Description

The Fast Track Proposal Writer is a construction contract software that writes detailed contracts for any construction job. It includes over 1,200 paragraphs of contract language, easily customizable for each job.

Buy any two or more and receive a 20% discount:
Fast Track Estimating Software, Fast Track Proposal Writer software, or the Profitable Estimating Training

Contracts or Proposals?

We often use the words “proposal” and “contract” interchangeably. Let me define them. A contract includes the legal language that explains who you are, who they are, and the terms and conditions you work under. It explains what they can expect from you and what you can expect from them. And it includes a detailed explanation of the work that will be done, all the way down to the make and model of appliances.

When you present this document to your client, it’s a proposal. After they sign it, it’s a contract.

More Info

This software (requires Windows operating system) helps you quickly and easily write a Proposal / Contract that your client understands. It is not just a takeoff of your estimate sheet as so many programs are. It is clear, solid contract language with unlimited options, for you to use when assembling a Proposal / Contract for your clients.

The Fast Track Proposal Writer, used properly, creates a document that explains who you are, who they are, and the terms and conditions you work under. It explains what they can expect from you and what you can expect from them. And it includes a detailed explanation of the work that will be done, all the way down to the make and model of appliances.

We use the words “proposal” and “contract” interchangeably. Here’s the difference:

• When you present this document to your client, it’s a proposal.
• After they sign it, it’s a contract.

With the Fast Track Proposal Writer software, you select the paragraphs and input your specifications. The language is clear and to the point, and designed to help keep you out of court. If/when your attorney suggests specific language based on your location or business needs, simply add it to the program for use in all your contracts. You can quickly create proposals specific to your business and your needs.

In a very short period of time, you will be writing proposals twice as fast as you write them now. With practice, you will be able to write a $100,000 remodeling contract in less than 1.5 hours, and a new home contract in an hour. That means more time to run your business, and it gives both you and your customer the confidence of a solid, detailed contract.

To make it even easier, pair Fast Track Proposal Writer with our Fast Track Estimating software. After creating an estimate, open Fast Track Proposal Writer, select the estimate, and pull in all relevant Work-related contract language. (Demonstrated in this demo.)

How It Works/Videos

You can view our videos here, or visit our YouTube channel.

Writing a Contract or Proposal
Length: 5:03 minutes
Creating a quick and simple contract, with an explanation of the three sections of the proposal or contract.

Importing Information from Fast Track Estimating
Length: 3:18 minutes
Creating a quick and simple contract starting with an estimate created in Fast Track Estimating.

Editing the Contract or Proposal
Length: 10:15 minutes
The editing process. This demo explains the Marker system, and demonstrates the flexibility of the Proposal Writer software.

An Overview of Fast Track Proposal Writer
Length: 14:24 minutes
This overview includes the functions available, markers, the fill-in table, and reviews the phrases (paragraphs) of language available.

Printing Your Proposal
Length: 1:41 minutes
How to print your contract or proposal, either from within the program or by transferring it to a word-processing program.

FAQ’s

Are demos available?
We don’t offer a demo version, but you can view videos showing how the software works by clicking here.

Windows or Mac?
Fast Track Proposal Writer software requires Windows 7 and above. Older machines with upgraded operating systems might not be able to use this software satisfactorily.

To use this software on a Mac or Apple, you’ll need Parallels, a software program that allows you to operate Windows in a separate window on your Mac computer. And you’ll need a current Windows operating system. Install Parallels first – then install Windows. Then you can install any of our software programs.

What programs are required on my computer?
Fast Track Proposal Writer requires Windows XP or higher. All other components required will be installed if they aren’t already on your computer.

Does Fast Track Proposal Writer work with Fast Track Estimating?
Yes. If you use the Fast Track Estimating software, it’s even easier to create a proposal. The Fast Track Proposal Writer software will place paragraphs in the “Work” section based on the estimate.

The Fast Track Proposal Writer software compares the Paragraph Number in Fast Track Estimating (found at the bottom of the Assembly Detail) with the Paragraph Number in Fast Track Proposal Writer. The software walks through every assembly in the estimate to see if a Paragraph Number exists. If a match is made, that language will be placed in the Work section of the contract. Then you can use the “Edit” function in FTPW to input quantities and specific details for that contract.

Is Help available?
Help files are available in the software, and they also provide a good overview of how the software operates. Review or download them by clicking here..

Does the software include all the language required in my contracts?
We can’t promise it includes all the language you need. Regulations vary between locations, we can’t cover it all. Also, it doesn’t include the Right of Rescission required by federal law because the specific requirements vary state-by-state.

