BidAnchor User Manual

Getting Started

Your Free Trial

• 30 days free - Full access to all features
• No credit card required to start
• After trial: $10/month or $100/year (save $20!)

Creating Your Account

1. Visit bidanchor.com
2. Click "Get Started" or "Sign Up"
3. Fill in your information (name, email, password)
4. Check your email for a verification link
5. Click the verification link to activate your account
6. Log in and start creating quotes!

Account Setup

Business Information

Set up your business profile to appear on all quotes and invoices:

1. Click your name in the top right corner
2. Select "Settings"
3. Fill in your business details:
   • Business Name - Your company name
   • Business Email - Contact email
   • Business Phone - Contact number
   • Business Address - Your address (optional)
   • Business Logo - Upload your logo (JPG/PNG, max 2MB)
4. Click "Save Changes"

Payment Methods

Square Payment Integration

Connect your Square account to accept credit card payments online:

1. Go to Settings
2. Find "Square Payment Integration"
3. Click "Connect Square Account"
4. Authorize BidAnchor to connect
5. Payment links will now generate automatically!

Venmo Payment URL

Add your Venmo URL to accept Venmo payments:

1. Go to Settings
2. Find "Venmo Payment URL"
3. Enter your Venmo URL (e.g., https://venmo.com/u/yourname)
4. Click "Save Changes"

Managing Clients

Adding a New Client

1. Go to "Clients" in the main menu
2. Click "Add Client"
3. Enter client information:
   • Name (required)
   • Email - For sending quotes/invoices
   • Phone - Contact number (optional)
   • Address - Client address (optional)
4. Click "Add Client"

Editing a Client

1. Go to "Clients"
2. Find the client you want to edit
3. Click the "Edit" button (pencil icon)
4. Update the information
5. Click "Update Client"

Creating Quotes

Basic Quote Creation

1. Click "Create Quote" from the dashboard
2. Select a client from the dropdown
3. Set the Valid Until date
4. Add line items:
   • Description - What you're quoting
   • Quantity
   • Unit Price
5. Add optional Tax Rate
6. Add Notes (optional)
7. Click "Save as Draft"

Adding Photos to Quotes

Add "BEFORE" photos to show the current state:

1. While creating/editing a quote, scroll to "Photos" section
2. Click "Choose Files"
3. Select photos (up to 10)
4. Add captions to describe each photo
5. Save the quote

Sending Quotes

1. Open the quote (click "View")
2. Review the quote details
3. Click "Send to Client"
4. Quote is emailed to client with Approve/Decline buttons

Services Library

Create a library of reusable services to quickly add to quotes and invoices. Perfect for common tasks you perform regularly!

Why Use the Services Library?

• Speed - Add line items in one click instead of typing everything
• Consistency - Same pricing and descriptions every time
• Professional - Standardized service names and rates
• Easy Updates - Change pricing once, use everywhere

Creating a Service

1. Go to "Services" in the main menu
2. Click "Add Service"
3. Fill in service details:
   • Service Name - e.g., "Hourly Labor", "Water Heater Installation"
   • Description - Detailed description of the service
   • Default Price - Your standard rate (can be adjusted per quote)
   • Unit - e.g., "hour", "unit", "sq ft"
4. Click "Add Service"

Using Services in Quotes/Invoices

1. While creating a quote or invoice, add a new line item
2. Click "Select from Services" dropdown
3. Choose a service from your library
4. Description and price auto-fill!
5. Adjust quantity as needed
6. Price can be modified for this specific quote if needed

Quote Templates

Save time by creating reusable quote templates for your most common services. Perfect for contractors who frequently create similar quotes!

Why Use Templates?

• Save time - Create quotes in seconds instead of minutes
• Consistency - Ensure pricing and descriptions are always the same
• Professional - Never forget to include important line items
• Flexible - Load template, then customize for each client

Creating a Template from an Existing Quote

The easiest way to create a template:

1. Open any existing quote you want to save as a template
2. Click "Save as Template" button
3. Enter a descriptive template name:
   • Examples: "Standard Kitchen Remodel", "Basic Plumbing Service", "Bathroom Renovation Package"
4. Click "Save Template"
5. Template is now saved and ready to use!

Using a Template to Create a Quote

1. Click "Create Quote"
2. Select your client
3. Look for the "Load from Template" section (blue card)
4. Select a template from the dropdown
5. All line items, tax rate, and notes load automatically!
6. Customize as needed:
   • Add/remove line items
   • Adjust quantities or prices
   • Update notes
   • Add photos
7. Click "Save Quote"

Managing Your Templates

View and manage all your templates:

1. Go to "Templates" in the main menu
2. You'll see all your saved templates with:
   • Template name
   • Number of line items
   • Estimated subtotal
   • Creation date
3. Click "Use" to create a new quote from that template
4. Click "Delete" (trash icon) to remove a template

Example Use Cases

Contractor - Kitchen Remodels

Template: "Standard Kitchen Remodel"

• Cabinet Installation - 20 hours @ $75/hr
• Countertop Installation - 1 unit @ $2,500
• Backsplash Tile Work - 40 sq ft @ $15/sq ft
• Plumbing Fixtures - 1 set @ $800
• Electrical Work - 8 hours @ $85/hr

Load this template, adjust quantities/prices for specific kitchen, send quote in minutes!

