{"id":889,"date":"2016-08-02T15:17:36","date_gmt":"2016-08-02T21:17:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/estatesales.org\/university\/?p=889"},"modified":"2017-04-28T16:02:48","modified_gmt":"2017-04-28T22:02:48","slug":"estate-sale-tools-of-the-trade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/university\/estate-sale-tools-of-the-trade\/","title":{"rendered":"Tech Tools of the Trade"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re a late adopter or a creature of habit, conducting business the same way\u00a0just\u00a0because that\u2019s how you\u2019ve always done it comes with a price.<\/span><\/p>\n

While doing-it-yourself may work well up to a point, not adopting certain digital tools can end up costing\u00a0your business money by making you appear behind the times. This is\u00a0especially true when compared to\u00a0other estate sale companies<\/a>\u00a0willing to adapt to changing technology. <\/span><\/p>\n

Whether your business\u00a0is a two-person mom and pop operation, or a large team with several estate sale employees<\/a>, one thing is certain: buyers want speed and convenience when they’re shopping.<\/span><\/p>\n

To stay relevant, it\u2019s important to\u00a0keep up with the latest tech tools. While a pen and paper might seem fine for now, digitizing is more efficient and keeps better records. Plus, it sends the message to customers (and your employees) that you\u2019re serious about your\u00a0business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news is, there\u2019s a reason these apps and devices are called \u201ctools\u201d – they essentially do the job for you, making your life easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Trust us. A few hours spent up front installing and learning how to use these tools can save hours of work in the future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Estate Sale Company Essentials<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Smartphone<\/p>\n

While you don\u2019t need all three of these devices, some combination of them\u00a0gives you the greatest flexibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smartphone<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Smartphones, either iPhone or Android, really are must-haves for estate sale professionals. If you’re still using a flip phone, it’s time to upgrade! Besides phone\/video\u00a0calls, you can use your smartphone to check email from leads and clients, update social media accounts, and take great estate sales photos<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Get online to get answers for appraisal questions and comps. Download the Google Maps app to find clients\u2019 houses. And those are just the basics!<\/span><\/p>\n

Your smartphone will soon become\u00a0another arm of your business, so definitely make the switch if you haven\u2019t already.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tablet<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Get all the advantages of a smartphone (minus the ability to make calls) with a bigger, easy-to-read screen that\u2019s great for older eyes. You can also use it at your sales to let customers sign up for your email list via a digital form like the one Estatesales.org provides here:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Email<\/p>\n

Mobile Hotspot<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

You may think every house has wi-fi, but you\u2019d be surprised. Especially when estates are in the middle of moving, counting on Internet service is iffy. Better to come prepared with your own mobile hot spot so you can have Internet service wherever, whenever. Contact your cell phone provider for options.<\/span><\/p>\n

Payroll Software<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Pay<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re still figuring out how to pay your employees using a spreadsheet, or worse – pencil and paper – stop it! The industry standard is digital, and a little time spent learning the program up front will save you lots of wasted hours later. Plus automation and accuracy go a long way when it comes to handling taxes and people\u2019s pay checks. Here are a few programs estate sale companies like to use.<\/span><\/p>\n