We recommend selecting the paragraphs in the Proposal and Contract sections that you’ll use in most of your contracts and have them approved by your attorney. The Proposal section is the introductory part of the contract, it tells who you are, who they are, and a brief outline of the work to be done. The Contract section is the closing section and includes most of the critical legal language as well as the price and payment schedule.

If your attorney suggests changes to those paragraphs or additional language based on local regulations, incorporate those changes in your software. The software is easily customized, it takes little effort to add new paragraphs or edit existing paragraphs.

Is the software customizable?
Fast Track Proposal Writer is extremely customizable. You can easily add your own standard paragraphs, add special language to any individual proposal, and quickly transfer a finished proposal or contract to your Word processing program to format for final print.

Can I customize the look of my contract?
We recommend transferring the completed contract to your word processing software. This allows you to print on your letterhead or any other customization you wish. Transferring is simple, instructions are included in the Help files.

If I own the current version, can I upgrade?
Current users of Fast Track Proposal Writer can upgrade for $10. To upgrade, send us a note (info @ markupandprofit.com); tell us the name of the original purchaser. After confirming your prior order, we’ll send a link for the $10 upgrade; you’ll receive the program as a download link.

Help Files

Fast Track Proposal Writer Help Files

Support

The most common asked questions are listed below. If your question isn’t answered, please send a note to support@markupandprofit.com, or call 1-360-335-1100.

Where do I find help files?
The Help files link is in the top menu on every screen. You can also press F1 to open help, or click here to download or read the Help files.

How does Fast Track Proposal Writer work with Fast Track Estimating?
After creating an estimate, simply open Fast Track Proposal Writer, select the estimate, and pull in all relevant Work-related contract language for that estimate.

Fast Track Proposal Writer will compare the Paragraph Number in Fast Track Estimating (found at the bottom of the Assembly Detail) with the Paragraph Number in Fast Track Proposal Writer. The software walks through every assembly in the estimate to see if a Paragraph Number exists. If a Paragraph Number exists, the matching number will be found in Fast Track Proposal Writer and that language will be placed in the Work section of the contract. Then you can use the “Edit” function in FTPW to input quantities and specific details for that contract.

NOTE: If you purchased Fast Track Estimating prior to February of 2011, the database you received had some incorrect Paragraph Numbers in the assemblies. If you use any of these estimate items, you will either add the wrong paragraph language in FTPW, or not add any language to match the item. Click here to see the paragraph numbers that need to be changed in Fast Track Estimating to match your Fast Track Proposal Writer software.

What files are important to backup?
The critical database in Fast Track Proposal Writer is located in the Resources folder. You’ll find it in the directory where the program is installed – the default directory is C:/CPR/FTPW.

How do I backup my files?
Using Windows Explorer, find this folder (check the “date modified” to make sure you have the correct files) and copy the file onto a disk or other media in case your computer fails. (Windows Secret: To open Windows Explorer quickly, hold down the Windows key located between the CTRL and ALT keys on your keyboard. While holding it down, press the letter E one time.)

My files aren’t in that directory. How do I find them?
It depends on your Windows operating system.

In Windows 2000 and XP, the databases are normally located in the C:\Program Files\CPR\FTPW folder (or, C:\Program Files (x86)\CPR\FTPW)

In Windows Vista and 7, the databases might appear to be located in the C:\Program Files\CPR\FTPW folder, but they aren’t. Microsoft decided to not allow the ability to write data to a file in the Program Files folder, so it places the actual, active files in another location. And makes them hard to find.

They are probably hidden files, so within Windows Explorer you’ll have to go to Tools – Folder Options – View, and select “Show hidden files and folders”. Close Windows Explorer, then reopen it. (In Windows 7, it might be Organize – Folder and Search Options – View, and select “Show hidden files, folders or drives”.)

In both Vista and Windows 7, you should now be able to find your database in C:\Users\WhateverYourUserNameIs\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\ and from there either in the Program Files (x86) or the Program Data folder. It should be under CPR\FTPW.

In newer installs of Fast Track Proposal Writer, the default file location is C:\CPR\FTPW.

I moved the program to another computer and it doesn’t work.
You must do a complete install of the program on your new computer first, from the disk (or using the .exe that was downloaded). After doing the complete install, replace the folder named Resources (and the file within it) with the file from your old computer (or your backup file).

I’ve used Fast Track Proposal Writer for years, and want to transfer the language from my older program to the new program. Is that possible?
Language from the original Fast Track Proposal Writer can be transferred to the new program. Send us an email and we’ll begin the process (at no charge). Previous proposals can not be transferred.