Small Contractor Software Stack Setup
A role-based onboarding path for solo operators and small crews (1–10 people) building their first digital toolkit. Covers the core stack — scheduling, invoicing, payments, and customer management — in a practical sequence that doesn't require a consultant.
Pick Your Core Platform
For most small trades businesses, a single all-in-one platform (Jobber, Housecall Pro, or ServiceM8) handles 80% of your software needs. Use the TradeStack evaluator to match your trade, crew size, and budget to the right fit.
- DocsTradeStack Evaluatorfree
- DocsChoosing Your First FSM Platformfree
Set Up Scheduling and Dispatch
Configure your service area, working hours, and job types. Run your first job from booking call to technician dispatch using only your chosen platform — no spreadsheet fallback.
- DocsJobber: Scheduling Setupfree
- DocsHousecall Pro: First Week Setupfree
Configure Invoicing and Online Payments
Build your service price list, set default payment terms, and activate online card payments. Collecting payment at job completion eliminates most unpaid invoice problems.
Connect Your Accounting
Link your FSM platform to QuickBooks or Xero so invoices and payments sync automatically. This eliminates double-entry and keeps your bookkeeper happy at tax time.
Set Up Review Automation
Enable automatic review requests after job completion — Google and Facebook reviews are critical social proof for local trades businesses. Most FSM platforms include this or integrate with NiceJob or Podium.
Add Estimating When Ready
Once your core ops are stable, layer in a dedicated estimating tool (ProEst, Sage Estimating, or your FSM's built-in estimate module) to win more jobs faster. Don't add this in week one — nail the basics first.