On-Site Welding Billing/Invoicing Computer Advise.

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I am just about ready to start taking on work for "On-Site Welding Services". From past experience, I know organization is a must. Having all customers, material lists and payment info, together and correct is huge. The nature of an "On-Site" service puts me out in the field much of the time and my truck becomes the main office. I am thinking an iPad and portable printer will aid tremendously in account management and billing. It would also make the ordering and use of materials much easier. Through the iPad's ability to use a plug in credit card reader, payment and invoicing could be all done within minutes. I am curious if any of you do this sort of thing? What have you found to be the most convienient way to track the customers past activity, material use, outstanding accounts, etc...?Would a laptop be better suited to this type of thing? The iPad allows Internet access anywhere which will come in handy for any design questions, settings, ideas and such. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Reply:Originally Posted by AcetyleneI am just about ready to start taking on work for "On-Site Welding Services". From past experience, I know organization is a must. Having all customers, material lists and payment info, together and correct is huge. The nature of an "On-Site" service puts me out in the field much of the time and my truck becomes the main office. I am thinking an iPad and portable printer will aid tremendously in account management and billing. It would also make the ordering and use of materials much easier. Through the iPad's ability to use a plug in credit card reader, payment and invoicing could be all done within minutes. I am curious if any of you do this sort of thing? What have you found to be the most convienient way to track the customers past activity, material use, outstanding accounts, etc...?Would a laptop be better suited to this type of thing? The iPad allows Internet access anywhere which will come in handy for any design questions, settings, ideas and such. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Reply:You know what it looks like your puttinjg the cart before the horse, outfit your service veh to handle the jobs you might get, have a good watch and log your work.  At your office log the info and track it with excel.  Buy everything now and hope you make enoght to pay for it.
Reply:I have no experience with the i-pad, as I've mainly used Windows stuff.  Quickbooks is a good program, but as Asolis said, not sure if it can be run on the Apple platform.  Sure, there are other programs out there, but Quickbooks will track everything you're after, and more.  You can e-mail purchase orders, invoices, run reports, etc.  Save you the hassle of hauling a printer around too.  For billing purposes, you can run credit cards, etc via Quickbooks, and also sign up for their ACH (bank to bank funds transfer) with Quickbooks (made by Intuit) as well.  The program also has a function to log time spent on jobs.-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:Most cellular providers have cellular modems available for the laptop. I think for business, I would go for the laptop. Nothing against the Apple products, I have an iPhone 4s and an iPad, but I don't like having the keyboard on the screen for the application stated.Millermatic 200Hobart Handler 120Victor O/A & Ramco BandsawLincoln 225 ACSnapOn AD HoodMiller XMT304/22AHypertherm Powermax 1650 G3Lincoln Idealarc DC600 w/Extreme 12 VSMiller Digital Elite "Joker"
Reply:I still keep a pad of 2 part invoices in the truck for new customers, everyone else gets a bill mailed to them  after I get home. I do take credit cards through my phone if the customer wants to pay then and there. I also take cash, guns, gold, or anything else of value.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:for on the spot invoices i still use carbon tags.   Cheep reliable, and effective.  Never needs batteries, dont care if they are dropped and very rugged for the Mobil environmentVantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:What about getting payed on the spot??????I have a friend using this thing called Square-up https://squareup.commoney is in the account next business day
Reply:Originally Posted by Randall_HWhat about getting payed on the spot??????I have a friend using this thing called Square-up https://squareup.commoney is in the account next business day
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbayYou know what it looks like your puttinjg the cart before the horse, outfit your service veh to handle the jobs you might get, have a good watch and log your work.
Reply:Originally Posted by Randall_HWhat about getting payed on the spot??????I have a friend using this thing called Square-up https://squareup.commoney is in the account next business day
Reply:As much as I like the thought of a iPad, it doesn't seem to do business stuff very well.  The last time I checked, it didn't even work with the standard MS Office applications.  I think I'd go with a regular laptop in the truck and add a cellular modem onto your cell phone account.  The average laptop is relatively inexpensive now ($400) and you have the keyboard and true 'multitasking/multi-window' capability.I've seen folks use the card reader for their remote business and seems to work well.  Perhaps the bank where you have your business account has some ideas or preferences for remote bill pay.Kevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio