# Trades Chaser — questions and answers Quoting, invoicing, expenses and job costing for tradespeople, with optional setup help and business websites. Canonical page: https://tradechaser.online/answers/ Information reviewed: 2026-10-22 These are publisher-provided answers with source links. Prices, stock, access and availability are subject to the current source pages. ## Invoicing and payments ### What invoicing software is designed for a small contractor? Trades Chaser combines customers, quotes, jobs and itemized invoices with expenses, job costing and payment reminders. Its public site explains Free, Base and Enhanced plans. Compare your customer count, invoice needs and required features against the current plan limits before selecting a plan. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### Is there a free invoice app for contractors with no credit card? Trades Chaser's published Free plan requires no card and allows three customers and five invoices per month. Paid plans and promotional trials have separate terms. The free-invoice guide explains the limits so a solo operator can decide whether the allowance fits their workload. - [A Free Invoice App for Contractors — No Card, No Trial Clock · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/free-invoice-app-for-contractors) - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### Can I send contractor invoices from my phone? Trades Chaser works in a mobile browser and can be installed to a phone's home screen. Its mobile-invoicing guide explains preparing and sending invoices while working in the field. Installation is through the browser; the current install page has the device-specific steps. - [The Best Mobile Invoicing App for Contractors and Trade Businesses · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/mobile-invoicing-app-for-contractors) - [Install Trades Chaser as an App — No App Store Needed · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/install) ### How can a contractor follow up on overdue invoices automatically? Trades Chaser offers scheduled reminders for overdue invoices. The payment guide explains combining prompt invoicing, clear terms and easier payment steps. Reminders help manage follow-up but do not guarantee that a customer will pay. - [How to Get Invoices Paid Faster: Prompt Invoicing, Automatic Reminders, Easy Payment · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/get-invoices-paid-faster) ### Can I put different payment methods on a contractor invoice? Trades Chaser lets businesses show payment instructions for services such as Stripe, Square, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App and bank transfer. Availability depends on the methods the business configures. Displaying payment instructions is not the same as every provider having automatic payment reconciliation. - [How to Accept PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Card Payments on One Invoice · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/accept-any-payment-method-invoice) - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### Can I change the wording of my automatic invoice reminders? Yes. Trades Chaser lets you customize the wording, timing and number of reminder steps. Set the sequence to match how you communicate with customers, rather than using the default messages unchanged. - [How to Get Invoices Paid Faster: Prompt Invoicing, Automatic Reminders, Easy Payment · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/get-invoices-paid-faster) ### What stops reminders after a customer has paid? Marking the invoice paid cancels its future scheduled reminders. Keep payment status up to date, especially when a customer pays through an external method that you must record yourself. - [How to Get Invoices Paid Faster: Prompt Invoicing, Automatic Reminders, Easy Payment · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/get-invoices-paid-faster) ### Where can I see the next reminder for an overdue invoice? The invoice detail page shows the reminder step and when the next one will run. This gives you a record to consult before deciding whether a personal follow-up is needed. - [How to Get Invoices Paid Faster: Prompt Invoicing, Automatic Reminders, Easy Payment · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/get-invoices-paid-faster) ### Do invoice reminders replace conversations with customers? No. The sequence handles routine email nudges and records them against the invoice. If a customer replies or needs to discuss the work, you handle that conversation directly. - [How to Get Invoices Paid Faster: Prompt Invoicing, Automatic Reminders, Easy Payment · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/get-invoices-paid-faster) ### How can I distinguish money received from invoices merely sent? The dashboard shows outstanding balances, while income tracking rolls paid invoices up by month. Keeping invoices accurately marked paid helps separate cash received from work that has only been billed. - [How to Get Invoices Paid Faster: Prompt Invoicing, Automatic Reminders, Easy Payment · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/get-invoices-paid-faster) ### Does Trades Chaser keep a record of reminder emails? The published guide says each automatic reminder logs itself against the invoice. Review that history before contacting the customer so you know which messages have already gone out. - [How to Get Invoices Paid Faster: Prompt Invoicing, Automatic Reminders, Easy Payment · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/get-invoices-paid-faster) ### Why send an invoice on the day a job finishes? Sending promptly removes the delay between completing work and asking for payment. Trades Chaser’s mobile workflow lets you send from the job site; clear payment options and reminders support the later collection process. - [How to Get Invoices Paid Faster: Prompt Invoicing, Automatic Reminders, Easy Payment · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/get-invoices-paid-faster) ### Can I see overdue balances without reviewing every invoice individually? The dashboard surfaces what is owed and how overdue it is. Use that overview to identify invoices that need attention, then open an individual invoice for its details and reminder