Bookgel has launched its first product — an artificial intelligence-driven, cloud-based app for accountants to manage client acquisition.
The app works by demonstrating to prospective or existing clients an accountant’s services, which both parties can view via screen share. The app shows clients how much they can save by working with the accountant before seeing the engagement price. Then, the accountant can provide the client a personalized subscription plan, including projected savings, and send a proposal.
The app arrives at a time when more businesses are seeking accounting services to deal with new realities like Paycheck Protection Program loan activity, driven by the coronavirus pandemic.
The proposal process in Bookgel is automated — once signed, it prompts a payment, which is sent directly to the firm or the accountant’s bank account.
The pricing is set by AI algorithms, drawing from different factors and checking various data points to create a pricing plan that makes the most sense for each client. Some factors considered include business niche, entity type, location, condition of books, complexity of work, revenue and upsell opportunities.
The app is in beta phase. Early adopters will receive benefits including discount pricing.
Bookgel was developed by Allan Ratafia and Marc Howard, the same accountants who created
“Over my years of working with thousands of accountants it became obvious that we needed to build a bridge between the juncture from when a new client inquired to the juncture of closed business and cash in the bank,” said Allan Ratafia, co-founder of Bookgel and owner of Ratafia & Company, CPAs, headquartered in New York, in a statement. “Some firms that were experienced at pricing and closing were getting five to 10 times the fees for the exact same services. Now all firms can get the right fee, without needing to take classes on selling or learning value pricing. Bookgel does all the heavy lifting.”
