Services Setup

eMARCOTT features a powerful pricing engine that supports multiple pricing strategies, automatic modifiers, and client-based pricing tiers. This guide walks you through setting up your complete service catalog.

Understanding the Service Architecture

eMARCOTT uses a flexible, multi-layered pricing system:

Service Categories (hierarchical, supports nesting)
└── Services (with multiple service types)
    ├── Pricing Rules (strategy-based: flat, tiered, formula, matrix)
    ├── Modifiers (fees, discounts, surcharges - can auto-apply)
    └── Client Segments (VIP pricing, volume discounts)

Step 1: Create Service Categories

Categories organize your services into logical groups. Categories can be nested for deeper organization.

1. Navigate to Admin → Services → Categories tab
2. Click + Add Category
3. Fill in the details:
   • Code: Unique identifier (e.g., "PHOTO")
   • Name: Display name (e.g., "Photography Services")
   • Description: Optional description
   • Parent Category: Select a parent for nested categories
   • Icon: Visual identifier
   • Sort Order: Display order in lists
4. Toggle Active to enable
5. Save

Recommended Categories

• Photography Services
• Video Production
• Virtual Tours & 3D
• Aerial/Drone
• Floor Plans
• Add-ons & Extras

Step 2: Add Services

Services are your core offerings. Each service can have its own pricing strategy, modifiers, and configuration options.

1. Go to Admin → Services → Services tab
2. Click + Add Service
3. Fill in the basic information:
   • Code: Unique identifier (auto-generated if blank)
   • Name: Service name (e.g., "25 Photo Package")
   • Description: What's included
   • Category: Select the category

Service Types

Choose the type that best describes your service:

Unit of Measure

Select how the service is measured:

• Each - Per item (photos, videos)
• Hour - Time-based
• Square Foot - Property size
• Home Price - Based on listing price
• Mile - Distance-based
• Day/Month - Duration-based
• Project - Flat per project

Pricing Configuration

• Default Price: Base price for the service
• Min Price: Floor price (optional)
• Max Price: Ceiling price (optional)

Service Options

• Allow Quantity: Can clients order multiple?
• Is Configurable: Can clients customize inputs?
• Requires Quote: Needs manual approval?
• Is Add-on: Available as an add-on to other services?
• Is Taxable: Subject to tax?
• Is Public: Visible in public catalog?

Step 3: Configure Pricing Rules

Pricing rules let you create sophisticated pricing strategies beyond simple flat rates. Multiple rules can apply to a single service, with priority determining which takes precedence.

1. Go to Admin → Services → Pricing Rules tab
2. Click + Add Pricing Rule
3. Select the service this rule applies to
4. Choose a pricing strategy

Pricing Strategies

Rule Conditions

Rules can have conditions that determine when they apply:

• Client Segments: Apply to VIP clients only
• Geographic Zones: Regional pricing
• Days of Week: Weekend vs weekday rates
• Valid Dates: Seasonal or promotional pricing
• Priority: Higher priority rules override lower ones

Step 4: Set Up Modifiers

Modifiers are fees, discounts, or surcharges that adjust the final price. They can apply automatically based on conditions or be added manually.

1. Go to Admin → Services → Modifiers tab
2. Click + Add Modifier
3. Configure the modifier

Modifier Types

Common Modifiers

• Rush Same-Day: +50% if turnaround ≤ 8 hours
• Rush Next-Day: +25% if turnaround ≤ 24 hours
• Weekend Shoot: +20% for Saturday/Sunday
• Holiday Shoot: +50% for holidays
• Travel Fee: $0.65/mile over 25 miles
• Luxury Property: +15% for 5000+ sqft
• Vacant Discount: -10% for vacant properties
• Volume Discount: -5% for 5+ jobs/month

Modifier Settings

• Applies To: Specific services, categories, or entire order
• Is Automatic: Auto-apply when conditions are met
• Is Stackable: Can combine with other modifiers
• Apply Order: Order of application when stacking
• Is Taxable: Subject to tax calculation

Step 5: Create Client Segments (Optional)

Client segments let you offer different pricing to different customer groups.

1. Go to Admin → Services → Client Segments tab
2. Click + Add Segment
3. Define the segment:
   • Name: e.g., "VIP Clients"
   • Code: e.g., "VIP"
   • Default Discount: Percentage or flat amount
   • Priority Level: Higher = more important
   • Membership Rules: Auto-assign conditions

Example Segments

• VIP: Top clients, 15% discount
• High Volume: 10+ jobs/month, 10% discount
• New Client: First-time discount
• Preferred Agent: Contract pricing

Step 6: Review Price History

The Price History tab provides an audit trail of all pricing changes. Use this to track when prices changed and who made the changes.

History includes:

• Price changes
• Rule additions/modifications
• Service activation/deactivation
• Who made the change
• When the change was effective

Best Practices

• Start simple: Begin with flat pricing, add complexity as needed
• Use categories: Keep services organized for easier management
• Set min/max prices: Prevent pricing errors
• Test modifiers: Verify automatic modifiers calculate correctly
• Review history: Monitor pricing changes regularly
• Document formulas: Add descriptions to complex pricing rules