Plumber - Water Heater Services

Template: "Water Heater Installation"

• 40-gallon Water Heater - 1 unit @ $650
• Installation Labor - 3 hours @ $95/hr
• Permit & Inspection - 1 @ $150
• Disposal of Old Unit - 1 @ $75

Electrician - Panel Upgrades

Template: "Electrical Panel Upgrade"

• 200-amp Panel - 1 unit @ $850
• Installation Labor - 6 hours @ $90/hr
• Electrical Permit - 1 @ $200
• Circuit Testing - 1 @ $150

Voice Input Pro Feature

Create quotes faster by speaking instead of typing! Voice input uses AI to understand your description and automatically create line items.

What's Included in Pro?

• Voice Quote Creation - Describe the entire job out loud
• Voice Client Creation - Add client details by speaking
• AI-Powered - Automatically extracts line items, quantities, prices
• Time Saver - 10x faster than typing on mobile

Using Voice Input for Quotes

1. Start creating a quote
2. Click the "Use Voice" button (microphone icon)
3. Allow microphone access when prompted
4. Speak your quote naturally, for example:
   • "Install a new water heater for $650 plus 3 hours of labor at $95 per hour, and include a permit for $150"
   • "Kitchen remodel: 20 hours of labor at $75 per hour, countertop installation for $2500, and backsplash tile work 40 square feet at $15 per square foot"
5. Click "Stop Recording"
6. AI processes your voice and creates line items automatically!
7. Review and adjust as needed

Using Voice Input for Clients

1. Go to Clients → Add Client
2. Click the "Use Voice" button
3. Speak the client details, for example:
   • "John Smith, email john@email.com, phone 555-123-4567, address 123 Main Street, Springfield"
4. Click "Stop Recording"
5. Form fields populate automatically!

Camera Photo Capture

Take photos directly from BidAnchor without leaving the app - perfect for mobile users on job sites!

How to Capture Photos

1. While creating/editing a quote or invoice
2. Scroll to the "Photos" section
3. Click "Take Photo" button (camera icon)
4. Allow camera access when prompted
5. Point camera at subject and click "Capture Photo"
6. Review the photo - retake if needed
7. Click "Use This Photo"
8. Add a caption (optional)
9. Photo is attached to your quote/invoice!

Mobile-Friendly

• Works on iPhone, Android, tablets, and desktop (if you have a webcam)
• Perfect for on-site quotes and documentation
• No need to take photos separately and upload later
• Captures high-quality images

Upload Alternative

If you prefer to upload existing photos:

1. Click "Choose Files" instead of "Take Photo"
2. Select photos from your device
3. Works with photos from your gallery/camera roll

Down Payments

Require a down payment before starting work:

1. Creating Quote with Down Payment:
   • Enter the down payment amount when creating the quote
   • Leave as $0.00 if no down payment is needed
   • Down payment notice appears on quote PDF and public view
2. Quote Gets Approved:
   • BidAnchor automatically creates a down payment invoice (as draft)
   • You're redirected to review the invoice
   • Send it to the client or make adjustments first
3. Client Pays Down Payment:
   • Send the down payment invoice to your client
   • They pay via Square or Venmo
   • Mark the invoice as "Paid" once payment is received
4. Convert to Final Invoice:
   • When work is complete, convert the quote to final invoice
   • If down payment invoice is marked "Paid", BidAnchor automatically:
     • Adds a negative line item for the down payment
     • Recalculates the total (subtracts down payment)
     • Shows remaining balance due

Creating Invoices

Convert Approved Quote to Invoice

Fastest method:

1. Go to the approved quote
2. Click "Convert to Invoice"
3. All line items and photos copy over automatically
4. Set the Due Date
5. Add "AFTER" photos (if applicable)
6. Click "Save as Draft"

Create Invoice from Scratch

1. Click "Create Invoice"
2. Select a client
3. Set the Due Date
4. Add line items
5. Add tax rate (optional)
6. Add notes (optional)
7. Click "Save as Draft"

Sending Invoices

1. Open the invoice (click "View")
2. Review invoice details
3. Click "Send to Client"
4. Invoice is emailed with payment button (if Square connected or Venmo configured)

Recurring Invoices

Automate monthly or recurring billing for regular clients - perfect for maintenance contracts, subscriptions, and ongoing services!

What are Recurring Invoices?

