ServiceM8

ServiceM8 is job management software for trades and service contractors, covering the full sequence from a client's first call through scheduling, quoting, job completion, invoicing and payment. For a garage door business, that is the whole operational cycle in one system rather than a diary, a quote template and an accounting package kept in step by hand. The vendor states businesses using it complete 30 percent more work on average in their first three months, and that it is trusted to manage over 35 billion dollars in jobs worldwide.

The field capability is where it earns its place. Technicians quote and invoice on site, capture signatures, record notes, photos and videos against the job, complete PDF forms and accept credit card payments before leaving. Taking payment at the job rather than invoicing afterwards is the single biggest change to cash flow for a small contractor, and the photo and video record settles disputes about what was found and what was done.

One platform decision needs weighing before committing. ServiceM8 is optimised for Apple devices, and the vendor recommends iPhones or iPads to get the most from it, even offering an upgrade programme. ServiceM8 Lite is now available for Android, but it is positioned for field technicians, subcontractors and temporary workers who need only the basics. If your team runs on Android, establish what Lite omits. Accounting package syncing is supported, and pricing is published with no hidden fees, no contracts and a 14 day free trial.