Clust Review - Collect Files From Clients & Prospects [AppSumo 2019]

Introduction

In today’s digital age, efficiently collecting and managing information from clients and prospects is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Enter Clust, a tool designed to streamline the process of receiving files and data from your customers. This review delves deep into Clust’s features, use cases, and overall value proposition, especially in light of its current lifetime deal offering on AppSumo.

Clust positions itself as a solution for various scenarios, from web designers collecting assets to property owners managing lease applications. But does it truly offer something unique, or is it just another form builder in disguise? This comprehensive review will explore every aspect of Clust, helping you determine if it’s the right fit for your business needs.

We’ll examine Clust’s functionality, user interface, security considerations, and how it stacks up against other tools in the market. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of Clust’s strengths, limitations, and whether it’s worth investing in for your business operations.

AppSumo Deal Overview [00:00]

The AppSumo lifetime deal for Clust is currently available, offering users the opportunity to secure a lifetime of file submissions for a one-time fee. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s included in the deal:

Plan Details

• Users are assigned to the Gold plan
• 300 applications (forms) per month
• 5 team members included

Stacking Options

• Stacking a second code provides unlimited applications per month
• Each additional code stack adds 5 more team members

Important Considerations

• C-name (custom domain) is not included in this deal
• C-name is part of Clust’s enterprise plan, not the Gold plan offered here
• Clust has been vague about potentially including C-name, but it’s unlikely to be added

Clarification on Terminology

• The term “applications” in Clust refers to forms
• Each “application” is essentially a form submission

Value Proposition

• One-time fee for lifetime access
• Potential for unlimited monthly form submissions with code stacking
• Scalability with additional team members through code stacking

Limitations

• Lack of custom domain support may be a dealbreaker for some businesses
• The initial 300 applications per month limit could be restrictive for high-volume users

User Feedback

• AppSumo users (Sumo-lings) have been actively requesting C-name inclusion
• Clust’s response has been to ask for suggestions on C-name features, rather than confirming its inclusion

Deal Evolution

• The unlimited applications option was added after the deal’s initial launch
• This addition significantly increases the value for high-volume users

Clust Interface and Templates [05:00]

Clust’s interface is designed to be straightforward, focusing on template creation and management. Let’s explore the key aspects of Clust’s interface and template system:

Template Library

• Accessible under the “Resources” section
• Offers pre-built templates for various use cases
• Templates can be filtered by country for localized options

Template Examples

• Mortgage loan applications
• Tenancy applications
• Website revamp questionnaires
• Job applications
• Small business loan applications

Template Creation Process

• Users can create custom templates from scratch
• Templates consist of lists of items to collect from clients

Template Components

• File upload requests
• Form fields for text-based information
• Payment requests via Stripe
• Electronic signature requests (HelloSign or DocuSign)
• Task management elements

User Interface Quirks

• Text-based input for creating file upload requests
• Unconventional approach compared to typical graphical interfaces

Form Builder

• Separate from the main template creation process
• Accessed through the “Resources” > “Online Forms” menu
• Allows for creation of more detailed questionnaires

Form Field Types

• Short text
• Paragraph text
• Drop-down menus
• Date fields

Conditional Logic

• Available but potentially buggy or unintuitive
• Difficulty in setting up logic jumps between questions

Template Configuration

• Appearance customization (colors, background images)
• HTML code insertion for additional functionality (e.g., live chat)
• Client profile settings
• Time frame and deadline options
• Application stages for progress tracking
• File sharing options
• Internal to-do lists
• Custom fields for team use

Notifications

• Customizable email templates for various stages of the process
• Invitation, reminder, status update, and delivery notice emails

Clust Functionality and Features [15:00]

Clust offers a range of features designed to streamline the process of collecting and managing information from clients and prospects. Let’s dive into the key functionalities:

Application Creation

• Use templates to create new applications
• Add contact information for recipients
• Set custom due dates for each application
• Organize applications into folders (e.g., by project type)

Client Portal

• Allows clients to log in and view their application status
• Can be accessed via a provided URL or embedded on your website
• Customizable for each template

Secure Messaging

• Built-in messaging system for communication with clients
• Messages are tied to specific applications

File Management

• 50GB of storage included with the account
• Option to sync with Dropbox or Google Drive for additional storage

Integrations

• DocuSign and HelloSign for electronic signatures
• Stripe for payment processing