Recurring invoices automatically generate and send at regular intervals (weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly) without manual work. Perfect for:

• Maintenance Contracts - Monthly HVAC, lawn care, cleaning services
• Retainer Services - Ongoing consulting, support contracts
• Subscription Services - Software licenses, equipment rentals
• Regular Services - Weekly pool cleaning, monthly pest control

Creating a Recurring Invoice

1. Go to "Recurring" in the main menu
2. Click "Create Recurring Invoice"
3. Fill in invoice details:
   • Client - Select who gets billed
   • Frequency - Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, or Yearly
   • Start Date - When first invoice generates
   • End Date - When to stop (optional - leave blank for indefinite)
   • Line Items - Services being billed
4. Click "Save Recurring Invoice"
5. BidAnchor automatically generates invoices on schedule!

How It Works

1. Auto-Generation: BidAnchor creates a new invoice automatically on the schedule
2. Auto-Send: Invoice is sent to client via email
3. Payment Links: Includes Square payment link if connected
4. Reminders: Automated overdue reminders if unpaid

Managing Recurring Invoices

View all recurring schedules:

• Go to "Recurring" to see all active schedules
• Pause - Temporarily stop generating invoices
• Edit - Update pricing, line items, or frequency
• Stop - End the recurring schedule
• View history of all generated invoices

Accepting Payments

Square Payments Automatic

How It Works

1. You connect your Square account in Settings
2. When you send an invoice, payment link generates automatically
3. Client receives email with "Pay Now with Square" button
4. Client clicks button → enters card details on Square
5. Payment processed → money goes to YOUR Square account
6. Invoice status automatically updates to "Paid"

Venmo Payments Manual

How It Works

1. You add your Venmo URL in Settings
2. "Pay with Venmo" button appears on invoices
3. Client clicks button → taken to your Venmo profile
4. Client sends payment via Venmo app
5. You manually record the payment (see below)

Recording Venmo Payments

After a client pays via Venmo:

1. Open the invoice in BidAnchor
2. Click "Record Payment" button
3. Enter payment details:
   • Amount - How much they paid
   • Payment Date - When they paid
   • Payment Method - Select "Venmo"
   • Notes - Optional (e.g., Venmo transaction ID)
4. Click "Record Payment"
5. Invoice status updates to "Paid"

Automated Reminders Unique to BidAnchor

BidAnchor's biggest differentiator - Never chase payments again! The system automatically reminds clients for you.

Quote Expiration Reminders

3 days before a quote expires:

• BidAnchor automatically sends a reminder email to your client
• Email includes Approve/Decline buttons and full quote link
• Creates urgency to make a decision

Invoice Overdue Reminders

Gentle Reminder (3 days after due date):

• Friendly orange-styled reminder email
• Invoice status changes to "Overdue"
• Polite tone asking for payment

Urgent Notice (7 days after due date):

• More urgent red-styled reminder
• Stronger language requesting immediate payment
• Final automated reminder

Before/After Photos Unique to BidAnchor

Show your work quality and justify your pricing with before/after photo workflows.

The Workflow

1. Add "BEFORE" photos to quote
   • Shows client the current state
   • Photos labeled "BEFORE" on quote PDF
2. Convert approved quote to invoice
   • "BEFORE" photos carry over to invoice
3. Add "AFTER" photos to invoice
   • Shows the completed work
   • Photos labeled "AFTER" on invoice PDF
4. Client sees the transformation
   • Side-by-side comparison on invoice
   • Visual proof of work completed

Subscription Plans

BidAnchor offers flexible pricing to fit your business needs.

Free Trial

• 30 days full access to all features
• No credit card required to start
• Try everything before you commit

Basic Plan - $10/month or $100/year

Perfect for getting started:

• ✅ Unlimited quotes and invoices
• ✅ Unlimited clients
• ✅ Photo attachments
• ✅ Square payment integration
• ✅ PDF downloads
• ✅ Email notifications
• ✅ Quote templates
• ✅ Before/after photos
• ✅ Automated reminders
• ✅ Basic support

Pro Plan - $15/month or $150/year Best Value

All Basic features PLUS:

• ✅ Voice Input - Create quotes and clients by speaking
• ✅ AI-powered quote creation
• ✅ 10x faster mobile workflow
• ✅ Priority support

Managing Your Subscription

Upgrading Your Plan

1. Go to your profile menu (top right)
2. Click "Subscription"
3. Choose your desired plan
4. Enter payment details
5. Start using new features immediately!

Canceling Your Subscription

1. Go to "Subscription"
2. Click "Cancel Auto-Renewal"
3. Confirm cancellation
4. You keep access until the end of your billing period

Promo Codes

Have a promo code? Redeem it for free months of Pro access!

1. Go to "Subscription"
2. Look for "Have a Promo Code?" section
3. Enter your code
4. Click "Redeem"
5. Enjoy free Pro access!