How to choose taxi software: 10 important questions to ask your supplier
Taxi software is not something you change every month. It affects how quickly orders are handled, how drivers earn and how customers see your brand. To avoid expensive mistakes, ask the supplier the right questions before you sign up. Below are 10 questions worth asking — and how Tonotel answers them.
1. Is the system cloud-based or do I need my own server?
Your own server means hardware costs, maintenance and responsibility for backups. A cloud solution lets you start quickly and focus on the business. Tonotel is fully cloud-based: we take care of the infrastructure, and data is stored in Tier 3 data centres in Europe.
2. How is order dispatch configured?
Dispatch logic determines how fast customers get a car and how fair the work is for drivers. Ask whether you can set your own rules. In Tonotel you choose how orders are assigned — by distance, queue, seniority, priority or manually, in automatic or semi-automatic mode.
3. Can orders come from several channels at once?
Customers call, use apps and order from websites. The system should accept all of them in one place. Tonotel supports orders from the dispatcher, the mobile app, the website and bots.
4. Are there apps for customers and drivers — and can they carry my brand?
Apps save dispatcher time and make the service more convenient. A branded app also builds recognition. Tonotel has a client app for iPhone and Android and a driver app for Android; a white label app with your logo, colours and name can be published on the App Store and Google Play.
5. Is telephony built in?
Separate telephony means switching between programs and losing context. Ask about call recording and handling calls without a physical phone. Tonotel's built-in telephony works in the browser, records every call and can also work with your own SIP trunks.
6. How flexible are tariffs and surcharges?
Pricing is where profit is made or lost. You should be able to change rates without programmers. Tonotel lets you set tariffs by time of day, day of the week, car type and city zone, with extras for waiting, luggage and high demand.
7. Is there an open API and what does it cost?
Sooner or later you will want to connect a website, CRM, accounting or your own tools. Some suppliers charge for every request. Tonotel's API and webhooks are free for everyone, with no limits on the number of requests and no hidden charges.
8. What reports and statistics will I get?
Without data you can't manage a fleet. Ask what reports exist and whether you can build your own. Tonotel provides statistics on orders, drivers, efficiency and revenue, ready-made reports and a flexible report builder.
9. How does technical support work?
Problems rarely happen during office hours. Check the support hours and whether the support level depends on the tariff. Tonotel's support works around the clock, gives the same level of support on every tariff plan and offers free consultations on setup.
10. How is the price calculated and can I try before buying?
Hidden fees and long contracts are a red flag. Ask what the price depends on and whether there is a trial. Tonotel's price depends on the number of drivers and connected modules, all conditions are transparent, and you can test the system free for 14 days.
Conclusion
A good supplier answers these questions openly and without small print. Compare several options, look at the details and test the system on real orders before you decide. If you want to see how Tonotel answers them in practice, start the 14-day free trial — we will help you with setup.