Launched just four years ago Tommy Trinder has established itself as go to app for installers looking to add some pizzaz to their sales process . But what inspired erstwhile window installer , Chris Brunsdon , to venture into software in the first place ? And what , exactly , makes Tommy Trinder so special ?

“ I ’ ve always loved selling windows ,” says Chris . “ 28 years in the industry , and I ’ ve tackled most parts . But selling windows face-to-face has always been my favourite bit . My Dad sold windows for 50 years , and his dad before him too .

“ When I was out selling windows for my Dad ’ s business , I just wanted a piece of software that had some wow factor about

it , something that would get the customers heart beating faster and help me take an order . There was plenty of tech that was great for running factories , but none that was much help when I was sitting on a customer ’ s sofa and trying to make a sale .”

Seven years of development and some hefty investment later , Tommy Trinder was born . And the firm ’ s rapid rise has certainly been impressive ; Over 500 installation firms now use the app for selling , and an eye-watering £ 2 Billion ( yes Billion !) of work was quoted to homeowners via the app in 2023 . But how does Chris account for the growth ?

And why is Tommy Trinder any different from other quoting software ?

“ First and foremost , Tommy Trinder is fun to use . And super-easy ,” says Chris . “ You just draw with your finger or mouse , like sketching on a pad , and ‘ as if by magic ’ windows and doors appear in full , photo-realistic glory .” The firm ’ s flexible and affordable pricing policy has also proved a winner . Tommy is available from £ 100 a month and there ’ s no initial outlay , which means that installers of all sizes can benefit . Getting up and running is quick too , with almost

no set up required on the part of the user . The app is delivered customised to each installer with their range of products pre-setup . And according to the firm any product , in any material is possible .

“ It ’ s pretty common for an installer to have to source from multiple suppliers on one job nowadays - a composite door , some sash windows and an aluminium bifold , for example ,” says Chris . “ Often this means juggling a plethora of pricing apps , spreadsheets , and pricing books just to get the quote out of the door . With Tommy Trinder any product , in any material – PVC , ali , timber , steel – from any supplier , can be quoted . All through one app .”

One of the features that has proved increasingly popular is the app ’ s ‘ makeover ’ tool . ‘ Makeovers ’, where customers receive a render of their new windows and doors super-imposed over an image of their property , are fast becoming a staple part of the quoting process according to latest analysis of quotes prepared by installers on the app . The firm reports that over 60 % of all quotes prepared for homeowners are accompanied by a visualisation , compared to just 25 % two years ago .

“ When you consider the ease with which consumers are able to model other significant purchases like cars or kitchens , it feels inevitable that offering the client a visual of their new windows and doors in situ will become the norm ,” says Chris . “ And makeovers make sound business for installers too – not only does an impressive visual wow customers and win orders , but being clear about what you are going to fit at the quoting stage reduces error and rules out misunderstanding from the get-go .”

With the market slowing and leads thinning , how does Chris see the future for Tommy Trinder ?

“ Market sentiment has definitely changed ,” says Chris . “ But interest in Tommy Trinder has continued to surge . Enquiries were up 80 % this summer , compared to last . Pro-active installers are looking to shore up conversion rates and keep growth on track by bringing in tools that give them a competitive edge ; when the going gets tough , the tough get going . As the market tightens , we ’ re expecting to see demand for Tommy Trinder continue to strengthen .”

www . tommytrinder . com