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QR Codes Let You Know Where Your Frames Are
As BM Aluminium launches the new Simply Tag traceability module for its LogiKal aluminium processing software, the company has revealed some ‘quite...
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Golden Goal - West Brom Keeper Helps End Customer Payment Disputes
Current West Brom goalie Sam Johnstone, who is coveted by the likes of Spurs and Man U, has a stake in a new App that ends tradesperson/customer payment disputes.
Preston born Johnstone has played between the sticks for West Bromwich Albion since 2018, making a name for himself in the team's promotion year (to the Premier League) and again during the 2020-21 season despite WBA being relegated.
He was one of the first users of the App, having been asked to beta-test it during the full refurbishment and extension of his family home in Altrincham. He was so impressed by the experience he has now become a shareholder in the company, which is aiming to transform relationships between trades and customers.
Kiistone
Launched in April 2021 by a Lancashire-based tech start-up, the Kiistone App allows tradespeople and customers to agree job specifications and budgets ahead of work commencing. Payment is then taken and held independently, by the largest Escrow provider in Europe.
Monies are then diverted to the tradesperson in stages, based on the successful completion of the works specified in agreement with the customer, thus providing greater control and accountability to both parties.
“When we were planning a major refurbishment of our family home, including a fully-fitted extension, all new bathrooms and driveway, I was offered a chance to road test the Kiistone App by the project manager.”
– Sam Johnstone
Professional Goalkeeper. West Bromwich Albion
Budget and control
"It seemed like a really good idea, so I was happy to give it a go," continues the WBA's keeper. "I don’t know anything about building works but having the project broken down into stages helped me feel in control of the progress and my budget. It ended up being a great experience and I feel confident it will be able to help others too, which is why I’m really pleased to have come onboard with the company as a shareholder. Not only do I think it’s a great App but it’s something I believe will really help change the way things are done for the better, both for trades and for the general public who require their services.”
Management tool
As well as the Escrow solution, the App provides further functions to help tradespeople manage their projects, diary, cashflow, admin and communication. It also links to the Kiistone Community website, providing industry news, guidance and support for trade businesses and homeowners.
Kiistone Founder and CEO Tim Mullock says: “In my experience over the last twenty years of being a British tradesperson myself, I’ve seen all of the good and the not so good, that the industry has to offer. The biggest issue that we’ve still got today is a lack of trust between the customer and the trade.
“High net worth individuals, especially, can often find themselves faced by the worst side of the trade, where there is an assumption that ‘money is no object’ and so project budgets can seem to spiral out of control."
Bad impression
Kiiston'es Mullock adds: “The bad news for honest tradespeople is that these horror stories filter into the public psyche, which causes uncertainty in the working relationship between tradespeople and the customers.
“On the flipside, even the very best tradespeople can experience a lack of understanding or unrealistic expectations from customers, especially when additions have been added to the specifications halfway through the job, which can lead to disputes over final invoices. The Kiistone App has been designed to provide a professional solution for both parties, maintaining absolute clarity to customers at all stages of the project and ensuring fair payment for the job delivered.
“The aim of the app in the long term is to build a community of tradespeople who take pride in their profession and who understand the value for everyone in modernising their working practices."
Picture: West Brom's Sam Johnstone with the Kiistone App and Tim Mullock.
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
20th May 2021