The question that actually matters
After you buy software, who answers the 7pm lead, writes the quote, and chases the quiet customer? For most tools, still you. That splits this list into tools you operate vs work that gets done.
Jobber and Housecall Pro
Both are polished systems of record: scheduling, invoicing, customer portal. A person still builds every quote and follows up. Neither answers a lead at dinner time.
See our Robinline vs Jobber and Robinline vs Housecall Pro comparisons.
Tools you operate vs work that gets done
A typical manual stack (VAs, CRM, phone line) runs about $2,750 per month. Robinline answers in ~15 seconds, quotes from your price book, books, dispatches, charges, and follows up. Most owners spend 3 to 6 hours per month overseeing it.
| Task | Manual | Robinline | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answer a new lead | You or a VA, when free | ~15 sec, 24/7 | Jobs slow replies lose |
| Build and send the quote | Typed per lead | Instant from price book | ~15 to 20 min / lead |
| Monthly office cost | ~$2,750 | Less than one VA | $2,000+ / month |
How to choose
Send your own company a lead at 8pm tonight. Time how long until it gets a real price. If the answer embarrasses you, the leak is in the first five minutes.