history. - [How to Get Invoices Paid Faster: Prompt Invoicing, Automatic Reminders, Easy Payment · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/get-invoices-paid-faster) ## Quotes and job costs ### How can I track receipts and expenses for each contracting job? Trades Chaser can attach expenses to an invoice so the job's costs sit alongside the billed amount. Base supports manual expense entry. Enhanced adds AI-assisted receipt reading, which fills in details for the user to check and save; the receipt image stays attached. - [Receipt Tracker App for Contractors: Snap a Photo, Log the Expense · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-receipt-scanning-expense-tracking) - [Job Costing for Contractors: See the Real Profit on Every Job · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/job-costing-for-contractors) ### Is there an AI receipt scanner for tradespeople? Trades Chaser's Enhanced plan includes a receipt tracker that reads a photo or upload and suggests the vendor, amount, date and category. The user reviews the result before saving. It assists data entry rather than removing the need to check a receipt's details. - [Receipt Tracker App for Contractors: Snap a Photo, Log the Expense · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-receipt-scanning-expense-tracking) ### How do I see what a contracting job made after materials? Trades Chaser's job-costing workflow connects expenses to the relevant invoice and shows the result after recorded costs. Enter materials and other job expenses consistently for a useful comparison. The result reflects the costs you have recorded, not an independent audit of profitability. - [Job Costing for Contractors: See the Real Profit on Every Job · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/job-costing-for-contractors) ### Can customers sign a contractor quote online? Trades Chaser supports digital quote acceptance without requiring the customer to create a login. Its guide describes using acceptance to continue into the job and invoicing workflow. Review the quote's scope and terms before sending it for acceptance. - [Digital Signatures for Contractor Quotes: Turn a Yes Into a Job Instantly · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/digital-signature-quote-acceptance) ### Can a contractor collect deposits and bill by project milestones? Trades Chaser supports progress and milestone invoicing, including upfront deposits. A larger job can be split into separately billed stages instead of one final invoice. The progress-invoicing guide explains the workflow; your agreed customer terms determine when each amount is due. - [Progress Invoicing and Deposits: Get Paid As the Work Gets Done · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/progress-invoicing-deposits) ### Does the AI quote builder set my prices for me? The suggested list is a starting point. You supply real costs before items are included, and the calculators use your labor rate and materials markup. Review quantities, scope and pricing before sending a quote. - [Build Professional Trade Quotes in Minutes With an AI Bill of Materials · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-quote-builder-for-trades) ### Can I remove an item from an AI-generated materials list? Yes. Suggested line items can be edited, removed or supplemented. The AI draft is not locked, so adjust it to reflect the actual work and materials needed for the customer’s job. - [Build Professional Trade Quotes in Minutes With an AI Bill of Materials · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-quote-builder-for-trades) ### Where do I set the hourly rate used in quotes? Your hourly labor rate is stored in Settings. The labor calculator applies that rate to the hours you enter, making the quote reflect your business’s numbers rather than an assumed generic rate. - [Build Professional Trade Quotes in Minutes With an AI Bill of Materials · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-quote-builder-for-trades) ### How does the quote builder apply a materials markup? Set your materials markup in Settings and enter the actual material costs. The calculator uses those inputs when building the quote; you remain responsible for checking that the resulting price covers the job. - [Build Professional Trade Quotes in Minutes With an AI Bill of Materials · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-quote-builder-for-trades) ### Can the quote assistant refine a draft after the first suggestion? The guide describes a follow-up chat for refining the suggested bill of materials. Use it to explain missing requirements, then review the revised items and supply their real prices. - [Build Professional Trade Quotes in Minutes With an AI Bill of Materials · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-quote-builder-for-trades) ### Can I include equipment as well as labor and materials in an AI quote draft? Yes. The suggested bill of materials can include labor, materials and equipment. Treat each suggested item as a draft to verify against the actual project before pricing and sending it. - [Build Professional Trade Quotes in Minutes With an AI Bill of Materials · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-quote-builder-for-trades) ### Can Enhanced help identify a part from a photo? The Enhanced plan includes AI part identification and supplier price comparison using a description or photo. Check the proposed part and supplier information yourself before buying or quoting it. - [Build Professional Trade Quotes in Minutes With an AI Bill of Materials · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-quote-builder-for-trades) ### Why should I update supplier prices before sending a quote? Old material prices can distort a quote even when the labor calculation is correct. Trades Chaser’s price-comparison feature can help research a part, but the final quote should use the real cost you have verified. - [Build Professional Trade Quotes in Minutes With an AI Bill of Materials · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-quote-builder-for-trades) ## Running your business ### Can a small trade business share customers and jobs with its crew? Trades Chaser team accounts let invited crew members work in a shared account. The