The Top 3 Things to Look For in Your Homeworking Software

Wherever you are in your travel business journey, having homeworking software that actually fits how you run your business is key. From the software that gets you started, to any potential upgrades you make over the years as your learn your business. But, how your homeworking software supports you is more important than just having the software that works for most of your competitors.

Your business is unique, and as a homeworker, there is even more flexibility to craft the holiday booking experience that you want for your customers. This means that finding software features that support you where you need it most could be a complete game changer.

So if you’re just getting started looking at your options, what should you be searching for? Though most elements will be entirely dependent on your specific needs, here are 3 things that we think you should keep an eye out for while finding the right homeworking software for you.

1. Organisation and Time Management

While it is perhaps not very exciting, the most valuable part of a homeworking software system is the admin support. This covers all your paperwork, important documentation, booking data, supplier details, contacts, and more.

Not only does this aspect remove the need for physical files (which, as a homeworker, can take up a huge amount of unavailable space), but it means everything is in one place, easily accessible, and easily referenced when you or your clients need it.

Whilst it depends upon the software package you choose, most software will provide some, or all, of the following time management features:

• Provision of quotes and invoices, as well as automatic sending and storage
• Communications (such as emails or in-house chat options)
• Notes sections, or areas to share or record information (such as storing ATOL certificates)
• A diary, often with email reminders and with automatic syncing to your phone
• Supplier bookings and management
• Within the PTS software, we also offer reconciliation of accounts, with the added benefit of setting up supplier payments

Within the PTS software specifically, members have reported a 40% reduction in time spent on admin tasks. This means more time for the parts of the business you actually enjoy, and during the busier periods, this could also be the difference between being swamped by admin, and being able to keep up with your work while talking to clients.

2. Access To a Supplier Database in Exclusive Travel Software

Many software solutions offer an API and supplier database, but there are just as many solutions that don’t. This is incredibly important, particularly as a new or early-stage homeworking business, as it is a library of suppliers that will allow you to expand quickly.

Having access to a supplier database may not be of utmost importance to some niche travel companies, but to the larger percentage, it is hugely beneficial to have a range of worldwide options available to choose from.

That is why at PTS, we provide a simple and exclusive database of suppliers. Within the software members can browse suppliers and add them to bookings. They also have complete freedom to add any supplier of their choosing to their own business page. So even if you don’t need access to new suppliers, you have a dedicated space to keep your supplier details and log them on bookings.

3. User Management

If you are a solo homeworker, this may not be as important for you. But, if you are looking to expand, or already growing, then quality user management can be a completely game changer for your business.

User management means each staff member can have a separate user within your chosen software. It also means that you, as the person in charge, can designate who has access to specific tasks, areas, and files. So, if you have homeworkers under you that make bookings, but specifically don’t handle a lot of admin, you have the flexibility to essentially simplify their view of the software so that they only have to worry about navigating the areas they actually interact with.

This is exactly why we operate the PTS software system in exactly this way. Every member has the ability to add unlimited users to their account (at no extra cost), and there are multiple ways to control who has access to what, so everyone involved can do their job efficiently without worrying about accidentally messing with someone else’s work.

The three points above are all fantastic features to look for in any homeworking software package and will all benefit your business immensely. However, always make sure that the service you choose is both affordable and offers the solutions that match your business’ needs and requirements.

So, if you would like to learn more about travel software support with PTS, please get in contact with one of PTS’ lovely staff members by calling 0207 190 9988. Or, you can visit our member support and travel trust account pages to learn more about how we protect you.