Hey, this is Mick. I wanted to create this FAQ to address questions that we receive every day.
Most of this information is on our website but it seems people had rather hear it than read it.
So here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
Check out the video
01. How many computers can I use the Best Bid Hybrid Pro on?
You can load any of our software on as many computers as you have.
All software comes with unlimited license.
02. What other fees are associated with purchasing the software?
The simple answer is none. You get:
A. Unlimited license
B. Free Technical Support
C. And Life-Time Software updates
D. No hidden fees like you often find on other software
03. Can I load a PDF drawing into the software?
The Best Bid Hybrid Pro is the only software we know of that actually has the On-Screen Takeoff built directly into the software without having to rely on a third party. This makes
going from the Takeoff to the Estimate seamless.
04. What is the difference between the Best Bid and the Best Bid Hybrid Pro?
The Best Bid is Estimating only and the Best Bid Hybrid Pro comes with On-Screen Takeoff so you can do your counts and measurements directly from your computer screen.
05. Can you add items to the database?
The database is extremely flexible. You can add as many items or groups of items as you would ever need. We are available to show you how or even do it for you if needed.
06. Will the Best Bid work on MAC?
All of our products are Windows-based. We have many MAC users that install Parallels
and a Windows Operating System and they seem to be very happy but all of our software is Windows-based.
07. What separates Best Bid from all of the other choices?
Other than the large price difference and no extra fees, ease of use comes to mind.
You enter more information into the estimate with fewer keystrokes than any software.
Best Bid Hybrid Pro has a removable database. This means you can share your work with other Best Bid users.
We also have a uniqueness in having the ability to receive updates via just selecting the (check for updates icon).
We can also add products to the database, update UPC codes, or make corrections via updates.
So for example, if you purchase Best Bid in 2020 and someone purchases Best Bid in 2022 as long as you have been doing your updates you will have the same software. The Best Bid Hybrid
Pro is living growing software while still having the safety of living on YOUR computer.
Backing up your database for storage is also extremely quick so you should never lose your work.
Most all top-rated electrical estimating software works very much the same. You wade through hundreds if not thousands of pre-created assemblies to find the 4 or 5 that you will use
all the time. This is very time-consuming. The Best Bid product line offers a more advanced way of estimating than using that old technology.
We have created a completely different model of electrical estimating software. Basically, all you do is enter quantities and the software will do the rest.
All results can be changed in the default selections or on the fly project by project.
Another great feature is having the On-Screen Takeoff built into the software and we don’t rely on the internet. Actually, I could speak hours on the differences between our software
and others. In general, we built the Best Bid Hybrid Pro with the electrical contractor in mind. We didn’t just copy what was already out there. Let’s get back to your questions.
08. Do you offer a server version?
Yes, the Best Bid Hybrid Pro is offered in a server version.
09. How do you do price updates?
We work with 2 price update services. Real-Time Pricing and NetPricer. You get a free trial to Real-Time Pricing when you receive your software so your pricing will be up to date
with updated pricing right off. After the trial you can keep Real Time Pricing or use Netpricer, Both are good companies. You may elect to manage your pricing yourself. It is as easy
as typing over the old price with the new.
10. Can I bid low voltage work on this software?
You can. We have many low voltage items in the database already and you can easily add your own items or groups of items using your own part numbers.
11. We do commercial and residential work. Would the Best Bid Hybrid Pro be a good fit for our company?
Our software is a good fit for any electrical company. If you do small service work it can be a good fit, if you do residential work it will also be a good fit. If you do $25,000,00
dollar commercial projects or $25,000,000.00 dollar commercial projects it is also a great fit.
The Best Bid Hybrid Pro is heaver on the commercial –Industrial side but the process is all the same. If you have a 10 story build the second –tenth floor process of entering i
Estimating Software
tems
is the same.
The only difference between a small job and a larger job is just more products and the quotes are higher. The way you enter 1 item is the same way you enter 100. You just add 2 more
zeros.
12. Is the Best Bid Hybrid Pro the best estimating software?
You might imagine we would give this a quick yes since it is our software but the truth is:
There is some really poor electrical estimating software out there that we would suggest that you stay away from but there are some others that are very good as well. We have a
a different model that we feel is perfect for most electrical estimators. If you have 15 years invested in using another software and it suits your needs then you may be unwilling to
learn a new software. We get it. Although we are not willing to say that we are the best software that you can purchase period. We can confidently say we are defiantly the
best electrical estimating software for the money=offering the best value period. No other software comes close to offering what we offer for anywhere near the price.
