In this guide, we'll delve into the essential process of reserving a lead in Chariot, shedding light on why it's necessary, its significance, and the steps to execute it effectively.
Goal of Reserving a Lead
Moving companies often encounter situations where customers haven't officially booked a job but express the desire to reserve space in the schedule. This could be due to various reasons, such as being a VIP or repeat customer or undergoing the final stages of estimate confirmation after an onsite visit. The goal is to avoid the inconvenience of rejecting customers due to a lack of available slots.
Reserving a Job in Chariot
Reserving a job in Chariot mirrors the process of booking a job, with the key distinction that the lead is not confirmed yet. However, reserving a job still occupies capacity in the schedule, preventing overbooking and ensuring efficient resource allocation.
Step-by-Step Guide
Navigate to the Intake in Progress Leads dashboard.
Select the desired job.
Click on "Actions" and choose "View on Schedule" to assess availability.
If the schedule allows, proceed to "Book Reserve."
Choose the crew and track for the reservation.
Confirm the reservation, and now it's visible on the schedule with a "reserved" indicator.
Important Note
Booking isn't an immediate option during the intake in progress stage. You must move to the "ready to book" state before confirming the reservation.
Tracking Capacity and Planning Ahead:
As a dispatcher or operations manager, the reserved status is crucial information. A distinctive "reserved" chip on the lead signals that it's not yet booked but is claiming capacity on the schedule. This helps in planning ahead, ensuring the necessary resources are allocated when the job is eventually confirmed.
Conclusion
Reserving jobs in Chariot is a seamless process that plays a pivotal role in effective schedule management. Remember, when the time comes to convert the reservation into a booking, it's a straightforward process. Should you have any queries or feedback about reserving jobs or managing leads, feel free to reach out. We're here to assist you every step of the way.