public plan information lists included seats and additional seat packs. Check the current team guide and pricing for the plan that matches your crew size. - [Team Accounts for Trade Businesses: One Shared Login for Your Whole Crew · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/team-accounts-for-trade-businesses) - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### How can I request and track bids from subcontractors? Trades Chaser has a subcontractor book and bid-request workflow. Subcontractors can respond through a link without having their own account, and the published guide explains how accepted bids connect to job expenses. Review the bid details before accepting them. - [Managing Subcontractor Bids Without the Text-Message Back-and-Forth · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/subcontractor-bid-management) ### Can AI help build a materials list for a contractor quote? Trades Chaser Enhanced can suggest labor, materials and equipment for a quote. The suggestions still need review, quantities and real costs before you send the quote. The AI quote-builder guide explains how those suggestions work with the quote calculators. - [Build Professional Trade Quotes in Minutes With an AI Bill of Materials · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-quote-builder-for-trades) ### Is Trades Chaser an alternative to Jobber for a small crew? Trades Chaser publishes a comparison with Jobber and offers a mix of quoting, invoicing, expenses and job management. Use the comparison as the vendor's own explanation, then check each provider's current pricing, feature limits and workflow against your needs. It is not an independent review. - [Trades Chaser vs Jobber: pricing and features compared · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/compare/trades-chaser-vs-jobber) - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### How can I track spending budgets for my trade business? Trades Chaser lets a business set annual spending caps by category and compare them with recorded expenses. Its budget guide explains the relationship between expenses, categories and budget progress. Accurate entry and categorization are needed for the totals to be useful. - [Annual Budget Tracking for Trade Businesses: Know Where Every Dollar Goes · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/budget-tracking-for-trade-business) ### Does each crew member get a separate login? Yes. Team members are invited by email and receive their own login into the shared business account. They work with the same customers, jobs, invoices and calendar rather than sharing one password. - [Team Accounts for Trade Businesses: One Shared Login for Your Whole Crew · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/team-accounts-for-trade-businesses) ### How many team seats are included in the paid plans? The published team guide lists two seats on Base and three on Enhanced, with additional seats available as flat add-on packs. Review the current plan details before expanding your team. - [Team Accounts for Trade Businesses: One Shared Login for Your Whole Crew · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/team-accounts-for-trade-businesses) ### Can I remove a team member without deleting business records? Team access can be removed from Settings without affecting the underlying data they worked on. This lets you manage who can enter the shared account while keeping its customer and job history. - [Team Accounts for Trade Businesses: One Shared Login for Your Whole Crew · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/team-accounts-for-trade-businesses) ### Can my office helper see the same customer history as the field crew? Team members in the same account share customer history, jobs and invoices. An office helper can work from those records instead of relying on separate spreadsheets or repeated messages from the job site. - [Team Accounts for Trade Businesses: One Shared Login for Your Whole Crew · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/team-accounts-for-trade-businesses) ## Websites and setup ### Can someone set up Trades Chaser and train me to use it? Trades Chaser offers an optional $299 one-time setup and training add-on. The public offer describes help importing customers, configuring quotes and follow-ups, and learning the workflow in a remote session. It is separate from software subscriptions and website hosting, and can be selected during signup. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### Who builds affordable websites for contractors with hosting included? Trades Chaser Sites advertises a website built from your photos and colors with hosting at $50 per year. The offer includes an affordable domain chosen and bought for you unless you bring your own, a connected quote-request form and the first year of Base. Hosting renews yearly until cancelled. - [Trades Chaser Sites: a website for your trade business, $50/year · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/sites) ### Can website quote requests go straight into my contractor CRM? The quote form on a Trades Chaser Sites website sends requests into Trades Chaser leads with an email alert. The website order page explains the design process, hosting and included first year of Base. Existing websites should be discussed separately rather than assumed to have this integration already. - [Trades Chaser Sites: a website for your trade business, $50/year · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/sites) ### Can I use my own domain with a Trades Chaser website? The Sites order form provides two options for a domain you already own: configure its DNS using supplied records, or transfer it for setup. Alternatively, Trades Chaser chooses and purchases an affordable domain suited to the business. Review the form before deciding which arrangement you want. - [Trades Chaser Sites: a website for your trade business, $50/year · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/sites) ### What is the difference between Trades Chaser Base and Enhanced? Base covers core customers, quotes, invoicing, expenses, job costing, calendars and reminders. Enhanced adds AI features, including receipt reading and quote-material suggestions. Current limits, standard prices and time-limited promotions are on the pricing section; the optional setup service is charged separately. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### Is the $299 setup and training service required to use Trades Chaser? No. It is an optional, one-time add-on. You can use the software without buying it; website hosting, software plans and setup assistance are separate offerings. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### What kind of customer-import help is included in setup assistance? The published setup offer includes help importing your customers. Prepare your existing customer information and discuss its format during setup so the import can be planned around your actual records. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### Does the setup add-on include learning my quote and follow-up workflow? Yes. The offer describes help setting up quotes and follow-ups and learning your workflow through a remote training session. It is intended to help you begin using the tools with your own business. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### Does choosing setup and training remove my software trial benefits? No. The setup offer says your trial and promotional benefits remain the same. The one-time assistance charge is separate from the software plan and its applicable introductory terms. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ## Payment methods and milestones ### Where do I add payment instructions for my contractor invoices? Add the payment methods you actually accept in Settings. Trades Chaser then displays those options on customer invoices and branded PDFs, reducing the need to repeat payment instructions in separate messages. - [How to Accept PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Card Payments on One Invoice · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/accept-any-payment-method-invoice) ### Can customers scan a QR code to pay an invoice? You can add a QR code where your chosen payment method supports one. The invoice shows the payment information you configure; confirm the destination before sharing it with customers. - [How to Accept PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Card Payments on One Invoice · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/accept-any-payment-method-invoice) ### Are payment options included on the invoice PDF? Yes. The payment-method guide says your configured methods appear on the customer-facing invoice, branded PDF and customer portal. Customers can use the format that suits them without asking for separate instructions. - [How to Accept PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Card Payments on One Invoice · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/accept-any-payment-method-invoice) ### Does displaying a payment method mean Trades Chaser processes every payment? No. The guide describes showing your accepted methods and links side by side. An external transfer or payment app remains its own service; displaying instructions is not a promise of automatic reconciliation. - [How to Accept PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Card Payments on One Invoice · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/accept-any-payment-method-invoice) ### Can I offer bank-transfer instructions alongside card-payment links? Yes. Bank transfer is among the supported payment instructions, alongside methods such as Stripe, Square, PayPal and Zelle. Configure only the methods your business uses and verify the details first. - [How to Accept PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Card Payments on One Invoice · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/accept-any-payment-method-invoice) ### Do customers have to use one particular card processor? The invoice can present several payment options rather than forcing everyone through one processor. Customers choose among the methods you have configured; the applicable payment provider handles its own payment flow. - [How to Accept PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Card Payments on One Invoice · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/accept-any-payment-method-invoice) ## Customer signatures ### Does a customer need an account to review my quote? No. A quote has a secure customer-portal link that can be opened without creating an account. The customer reviews the quote and can sign from a phone or computer. - [Digital Signatures for Contractor Quotes: Turn a Yes Into a Job Instantly · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/digital-signature-quote-acceptance) ### Can a customer draw their signature on a phone? Yes. The quote portal accepts a signature drawn on the screen. This avoids requiring the customer to print, sign and scan a document just to accept the quote. - [Digital Signatures for Contractor Quotes: Turn a Yes Into a Job Instantly · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/digital-signature-quote-acceptance) ### What happens after a customer accepts a quote? The published workflow carries the accepted quote into a job and invoice, reducing repeated entry of the same scope and numbers. Review the resulting job and billing structure as part of your normal workflow. - [Digital Signatures for Contractor Quotes: Turn a Yes Into a Job Instantly · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/digital-signature-quote-acceptance) ### Does the quote-signing workflow require a separate e-signature subscription? The customer signature is part of Trades Chaser’s quote portal. The guide describes acceptance within that workflow, rather than requiring customers to move to a separate signing product. - [Digital Signatures for Contractor Quotes: Turn a Yes Into a Job Instantly · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/digital-signature-quote-acceptance) ## Expenses and profitability ### Does a receipt photo remain available after the expense is saved? Yes. The photo stays attached to the expense. This keeps the original record alongside the amount and category you reviewed instead of retaining only the extracted numbers. - [Receipt Tracker App for Contractors: Snap a Photo, Log the Expense · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-receipt-scanning-expense-tracking) - [Job