13. How do I receive the software after I purchase it?
The software will come the same day via email. You will receive your:
Download Link
License Key
Quick Start Guide
Sample PDF Drawing
Free Trial of Real-Time Pricing
and you Help Videos
These should be stored in a safe place for future use.
14. Can I create groups of items and save them to be used for another estimate?
Sure. We have an assembly called Custom Assembly-There is where you can assembly items for a special purpose. These items can come from the database or just be written in. Once you
assemble these items you give it a special name and this group can be saved and brought back into future estimates. It is a fantastic time-saver.
15. How long does it take to learn the software?
Of course, this will be different from person to person.
Have you ever used computer software before?
Do you know how to estimate to start with?
If you are unsure we offer a fantastic On-Line School for Electrical Estimating.
This has nothing to do with the software it is how to estimate in general from start to finish.
We always suggest that unless you have computer estimating skills that start off slowly.
Learn what happens when you select the buttons.
Enter your Company information, Logo, Tax Rate etc.
Learn how to import a PDF
Then learn how to count.
Just keep adding to your knowledge bank and soon you will be flying through the software like a pro.
We can teach you how to use the software in minutes, You simply follow these steps.
Select the Button that you want to work with
Select New to create a new record
Enter your quantities
Select Save
Select Assembly Details to see your results.
With that being said you will be learning new things that the software will do for a long time.
The Best Bid Hybrid Pro is a large software that is extremely powerful you won’t master it the first afternoon that you receive it ready to do a live estimate.
Your estimating software is the most important tool that you own. You will fail or succeed based on your ability to estimate.
Setting aside the time it takes to Master the Best Bid Hybrid Pro will be the best investment of your time you will ever spend as an electrical contractor. This time will pay
dividends from now on.
We have helped many electrical contractors just like yourself take your business to the next level and we can help you as well.
Just having access to our knowledge bank of electrical contracting and estimating is worth more than the price of the software.
We would love to help you make the move as well.
These are the questions that we get asked every day and these are the answers that we give. Thanks for the opportunity in allowing us to share this information with you.
As always you can visit our website at www.bestbidestimating.com or give us a call at 800-941-7028
Have a blessed day.
https://bestbidestimating.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Top-Questions.jpg462818Steve Griffinhttps://bestbidestimating.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/bestbid-logo.pngSteve Griffin2022-05-09 18:27:112022-05-26 11:20:49Top 15 Questions we get asked every day at Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does electrical takeoff software improve project accuracy?
Electrical takeoff software improves project accuracy by automating the material and labor quantification process, minimizing human errors and ensuring consistent estimating across all projects.
How does electrical estimating software streamline workflows?
Electrical estimating software streamlines workflows by providing integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates, boosting efficiency and accuracy in the bidding process.
Can electrical takeoff software integrate with existing workflows?
Yes, Best Bid's electrical takeoff software can seamlessly integrate with existing workflows, allowing electrical contractors to streamline their estimating and bidding processes.
What is the cost of electrical takeoff software for small businesses?
The cost of electrical takeoff software for small businesses with Best Bid ranges from $995 to $2,995 per user, depending on the software package and features selected.
Is electrical takeoff software user-friendly for non-technical users?
The electrical takeoff software offered by Best Bid is designed to be user-friendly for non-technical users, providing an intuitive interface and step-by-step guidance to streamline the estimating process for electrical contractors.
What kind of customer support does electrical takeoff software offer?
Electrical takeoff software from Best Bid offers comprehensive customer support, including lifetime software updates, technical assistance, and personalized training to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance for electrical contractors.
Can electrical takeoff software handle complex electrical systems?
Yes, the Best Bid electrical takeoff software can handle complex electrical systems. The software offers advanced features, including integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates, to streamline the bidding process for complex electrical projects.
What is the best electrical takeoff software for construction projects?
Best Bid delivers top-rated Electrical Estimating Software, offering affordable, accurate, and easy-to-use solutions for Electrical Contractors across the USA and Canada.
How does electrical takeoff software reduce project timelines?
