A personal testimony: Flume's digital platform is a game-changer for builders

A Personal Testimony

By Wally Roderick

With more than three decades of experience in the construction industry, I've seen how hard it can be to change your business practices. Builders tend to find a system that works and stick with it - whether it's efficient or not. Back in the '80s, running a construction business was a manual operation that required multiple visits to a potential client's home or jobsite.

In addition to the initial meeting to look at the project, multiple time-consuming visits were necessary:

• After I prepared an estimate, I had to go to the client's home and present it and collect a check to get started. Yes, I could have mailed it but that would be adding a week to the process of securing the bid and getting started.

• Then, there was the process of depositing the check and waiting for it to clear the bank, so I could access the money to purchase materials.

This all assumed that the client was available for me to visit when I needed to get started. If not, everything was put on hold until new meetings could be arranged.

Any changes that had to be made usually required an in-person visit to show and explain what we were proposing. 

At times, it could be a complicated mess. But there wasn't an option. Cell phones were just coming out, and the internet was in its infancy stages. A telephone call was the primary means of communication.

Then there were the day-to-day issues of running my business. Paying vendors, and taxes, answering questions about insurance, etc. Most of my files were at home in my office meaning I had to go home to research any information I needed. That would throw a wrench in my daily routine.

What was needed?  The ability to run my business while I was at home or on the road. In the 80's, that wasn't an option. But that's not the case today.

Builders, contractors, and subcontractors have the power of the internet in their pocket on a cell phone. There are new apps available that can save them an incredible amount of time and money allowing them to store contact phone numbers, important files, and documents, track projects individually, pay and get paid, and so much more. And the good news is, not all of these systems take months or weeks just to set up.

With Flume, a new platform on the market, you can set up your account in 5 minutes and start paying subs, getting paid by customers, and managing your jobs. For me, one of the biggest selling points of Flume Pay is its simplicity. It's simple to use, and the dashboard is easy to understand.  That makes it a great tool for builders who are looking to get into digital but don't want to pay for a million bells and whistles they'll never use.

The great thing about this app is that the customer service team knows exactly what they're talking about when it comes to construction. They can help you make the most of their program as soon as it's installed; including helping an "old-timer" like me!

The platform is cloud-based, which means I can access it from anywhere. I can create and send estimates and invoices, track payments, and even collect electronic signatures from my office or standing on the jobsite. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors, which can be costly and time-consuming to fix.

Speaking of payments, let's face it. Getting paid on time is crucial in this business. Flume makes it easy to bill the customer, have them pay you online, and receive the money almost immediately - without having to make another trip to the job site. Don't get me wrong, staying in touch with your customer through occasional face-to-face visits is important. However, some situations can be handled online which makes it easier for you and your client. Everyone is busy today!

Looking back, I wish I had access to a platform like Flume Pay when I was building. It would have saved me an incredible amount of time and money. The ease of use, and Flume’s focus on online security make it a standout platform in the crowded builder payments space. If you're looking to streamline your payment process and take your business to the next level, I highly recommend giving Flume Pay a try. It's a game-changer.