Automated selling tools: GO DIGITAL!

My work is done at the customer's location and having the right tools to do a fast, accurate proposal is essential. I've gone digital and what a difference! I'm using Motion Computing's LS800 Tablet (www.MotionComputing.com) and a very small, portable printer by Pental.

These tools plus a software package that generates a window coverings proposal, is a dream come true. (www.Solatech.com) This system totals about $3800.

• Tablet: This is a 2 1/2 pound, Windows computer that runs for about 2 1/2 hours on battery or wall plug. The Solatech software resides here.

• Pental printer: About the size of a 3 hole punch! It has a wall plug for charging, but mostly is a battery operated printer using thermal paper (8c per sheet). The printer receives documents from the Tablet by "beam" so no cables, no drivers!

• Solatech software: The software is specific to my window coverings industry. There's a long list of window covering manufacturers that provide all their specs, prices, colors and build rules to Solatech and they are all incorporated into the package. No more hunting in the catalogue. The computer has it all and updates are frequent via the internet. Annual license for support and updates starts at about $500 per year.

• The last part of the equation is to use a laser measuring device (www.LaserMeters.com) Disto model A5, to measure the windows. At about $400, it is highly accurate (to 1/8") and is a real time saver.

What have these tools done for me?

• Speed
• Accuracy
• Professional image
• Increased closing rate!

Are they worth it? Absolutely. I recommend you go digital in your sales work.