Electrical takeoff software reduces project timelines by automating the quantification of materials, minimizing manual calculations, and providing real-time pricing updates, leading to faster and more accurate estimates.
What are the benefits of using electrical takeoff software?
The benefits of using electrical takeoff software include increased accuracy, efficiency, and cost savings in the estimating process for electrical contractors. The software provides integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates to streamline the bidding workflow.
Can electrical takeoff software reduce estimating errors?
Electrical takeoff software can significantly reduce estimating errors by automating material calculations, integrating real-time pricing, and providing precise man-hour estimates, streamlining the bidding process for electrical contractors.
How does electrical takeoff software improve collaboration among teams?
Electrical takeoff software improves collaboration among teams by enabling real-time data sharing, streamlining communication, and providing a centralized platform for project management, leading to increased efficiency and reduced errors in the estimating process.
What features should I look for in electrical takeoff software?
When looking for electrical takeoff software, key features to consider include integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, precise man-hour estimates, and compatibility with industry-leading platforms like NetPricer.
How does electrical takeoff software enhance accuracy?
Electrical takeoff software enhances accuracy by providing automated measurements, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates, streamlining the bidding process and reducing the risk of human errors.
What features improve project management in estimating software?
The key features that improve project management in estimating software include integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates to streamline the bidding process.
How can I choose the right estimating software?
Choosing the right estimating software involves considering features like accuracy, ease of use, cost, and integration with your existing workflow. Best Bid's Electrical Estimating Software offers affordable, user-friendly solutions with integrated takeoff, material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates to streamline your bidding process.
What integrations are available for electrical takeoff software?
The Best Bid electrical takeoff software integrates with industry-leading platforms such as NetPricer for real-time material pricing updates, enabling seamless workflow and accurate cost estimates.
How does estimating software support project budgeting?
Electrical estimating software supports project budgeting by providing accurate material pricing, detailed labor estimates, and comprehensive cost analysis, enabling electrical contractors to create precise project budgets.
What training is available for using takeoff software?
Best Bid offers comprehensive training resources for using their takeoff software, including on-demand video tutorials, live webinars, and personalized support from their experienced team to ensure seamless software implementation and usage.
How can takeoff software assist in project planning?
Takeoff software can assist in project planning by providing accurate material takeoffs, labor estimates, and cost projections, enabling more precise budgeting and scheduling for electrical projects.
What are the latest trends in electrical estimating software?
The latest trends in electrical estimating software include integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates to streamline the bidding process for electrical contractors.
How does software impact team collaboration on projects?
Software can enhance team collaboration on projects by facilitating real-time data sharing, task tracking, and communication, enabling seamless workflow and improved project management.
What are common challenges with electrical takeoff software?
Common challenges with electrical takeoff software include complexity, inaccurate material pricing, lack of integration with other systems, and difficulty in adapting to new software. The solution is to use intuitive, affordable, and well-integrated electrical estimating software.
How can I maximize efficiency with estimating software?
The benefits of using estimating software to maximize efficiency are streamlining the bidding process, improving accuracy through integrated takeoff and real-time pricing, and boosting productivity with advanced computerized estimating.
What security features should electrical software include?
Electrical estimating software should include robust security features such as user authentication, data encryption, and backup capabilities to protect sensitive project information and client data.
How does software affect project cost estimation accuracy?
The use of specialized electrical estimating software can significantly improve project cost estimation accuracy by automating calculations, integrating material pricing, and providing comprehensive historical data, leading to more reliable and precise estimates.
What are user reviews saying about this software?
User reviews praise Best Bid's Electrical Estimating Software for its affordability, accuracy, and ease of use, helping electrical contractors streamline their bidding process and boost efficiency.
How can takeoff software improve bid competitiveness?
Takeoff software can improve bid competitiveness by providing accurate and detailed cost estimates, streamlining the estimating process, and enabling contractors to submit more competitive bids.
What updates are essential for electrical estimating software?
Essential updates for electrical estimating software include new material pricing, updated labor and equipment costs, changes to building codes and regulations, and integration with the latest CAD/BIM software and databases.
How does software facilitate compliance in electrical projects?
The software facilitates compliance in electrical projects by providing integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates to streamline the bidding process and ensure accurate, compliant project estimates.
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