It sounds like you're making good progress with Best Bid Software! It's great that you're taking the time to learn it and experiment with different features. Since you're looking for experience-based insights, let's address your questions and offer some potential paths forward.

Regarding Users & Expertise

While I can't guarantee specific users will respond, posting your question here is a good start. You can also try these avenues for connecting with Best Bid Software users:

Best Bid Software Forum/Community

Check if Best Bid Software has an official forum or community page on their website. This is often the best place to find other users and ask specific questions.

Online Construction Forums/Groups

There are many online construction forums and Facebook groups where contractors share their experiences and ask for advice on software. Search for groups related to your trade (e.g., electrical contractors, plumbing contractors, general contractors) and see if anyone has experience with Best Bid Software.

LinkedIn

Search for users on LinkedIn who have "Best Bid Software" or related terms in their profile. You can then reach out and ask if they're willing to share their experiences.

Importing Missing Items and Building Assemblies

This is a very good use of the software. Focus on the items and assemblies you use most often.

Start Simple

Don't try to create everything at once. Focus on the 20% of items that make up 80% of your work.

Consistent Naming Conventions

Develop a clear and consistent naming convention for your items and assemblies. This will make them easier to find and manage. (e.g., "Electrical - Wire - 12 AWG NM-B")

Detailed Descriptions

Write clear and detailed descriptions for each item and assembly, including any notes about installation or specific applications.

Regularly Review and Update

As you use the software, regularly review your items and assemblies to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date.

Reworking the Item List in Excel

This is a powerful approach, but it requires some planning and effort.

Exporting Data

Export the item list from Best Bid Software as a CSV file (Comma Separated Values). This is a common format that Excel can easily open.

Data Cleaning and Organization



Remove Duplicates

Identify and remove any duplicate entries.

Standardize Data

Ensure that all data is consistently formatted (e.g., units of measure, pricing).

Categorize Items

Create categories and subcategories for your items to make them easier to search and filter.

Adding Cost Information



Labor Costs

Input labor costs for each item or assembly, considering your hourly rates and the time it takes to install.

Material Costs

Update material costs regularly based on current pricing from your suppliers.

Markup

Factor in your markup percentage for each item or assembly.

Data Validation



Use Data Validation rules in Excel to ensure that data is entered correctly and consistently. For example, you can create a drop-down list of valid units of measure. Re-importing Data

Once you've made your changes in Excel, save the file as a CSV file and re-import it into Best Bid Software. Back up your existing item list first!



Testing

After re-importing, thoroughly test the new item list to ensure that all data is correct and that the software is functioning as expected.

Benefits of Excel Manipulation



Bulk Editing

Excel allows you to make changes to multiple items at once, which can save a lot of time.

Data Analysis

You can use Excel's analysis tools to identify trends and patterns in your item list, which can help you optimize your pricing and bidding strategies.

Collaboration

Excel files can be easily shared with others, making it easier to collaborate on the item list.

Important Considerations



Best Bid Software's Import/Export Capabilities

Familiarize yourself with the specific data formats that Best Bid Software supports for importing and exporting data.

Data Integrity

Be very careful when editing data in Excel to avoid errors that could corrupt your item list.

Backup

Always back up your Best Bid Software database before making any major changes.

Is there a better program/combo out there?There are definitely many other programs out there. The "best" one depends entirely on your specific needs and budget. However, the fact that Best Bid is a one-time purchase and all-in-one is a significant advantage for many smaller contractors who want to avoid ongoing subscription costs and complex integrations.

Recommendations



Continue learning Best Bid Software

Watch all the tutorials, read the documentation, and experiment with different features.

Focus on building a solid item list and assembly library

This is the foundation of accurate and efficient bidding.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

Reach out to the Best Bid Software support team or other users for assistance when you need it.

Consider your future needs: As your business grows, you may need to upgrade to a more sophisticated solution. However, for now, Best Bid Software is likely a good choice for your needs.Good luck with your bidding! Flag for review