An app can be free to download and still cost you time to use. The Cofi video “I Thought Free Apps Saved My Business Money, Then I Discovered The Real Cost” raises a useful question about the whole cost of your tools.
This Cofi teaching session is presented by Rob Steadman, who runs the free Cofi Business Network.
Watch the Cofi teaching video on YouTube
Count time and repeated work as well as subscription fees
Look at a routine that crosses several apps. Do you copy the same customer information more than once, reconcile different records or search for the latest version? A small fee saving may be outweighed by hours of repeated administration. Equally, a paid system is not automatically better: setup, training and ongoing maintenance also take effort. Describe the workflow before comparing products. Decide what must work together and where errors currently occur. A simpler process using existing tools may be enough. Check the real workload and total cost before changing systems just because a new product looks more professional.
Three actions to try
- List the tools involved in one regular business task.
- Estimate the time spent copying or checking records.
- Compare improvements against their full ongoing cost.
Questions and answers
Should I stop using free software?
No. Use the tools that fit your work. The aim is to judge usefulness and total cost, rather than assume free or paid is always better.
Where can I ask questions and find more free help?
Cofi Business Network is 100% free. You can meet other business owners, share experience and explore practical ideas. Join whether you are starting out or already running an established business.
Join the free Cofi Business Network
Join the Cofi WhatsApp group to connect with the network and receive updates. Read about Cofi Business Network and explore our free small business resources. For meeting information, email info@digitalsolutions.help.