Team Collaboration

• Assign team members to applications
• Internal to-do lists for tracking tasks

Customization Options

• Company logo upload
• Background image selection
• Privacy policy link inclusion
• File type and size restrictions

Reminder System

• Automated reminders based on due dates
• Manual reminder sending option

Application Tracking

• View all received applications
• Check application status and progress

User Interface

• Consistent back-end design
• Front-end interface uses icons for navigation (potentially confusing for clients)

Security Considerations

• Basic file storage and sharing
• Not specifically designed for high-security industries (e.g., banking)

Limitations

• Lack of advanced form customization options
• Limited visual customization for client-facing interfaces
• Potential for clients to overlook important features due to the minimalist design

Pros and Cons of Clust [25:00]

After a thorough examination of Clust’s features and functionality, let’s break down the pros and cons of this tool:

Pros:

• Simple and straightforward interface for basic file collection
• Customizable templates for various use cases
• Built-in secure messaging system
• Integration with popular e-signature and payment processing services
• Folder organization for better application management
• Customizable notification emails
• Client portal for easy access to application status
• AppSumo lifetime deal offers good value for long-term use

Cons:

• Limited form customization options compared to dedicated form builders
• Potentially confusing terminology (e.g., “applications” instead of “forms”)
• Lack of custom domain support in the AppSumo deal
• Unintuitive conditional logic setup
• Front-end interface may be too minimalist, leading to overlooked features
• Not suitable for high-security industries due to basic storage and integration options
• Limited visual customization for client-facing interfaces

Use Cases and Alternatives [30:00]

Clust can be useful in various scenarios, but it’s important to consider whether it’s the best tool for your specific needs. Let’s explore some potential use cases and alternatives:

Ideal Use Cases for Clust:

• Web designers collecting client assets and preferences
• Small businesses managing job applications
• Freelancers gathering project requirements
• Property managers handling rental applications
• Service providers collecting client information

Less Suitable Scenarios:

• High-security industries (e.g., banking, healthcare)
• Businesses requiring extensive form customization
• Companies needing advanced workflow automation
• Organizations with high-volume form submissions (unless using stacked codes)

Alternatives to Consider:

• PaperForm: Offers more customization options for form design
• Typeform: Known for its user-friendly, conversational forms
• JotForm: Provides a wide range of templates and integrations
• Google Forms: Free option for basic form creation and data collection
• Formstack: Robust form builder with advanced features and integrations

Key Takeaways and Final Verdict [35:00]

After thoroughly examining Clust and its features, here are the key takeaways and final verdict:

Key Takeaways:

1. Clust is a niche tool designed for collecting files and information from clients and prospects.
2. The AppSumo lifetime deal offers good value, especially with code stacking for unlimited submissions.
3. The interface is consistent but may be too minimalist for some users and clients.
4. Template system allows for quick setup of common information collection scenarios.
5. Built-in features like secure messaging and client portals add value to the overall package.
6. Integration with e-signature and payment processing services enhances functionality.
7. Limited customization options may be a drawback for businesses requiring more flexibility.
8. Not suitable for high-security industries due to basic storage and integration options.

Final Verdict:

Clust receives a score of 7.1 out of 10. While it offers a solid solution for basic file and information collection, it falls short in some areas that could make it a must-have tool.

Clust is best suited for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers who need a straightforward way to collect files and information from clients. Its strength lies in its simplicity and the inclusion of features like secure messaging and client portals.

However, the lack of advanced customization options and the potential for client confusion due to the minimalist interface are significant drawbacks. Additionally, the absence of custom domain support in the AppSumo deal may be a dealbreaker for some businesses looking to maintain a professional appearance.

For those who find Clust’s specific feature set aligns well with their needs, the AppSumo lifetime deal presents good value, especially with the option to stack codes for unlimited submissions. However, businesses requiring more robust form building capabilities or advanced workflow automation may want to explore alternatives like PaperForm or Formstack.

Ultimately, Clust occupies a niche space in the market. It’s not a bad tool by any means, but it may struggle to stand out in a crowded field of more versatile form builders and client management solutions. Before investing, carefully consider your specific needs and whether Clust’s unique combination of features aligns with your business processes.

If you decide to purchase Clust through the AppSumo deal, remember to use the referral link provided to support future reviews and content creation.

For more information on growing your business online, check out ClientAmp, the digital marketing agency managed by the reviewer. You can also join the LTD discussion on Facebook for more insights on software deals and business tools.

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