4Clicks for Federal vs. Vistaprint

If you are considering purchasing this (very expensive) software, there is a 100% chance you are doing so because you have been awarded a Government contract that dictates you use 4Clicks Project Estimator. There are plenty of easier to use estimating packages out in the world, but you can't use any of them if you have a contract that requires 4Clicks.

Incentivized

Based on the quality of product and software and amazing customer service, I feel they are a great source or tool for any SMB or marketing team to use to boost sales and drive features and great PR with amazing white papers and postcards, and much more. There are so many things you can do with Vistaprint that you won’t have to look anywhere else.

Incentivized

• The estimates it produces are simple and easy to follow. The formatting is good.
• The tech support provided is very attentive.

Incentivized

• Collaborative creativity.
• Ease of use.
• Amazing quality.

Incentivized

• The software feels 20 years old. It has not kept up with modern times, and practically functions like an old DOS program.
• Clunky interface, arcane commands.
• Even their training info focuses on hotkeys like this is 1995. Even though I am of an age to remember computers in 1995, the younger generations of managers/estimators are not. It is time to bring the software into the new century!

Incentivized

• Would be nice if the sizes of the materials were standard sizing.

Incentivized

WinEst uses much the same database (RS Means/Gordion type) and has a similar interface. It is a bit cheaper.

Incentivized

My products aren't coming up - I've used local vendors, Kinko's (FedEx). Local vendors: Apples and Oranges. I use local vendors for projects that I know I need to see a hard proof on. Local vendors have better quality. But also are more expensive. Choose your poison. Kinko's (FedEx): The folks at Vistaprint are more knowledgeable. I only go to Kinko's to use their self printing machines. The self printing machine's quality is on par with Vistaprint.

Incentivized

• As stated before, if you are buying this software, it is because you have a contract forcing you to. While it does work, it is clunky, awkward, and very expensive.
• The price of the software and databases has always been high, but with the fairly recent acquisition of 4Clicks by Gordion (who also bought RS Means for their databases), there is literally no competition. Prices will continue to be very high, with no check on how high they can go.
• Again, can't fault 4Clicks tech support, as I think it is the best in the industry. They know their product and they respond to issues immediately. Considering what we spend a year for this product, however, you would expect nothing less.

Incentivized

• Positive Impact: I don't need a lot of materials for my business. But when I do need them, it's nice to be able to choose from a good selection. And the product is pretty good.

Incentivized