Upload Versus Upload: What are the Differences?

Many companies are following HomeGauge (actually, all of them) and now are trying to claim that they have upload capabilities....just like HG. But do they?

As more inspectors begin to understand the benefits of uploading a report, it becomes necessary to help the inspector realize that all upload services are NOT created equal. HomeGauge was the first and continues to be the best in upload features.

Why upload? Agents are not confined to an emailed PDF file that may be stuck on their computer at work when they’re at home and get a problem call from their buyer. Agents can go to any computer that has internet access, go to your website (or HG website), sign in and get to that report instantly. This benefit, once realized by the agent, will lock them into using your company. Now that is branding!

How do you compare upload services? Since HomeGauge has become the litmus test in software and services, here’s how to compare:

1. Time stamps: HG gives the inspector a time stamp of when he sent the report. HG registers a time stamp to the inspector of when his customer (and agent) picks up the report, which validates report delivery. This takes care of requirements that the report be delivered within a certain period of time. An added benefit of this feature is knowing not just that they picked it up, but also if they did NOT pick it up. This affords the opportunity for you to add personalized service by calling the customer or agent, after time has passed, to notify them that they have not picked up the report. We have had some HG users say that they have had a customer call after a few months complaining about their home's condition. When the inspector points out that those conditions were noted in the report, the buyer claimed they never received a copy of the report. The inspector went to the uploaded report and did a print screen of the time stamp, proving that the customer did receive it - the customer backed off. You can't do this with a PDF or most upload services, but you can do this through HomeGauge using the Gold or Platinum service.
2. Your reports, your templates (with all your auto-comments etc.), your agents, and your customers can be preserved with HG upload service. Virus? Computer crash? Truck ran over your computer? All your info can be restored when you upload your reports with HomeGauge. Other services save your delivered report, but not your editable report or template.
3. 5 year backup: HomeGauge Gold or Platinum upload service includes 5 years storage/backup of your reports. Reports can be downloaded back to any computer anytime by you, 24/7. Other services limit storage space and have short storage expirations.
4. Report retrieval/search: Got 3000 reports uploaded and need to find one fast? With our upload service you can search for a report by customer name, by street, street number, or by agent, and get to that report in seconds. You can also quickly see how many inspections you have done for a certain agent or customer.
5. Force a payment before they can view the report: Using HomeGauge’s exclusive force payment feature and credit card service, you can upload the report and before you send them the link, check the force payment option and enter the amount due for the report. When the agent and buyer arrive to pick up the report, there will be a message similar to: "There is an unpaid balance of $400 on this inspection. Please click pay now to view your report.” End collections 100 percent (that means all of them) when you use this feature of HomeGauge’s upload service.
6. Get more inspections because the agent loves the way they get the report. With HomeGauge’s upload service the agent gets one username and password. When they use you more than once, they will begin to understand that you are storing their reports for them. As long as you allow them to continue to have permission to view their previous reports, they will not only see today’s inspection, but also the reports you did for them last week and last month — and this builds loyalty. They begin to realize that if they use you, their reports will be stored for them for quick access. This feature alone is worth the cost of Gold service and I cannot stress enough how important it is to them. For those inspectors who want to remove their viewing permission after so many days can do so, but they are hurting themselves instead of getting more repeat business. Most agents do not re-use the inspection and most buyers want a fresh inspection, not an older one. So leave permission to view on and get more business by providing a convenient service to your agents. Other upload services typically email a single link for each report, so the agent has to find a specific link (or email) for each report — not nearly as convenient.
7. New inspectors qualifying for organizations can quickly create a list of all uploaded reports to send to their organization or licensing board for qualification into their program.
8. HG upload service.... More than one step ahead of the rest! Next time you hear that someone has upload service, you can be better equipped to determine the difference in features and benefits, not only for you the inspector, but also for your customers and agents.

Coming soon! Even more upload benefits and services directed to you and your customers and agents that are unique and innovative!

HomeGauge Inspectors Get Recognized

Our HomeGauge inspectors received real leads from home buyers from a major traffic increase of just under 2000 visitors as of today (and counting) from Bankrate.com. They recognized HomeGauge first above all others, including national organizations! Bankrate.com, a website for home buyers, has been referenced on ABC News through the morning stock report.

Read the Bankrate.com article

From the article:

Do a little of your own homework before you get started. The Web site HomeGauge.com offers a list of home inspectors by state ranked from "Platinum" to "Gold" to "Bronze" by their qualifications and professional designations.

This comment is not accurate, as our search rankings are based on services, but it does show you how being listed at the top helps. For HomeGauge to be referenced by such a big name as www.bankrate.com is flattering, and shows you why you need to be listed in our search results. One call could pay for your Gold or Platinum services for the whole year! See our services listed here and get started today!

http://www.homegauge.com/inspector/services/index.html

HomeGauge TIP of the Month

With each inspection, brand your website and your company name to your agents and customers by having them pick up their report at YOUR website.

Here's How:
Currently, when you upload a report and send them the link and password, they are brought automatically to the sign in at www.HomeGauge.com. However, if you have your own website and our Gold service, you can have the agents and buyers arrive at yourname.com to pick up their reports. This is a great way to brand your website!

To drive customers and agents to your website all you need to do is follow the easy steps at the link below. Start driving customers to your website today!

Note: A report login form is automatically included if you are using our Platinum Website Builder (step 1 of the instructions linked below — step 2 in the instructions is still required).

Login Form Instructions

Attention Home Inspectors!

HomeGauge is the main sponsor of this year's NACHI Convention in Toronto. For just $99 you can attend, whether you are a member of NACHI or not. The convention is being held May 17th-19th. Come for Education, Fun, and Fellowship!

http://www.nachi.org/convention2007.htm

Attention Vista Users

HomeGauge was compatible with Vista before Vista came out ... so what are you waiting for?

Free HomeGauge Training Class!

We have a free training class this Friday, April 13, 2007, in Asheville, NC. If you would like to come, please give us a call at 877-274-4299 to reserve your space today! So far this is a pretty small class, so you can come and get your questions answered!

More info and upcoming training dates

Until next time,
Russell Buchanan
HomeGauge, President
russell@HomeGauge.com
877-274-4299

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