Comparison
Custom app vs Jobber.
Jobber is built for trades and home service businesses. For a 2-5 person operation, it's often exactly the right answer. But the per-seat pricing punishes growth, the workflow isn't yours, and many trades companies hit a point where the monthly bill plus the friction adds up to more than a custom app would cost.
When Jobber fits
- You're a 1-4 person trades or home service business.
- Your workflow is close enough to Jobber's that you don't fight it.
- Your monthly bill is still under a few hundred dollars and you don't see a rapid path to doubling staff.
- You don't need anything Jobber can't reasonably do.
When a custom app fits better
- You're at 8+ techs and Jobber's per-seat pricing is biting.
- You're paying $400+/month and growing.
- Your workflow is materially different from Jobber's (specialized trades, complex parts, custom quote logic).
- You want reports Jobber doesn't produce (real job profitability, parts vs labour, technician utilization).
- You want to own the software rather than rent it forever.
Side by side
Jobber vs a custom app
| Dimension | Jobber | Custom app |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Per-seat subscription, scales with team size | One-time build, then near-zero ongoing |
| Adding a tech | $30-50/month extra per tech, every month forever | $0 — add as many as you want |
| Workflow fit | Generic trades workflow, mostly customizable | Built around exactly how your business runs |
| Reports | Standard set of trades reports | Job profitability, parts vs labour, anything you actually want |
| Customer portal | Built-in but limited customization | Looks and works exactly how you want |
| Best for | Small trades businesses with standard workflows | Trades businesses with 8+ staff or non-standard workflows |
| Ownership | You rent it | You own the code, the data, and the database |
The cost math
When the numbers work out
Custom trades apps typically cost $10,000 to $35,000 depending on scope (job tracking, dispatch, invoicing, customer portal). If your Jobber bill is $400/month and growing, the payback is usually 24-36 months — and after that, growing the team doesn't grow the software bill.
Related case study
A real-shape project
FAQ
Common questions about replacing Jobber
Will the techs be able to use it in the field?
Yes. The tech view is mobile-first, designed for hands-busy use — large tap targets, minimal typing, works on a phone in a truck or attic. We design with the techs, not just the office.
What about payments and deposits?
Yes, through Stripe or a similar Canadian payments provider. Deposits, card payments, and refunds all in one place.
What if we want to migrate from Jobber?
We can pull your customer list, job history, and active jobs out of Jobber and import them into the new app, so you don't lose your data.
Other comparisons
Compare against another tool
Thinking about replacing Jobber?
Tell us what you're paying for and what's not fitting. We'll give you an honest answer — including 'stay where you are' if that's the right call.