Professional quotes provide clarity for Fletcher Joinery

Brothers Peter and John Fletcher started their joinery manufacturing business 28 years ago, taking over from their father’s joinery business operating since 1947. Manufacturing mostly “one off” bespoke design windows, doors, cabinets and the occasional staircase in the small village of Darlington, County Durham they have a compact, but well stocked 2,500 sq foot workshop. Peter Fletcher is the main customer contact for the business responsible for all customer enquiries, providing accurate site measurements, quoting and ordering materials. In addition they employ 5 experienced full time joiners; 3 in the workshop and 2 fitting on site plus an apprentice. Peter’s job has been made easier since the integration of Joinerysoft’s Joinery Management Software (JMS) six years ago.

Utilising the software for pricing, and providing professional drawings and printouts has meant that Fletcher Joinery has maintained a good reputation during difficult times, relying upon recommendations and repeat business for their work. Keeping up with the times they also maintain a modern website allowing them to present a professional image and effective company brochure to web customers 24/7. Describing himself as computer illiterate Peter has still found JMS easy to use saying, “JMS is clearly designed for joiners like myself and the fact that a time served joiner came to install and train me was a big help too.”

Customers often comment upon the professional information received, and Peter says, “The true scale pictures of each individual item make a huge difference when quoting, as often customers don’t know what they require or have even asked for. Showing them a picture clearly laid out with all sizes, timber, fittings, and glass ordered ensures there is no confusion later.”

Even complicated orders with numerous windows and doors are easy to price now, with timber type changed at the click of a button, instantly providing a new price. Section sizes can also be amended just by double clicking the relevant component making changes to an order a simple matter without having to start from scratch. Peter adds, “At least 50% of my time has been saved in quoting alone. I am now able to return to the workshop occasionally and keep them on their toes too.”

Turnaround of work through the workshop has also improved as a result of JMS. Peter explains, “Jobs used to sit around for up to 10 days once completed waiting for glass to arrive and be fitted. Now with JMS I can print out the glazing report as soon as the order has been confirmed which not only documents the glass size but also provides glazing diagrams for duplex bars, etc. Jobs are now completed 20% faster which means that orders can be delivered and invoiced far quicker further improving our profitability and credibility.”

Welcoming the regular updates to the software, one of the updates used frequently by Fletcher Joinery is the Automatic U-Value Calculator. Helping them to comply with regulations to provide U-Values for all external windows and doors, JMS also provides documentary evidence of compliance through the production of professional U-Value Certificates that can be presented to clients. Peter adds, “Providing certificates of compliance for customers improves our professional service and creates the right impression. I am constantly checking to see if new updates have been released and value the improvements to the software I’ve seen over the last 6 years.”

Peter concludes, “I am very happy with JMS and have been for many years. I bought the software because it is versatile enough for our bespoke joinery, providing detailed diagrams and an effective method of presenting joinery items in a professional manner. JMS still saves us a significant amount of time both in the workshop and in the office and the professional approach has won us work.”

Fletcher Joinery

Tel: 01325 357 347

info@fletcherjoinery.co.uk

www.fletcherjoinery.co.uk