topaz Sig Lite (usb) send with installer. Your contract is probably already in PDF form. Create Information boxes and add a signature field. This can be done with Acrobat reader I think. They save on the computer have installer download or e-mail them in at the end of the day. The installer can even e-mail a copy to the customer right there while they are still onsite. (two things good about that. You know you have the right e-mail address and the installer knows that the internet is working). If the customer wants a signed copy they can have one e-mailed to them at the end of the day after the installer gets back to the office. No matter what you do an in-vehicle printer will be problematic forever they were not designed for that environment. (cheaper in the long run to go paperless sooner than later)... Sincerely, Jason Pond On Wed
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
The Square POS application for iPad uses card-swipe and finger signatures. Seems good enough for VISA, Mastercard, the payment card industry as a whole. https://www.google.ca/search?q=square+ipad+registernum=100client=firefox-ahs=Xvzrls=org.mozilla:en-US:officialchannel=sbsource=lnmstbm=ischsa=Xei=UoNRVKb4JMWwogSXoYKgBQved=0CAgQ_AUoAQbiw=1339bih=913 On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 10:44 AM, Seth Mattinen via Af af@afmug.com wrote: On 10/29/14, 10:41, CARL PETERSON via Af wrote: I�m going to second paperless. We just use google drive with a folder for open sales orders and a folder for completed sales orders. In the office, we just save new sales orders to the open folder. Tech opens them on an iPad mini, has the customer sign them, and saves them to completed. WAY easier then trying to track down paper and then file it. My signature on a screen with my finger looks nothing like my actual signature. Does anyone know how that difference holds up if challenged? ~Seth
Re: [AFMUG] Field Paperwork
We still use a the carbon copy forms.. No hardware . The cost of printing (ink) is approx .25 - .75 cents a print or more depending on usage. The carbon prints from a professional printing company runs us about 120 bucks for a full CASE of triple copy contracts ready to sign. I say the writing is on the wall :) On 10/29/2014 11:43 AM, Ben Royer via Af wrote: Quick poll question... For those of you still using paper in the field for your technicians to have customers sign, do you use printers in the vehicles? If yes to that question, which printer do you recommend? We use a basic HP Deskjet scanner/copier/printer, so the client can sign the paperwork and then we can make a copy for them in the field. However, they are not very durable to the every day use of our field techs. I’ve even had them brought in because they are jammed and we find things like a mustard packet inside them. Now, the obvious go paperless argument is null at this point as we are putting a plan in place to get there someday, but until then, what would you all recommend for paperwork printing in the field? Thank you, Ben Royer, Operations Supervisor Royell Communications, Inc. 217-965-3699 www.royell.net
