How do you use your iPad/tablet for detailing?

[808_detail_nut]

I just got a 4g iPad and was wondering what apps do you guys use to help organize your works? I'm just using my calendar but is there other fun tools you guys use? Thanks.


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[Scott@IncrediblyDetailed]

Quickbooks. I also like using the stop watch to time myself as I work.

It's also nice to have to show customers your website/services/etc.

[jarred767]

subbed, I'd love to hear different uses for it and/or your smartphone too. My ipad doesn't have 3g (older ipad 2) so don't have a signal at customer's places, but I use my iPhone6 for my calender making appointments, it's my music while I'm working, I can respond to emails and texts right away if necessary, use it for all of my before and after pictures, and it's my register for taking payments through Square.

Love to hear more ideas from others on uses for tablets/smartphones while working or apps that are helpful to you.

[Mantilgh]

If you wanted to use it jarred767 at customers places I believe you can use your I6 to make a "hotspot" to use the pad with wifi. Have not tried this myself though. Additional usage of data though.

[jarred767]

If you wanted to use it jarred767 at customers places I believe you can use your I6 to make a "hotspot" to use the pad with wifi. Have not tried this myself though. Additional usage of data though.

Yeah, I think I could, but to be honest, my wife has kind of taken ownership of it during the day and to be honest, most things can be done with the phone anyway, so it's not too big a deal, but good advice for someone who might need it.

IF however, there's a great detailing-related usage specifically for the iPad that someone has, I might change my mind...

[jfelbab]

This is more than just how I use the i-devices but this whole system just works really well for me.

I use my iPhone 6 to take before and after shots of the vehicles I do (inside and out). I shoot close-up photos of areas where correction may likely not be possible. This becomes my Vehicle Inspection Form. These images automatically sync wirelessly to my iMac and MBP as well as my iPads.

I use Calendar for my scheduling and have a client group in Contacts. I send out automatic appointment reminders via email to my clients and occasionally send out a promo or bring-back coupon if I haven't seen a customer in a while. I keep copious notes in Contacts regarding customer comments and requests. (This then is my basic CRM system on the cheap)

I use Numbers for inventory of sourcing and products along with any warranty info. I also use it to maintain my financials and print out customer receipts.

I use Pages for storing and printing MSDS sheets for the products I use. I also use pages for developing brochures.

I like the fact that Contacts, Calendars, Numbers and Pages documents are always in sync via iCloud and accessible from any of my devices no matter where I am.

All changes to this data gets backed up hourly via a Time Capsule and I do a monthly full back-up to a pair of usb hard drives which I rotate off-site to a safety deposit box at the bank. If I had a fire or flood or if someone were to break in and steal all my hardware, I could be back in business in hours or a day max with no data loss.

All in all, this gets the job done for me and I don't need an IT guru to keep it going.

[flatstick]

no mention of using the ipad to show your work to possible clients. you can have before and afters lined up to wow them . exterioir and interior work in pictures on hand are always a good thing.

[SANTA3013]

Before and after shots

[Mantilgh]

Nice paint transfer removal pics ezriderga. Good for the web site too. I imagine a lot of unknowing customers would think that this would be uncorrectable and in need of a repaint.

[Mike Moore]

I use a magnifier app that allows me to get a much closer look at paint conditions. I have found this VERY valuable.