Is there an additional licensing fee for multiple installations?
No. You can install the software on multiple computers which will build separate databases, or on one networked computer which will create one database with multiple users. In either case, there are no additional fees. One low startup fee pays for unlimited installations.
Are there any additional fees after startup?
The startup fee covers installation, training, and your first 100 appraisals, referred to as “clicks” in our software (see next FAQ for explanation of clicks). There are no additional fees until you run out of appraisal clicks, at which time you can order more.
What is meant by the per click method of payment for software use?
When you purchase the software, you also get 100 "appraisals" in a "bank." Each item that you appraise for a customer is considered one "click" from this bank. The bank continues to reduce by one until you are running low, at which time, you will get warning notices. Simply order more appraisals from us ($1.00 or less per appraisal depending on quantity) to replenish the bank. If you make mistakes on an appraisal, you can go back and edit the appraisal without additional click charges. Printing is always unlimited. You can print as many copies as you would like with no additional click charges.
Is there a charge for training, support, or upgrades?
No. All these are included with your purchase. You can schedule training for yourself and any other staff. Should a new appraiser be hired later, that person can also attend a future training at no cost. Support related to our software is free. We can quote you a reasonable fee to perform other support issues such as installing cameras or setting up a network for you. All future upgrades are free.
How will I know when there is a free upgrade?
As long as you are internet connected, the software will alert you to new versions when you open the program. You can upgrade immediately, or at your convenience. Since all upgrades are free, you will want to upgrade whenever one becomes available.
If I decide to stop using the software, will I lose access to the existing customers and appraisals in the system?
No. Once you install the software, it is yours to keep on your system. Since we use the "per click" method of payment, when your bank of appraisals has run out, you will no longer be able to add any new items to existing or new customers. However, you will still be able to access old appraisals already completed and edit them a limited number of times. You can continue to print an unlimited number of copies of existing appraisals. The software will not shut down.
Do my unused or "bank" of appraisals expire?
No. There is no time limit for using your appraisals. Also, you will continue to get free upgrades and support as long as you continue to use the software and order more appraisals.
How much does it cost for more appraisals in by "bank"?
When you replenish your appraisal bank, additional appraisals will never be more than $1.00 and can be as low as $.50, depending on the quantity you order. For example, 100 additional appraisals are just $95.00. For an additional 250 appraisals the cost is only $225.00.
Can I use the GemGuide Appraisal software are a Macintosh computer?
Guide Appraisal Software is a Windows or PC based software product. To use this software on a Macintosh computer, the user must have Boot Camp software installed (available on new Mac computers). This allows the Mac computer to emulate the PC so any PC based program can operate on the Mac. You need to start the Mac computer in Boot Camp to use the PC mode and then restart or reboot the computer to use the Macintosh software.
If Boot Camp is not an option for you, other programs such as PC Emulator, Fusion, Virtual PC or Parallels can be installed on a Mac to be able to run Guide Appraisal Software or any PC based program. These programs perform a similar function as the Boot Camp program provided by Macintosh, except the user can move between the PC and MAC mode without rebooting.
Do you sell other appraisal products?
Yes, we sell professional appearing covers and sleeves to deliver the appraisals in. The sleeves have a pocket for your business card and the documents are stapled into an attractive card stock tri-fold. A sample of these can be sent to you to view for purchasing. A cover and sleeve combo is only $1.00 each, sold in packages of 100 (plus shipping).
Can I use a foreign currency value instead of the US dollar?
Yes, the GemGuide Appraisal Software allows users to enter daily exchange rates for foreign currencies. All appraisals are saved at the exchange rate for the day the appraisal was entered. We allow abbreviations of three letters to print the currency name on the appraisal, example CAN will print for Canadian currency. You can also select how you want the value to be written on the appraisal; $9999.99 Can or Can 9999.99$ are just two of the ways if using Canadian currency.
