Best Bid Electrical Estimating Reviews

Pros

After exploring various software options, I discovered that Best Bid was notably simple. Unlike many other choices that come with yearly or monthly renewal fees, Best Bid allows me to own the software outright, making it a much more economical choice.

Cons

So far, I've found nothing to dislike about Best Bid. They've delivered on all their promises.

Pros

The software is incredibly simple, easy to grasp, and the support team is always quick to assist over the phone.

Cons

Initially, I had trouble navigating it, but after a one-on-one with support, I got the hang of it.

Pros

I receive a detailed bid breakdown that includes materials and labor. This includes a bid summary that lets me review and add my overhead and profit margins.

Cons

I think there is need to perform the electrical takeoff directly on the provided PDF drawings.

Pros

What I appreciate most about this program is how easy it is to use and its capability to integrate with Net Pricer.

Cons

The least favorite part for me, if any, is the download on the takeoff portion.

Pros

It's challenging to pinpoint just one or two features I like about Best Bid Hybrid. It's packed with essential features for the estimating process. What I love most is how all the processes work together to simplify estimating and boost my confidence in producing accurate estimates.

Cons

Like all software and apps, there are learning curves. My issue was inputting info incorrectly, but that was brief. My other challenge was not realizing there was software like Hybrid Pro that did everything I was trying to do in one package.

Pros

The simplicity of this product is what keeps me using it. I can handle everything from takeoffs to estimates and change orders with ease.

Cons

There were times I didn't know how to do a few things, which made it frustrating to use.

Pros

Best Bid is exceptionally easy to navigate. The "Custom Assemblies" feature is a game-changer. While other programs require me to build my own assemblies, it comes loaded with easily customizable assemblies. If I decide to create a custom assembly, I just save it to the master file for future use.

Cons

Honestly, I haven't had issues with this software. With 25 years of experience in the electrical industry and starting with long-hand estimates, I've found this to be the most user-friendly software.

Pros

What I liked most about the software was how easy it was to navigate, especially after taking the BEST BID class beforehand. The class provided a step-by-step guide for estimating. However, even without the class, the software is still quite user-friendly.

Cons

The process can sometimes be a bit lengthy.

Pros

The software is very smooth to use and incredibly fast for takeoffs and quick estimating.

Cons

I wish there were more options to integrate with project management, invoicing, and job tracking.

Pros

I appreciate how accurate and easy it is to use. With just a few clicks, my bid is completed.

Cons

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It's perfect! Don't spend your money on anything else. Trust me and go straight to Best Bid.

Pros

It's easy to use and quickly compiles a bid. It's highly intuitive, versatile, and customizable. It generates reports and can break down a bid into different phases or stages. The technical support team is top-notch, and the price is very reasonable.

Cons

I'd like to know more about adding parts to the database and the differences between parts listed with the same description more than once. I'd also like to know more about editing the proposal files.

Pros

Best Bid is simple to use and comes with many helpful videos to get you started. It also lets me download my PDF prints.

Cons

It would be nice to use it for invoicing, those features should be added.

Pros

The flexibility, expanding and customizable menus, and quick estimating process are impressive. It has predefined assemblies for frequent use and integrates proposals with estimate data seamlessly. The takeoff integration is smooth, with takeoff counts transferring quickly to estimate assemblies. It's clear the software was designed for ease and productivity. The tech support is excellent, with prompt responses and detailed solutions supported by video tutorials.

Cons

I haven't found anything I dislike. Since day one, this software has made me more productive and accurate with our bids.

Pros

Best Bid has greatly improved my ability to produce accurate estimates quickly. As someone who manages every aspect of my company, I used to have to skip some larger projects. But in the past two weeks, I've bid on six projects and won four, with the other two still pending.

Cons

The database takes a little time to learn, but it's very comprehensive and easy to edit. It even includes PVC-coated rigid conduit. You can start using this software right out of the box, with no training sessions needed, although they're available if you prefer reading the directions first.

Pros

The incredible help through tutorials and tech support is impressive and really helpful for us.

Cons

The resolution could be a bit better on takeoffs, but it's still great.

Pros

With over 30 years in the electrical industry, having authored many articles and books on electrical codes and estimating, I've used a wide range of estimating software. Best Bid Hybrid Pro is by far the easiest and fastest on the market. Regardless of the project size, Best Bid simplifies the process.

Cons

I can't think of any cons right now. The price is so affordable that the only downside might be for the company, as they could probably charge twice as much and it would still be a bargain.

Pros

I enjoy using Best Bid Estimating software, but occasionally, due to its complexity, I revert to our older methods for estimating.

Cons

I think the software costs us a bit more than expected, and since we don't use it as much as we thought, that's why I give it four stars.

Pros

The support is excellent. Whenever I have a question or issue, I just send an email and get a response. The software is very intuitive, allowing me to build estimates in any way I prefer. Whether it's a big or small job, this is the best tool I've found for creating estimates. The best part is that when I bought the program, I received the full version with all features included, no additional hidden charges or memberships.

Cons

I've had some trouble finding the items I'm looking for in the item description fields. Different names for items can make it tough to locate what I need. There's a good chance I just haven't found a better way to search yet.

Pros

The software's ease of use and smooth integration between takeoff and estimating modules are fantastic. It allows me to perform takeoffs and estimates my way, without having to adapt to the software's preferences. The support is amazing, and it has increased efficiency and productivity in the office. I believe we've won more projects because of this software, which has made us more competitive and profitable while helping us better track materials and labor hours.

Cons

The user-friendly interface and the convenience of the vast amount of pricing integrated into the system.

Pros

What first grabbed my attention about Best Bid was its interface. It's very easy and neatly organized, making it easy for any electrical contractor to navigate and confidently complete a competitive bid. I also appreciate having the integrated takeoff program. Its ability to automatically transfer takeoff data into the estimating section is unmatched. This integration reduces the headaches and potential errors often associated with manual takeoffs or standalone programs. The software offers numerous features, including reports that are useful for tracking and comparing job progress against bids. This ability is invaluable for refining future estimates. I also value owning the program outright without annual fees or subscriptions. Customer service was fantastic when I had installation issues, prompt and knowledgeable support got me up and running quickly.

Cons

I ran into issues with installation when upgrading from an older version and lost old data. The problem was likely with my computer, but having an option to back up and restore the database could have saved me the hassle.