Switching · Australia
Switching from Tradify to ServiceM8
The move back the other way — usually to cut cost, get the iOS-first workflow, or tap ServiceM8's template library. Here is what changes, and what you give up.
By Software TradiesUpdated 6 October 20266 min read
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Why tradies make this switch
- You want a cheaper start — ServiceM8 from $29 vs Tradify from $48 per user.
- You are on iPhone and want the iOS-first experience.
- You want ServiceM8’s big template library and community.
- You want a free plan to start on.
Side by side
| Tradify | ServiceM8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small teams, cross-platform | Solo sparkies, iPhone-first |
| Price from | $48/mo per user (ex GST) | $29/mo (AUD incl GST) |
| Platform | iOS, Android, desktop — even | iOS-first (Android behind) |
| Quoting | Very good, fast on mobile | Good |
| Free option | No — 14-day trial | Yes (1 user, limited) |
| Our score | 9.1 / 10 | 8.7 / 10 |
How the move works
- 1Start a ServiceM8 free trial (or the free plan). Run a real job through it before you commit to anything.
- 2Export your Tradify client list. Clients move via CSV; historic jobs and photos generally do not — export what you need.
- 3Set up your quote and invoice templates. ServiceM8 has deep templates — match your look so customers notice nothing.
- 4Reconnect Xero or MYOB in ServiceM8. Your books do not move; you are only re-pointing the integration.
- 5Run a job end-to-end. Quote → schedule → job → invoice. Confirm it is not a step backwards for you.
- 6Cancel Tradify before your next billing date. Check the renewal date so you are not paying for both.
What to watch for
- If you moved to Tradify for Android or desktop, this is a step back — ServiceM8 is iPhone-first.
- Check your Tradify billing date before cancelling.
- ServiceM8 tiers cap jobs and SMS — check the limits on the tier you pick.
- Historic job history does not migrate — export first.
The verdict
Move to ServiceM8 if…
- You are iPhone-first.
- You want to cut the monthly cost.
- You want the biggest template library and community.
Stay on Tradify if…
- You work on Android or desktop.
- You want the smoother quoting and invoicing flow.
- You have staff on mixed devices.
Common questions
Which is cheaper, Tradify or ServiceM8?
ServiceM8: from $29/mo (AUD, incl GST) versus Tradify from $48/mo per user (ex GST). For a solo operator ServiceM8 is the cheaper start.
Will I lose my Tradify data?
Clients export via CSV; historic jobs and photos generally do not move. Export anything you need to keep.
Is ServiceM8 good on Android?
It is iPhone-first, so Android is behind. If you are Android-only, think carefully before switching.
Do I need to reconnect Xero?
Yes — reconnect in ServiceM8. Your accounting data stays where it is.