Costing for Contractors: See the Real Profit on Every Job · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/job-costing-for-contractors) ### Does AI save receipt details without my review? No. The receipt workflow fills in proposed vendor, amount, date and category values for you to check and save. Correct errors before confirming the expense. - [Receipt Tracker App for Contractors: Snap a Photo, Log the Expense · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-receipt-scanning-expense-tracking) - [Job Costing for Contractors: See the Real Profit on Every Job · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/job-costing-for-contractors) ### Can I record expenses without paying for AI scanning? Yes. Base supports manual expense entry with categories, budgets and job costing. Enhanced adds photo-based AI extraction; the core record-keeping workflow does not require AI. - [Receipt Tracker App for Contractors: Snap a Photo, Log the Expense · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-receipt-scanning-expense-tracking) - [Job Costing for Contractors: See the Real Profit on Every Job · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/job-costing-for-contractors) ### Which costs belong against an individual contracting job? The job-costing guide includes materials, subcontractor costs and job-specific expenses such as rental or disposal fees. General overhead is usually recorded separately so the job’s direct cost remains understandable. - [Receipt Tracker App for Contractors: Snap a Photo, Log the Expense · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-receipt-scanning-expense-tracking) - [Job Costing for Contractors: See the Real Profit on Every Job · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/job-costing-for-contractors) ### Why is an invoice total different from job profit? The amount billed is revenue before the job’s recorded costs. Trades Chaser’s invoice cost section subtracts linked expenses and shows profit and margin, helping you see the difference between a large invoice and a profitable job. - [Receipt Tracker App for Contractors: Snap a Photo, Log the Expense · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-receipt-scanning-expense-tracking) - [Job Costing for Contractors: See the Real Profit on Every Job · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/job-costing-for-contractors) ### Can I compare which types of jobs have better margins? Recording costs consistently against invoices gives you a basis for comparing profit and margin across jobs. The guide recommends using those patterns to improve later quotes rather than judging jobs only by their billed totals. - [Receipt Tracker App for Contractors: Snap a Photo, Log the Expense · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/ai-receipt-scanning-expense-tracking) - [Job Costing for Contractors: See the Real Profit on Every Job · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/job-costing-for-contractors) ## Budgets and staged billing ### Can I set separate budgets for tools, fuel and materials? Yes. Annual spending caps are set by category. Logged expenses count toward their own category, so one type of spending running high is easier to see than in a single combined total. - [Annual Budget Tracking for Trade Businesses: Know Where Every Dollar Goes · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/budget-tracking-for-trade-business) - [Progress Invoicing and Deposits: Get Paid As the Work Gets Done · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/progress-invoicing-deposits) ### Do recurring expenses count toward my category budgets? The budget guide says recurring expenses post on their schedule and count against the assigned category. Include regular costs such as subscriptions and insurance when planning annual spending. - [Annual Budget Tracking for Trade Businesses: Know Where Every Dollar Goes · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/budget-tracking-for-trade-business) - [Progress Invoicing and Deposits: Get Paid As the Work Gets Done · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/progress-invoicing-deposits) ### How do category budgets help before the end of the year? A category shows its cap and the amount already spent as new expenses are logged. That lets you spot a trend early and reconsider purchases while there is still time to change course. - [Annual Budget Tracking for Trade Businesses: Know Where Every Dollar Goes · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/budget-tracking-for-trade-business) - [Progress Invoicing and Deposits: Get Paid As the Work Gets Done · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/progress-invoicing-deposits) ### How do I structure billing for a multi-stage project? Split the accepted scope into milestones or a deposit plus later stages. Each stage becomes an invoice that you send when that portion of the work is due, rather than waiting to bill the whole project at completion. - [Annual Budget Tracking for Trade Businesses: Know Where Every Dollar Goes · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/budget-tracking-for-trade-business) - [Progress Invoicing and Deposits: Get Paid As the Work Gets Done · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/progress-invoicing-deposits) ### Will a milestone invoice show what part of the job it covers? Yes. The guide describes milestone invoices itemized against the original quote. That context helps the customer understand why an invoice arrived partway through a project. - [Annual Budget Tracking for Trade Businesses: Know Where Every Dollar Goes · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/budget-tracking-for-trade-business) - [Progress Invoicing and Deposits: Get Paid As the Work Gets Done · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/progress-invoicing-deposits) ### Do progress invoices still use my normal payment reminders? Yes. Milestone invoices use the same follow-up sequence, payment methods and branded PDF as other invoices. Staged billing changes when portions are billed, without requiring a separate collection workflow. - [Annual Budget Tracking for Trade Businesses: Know Where Every Dollar Goes · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/budget-tracking-for-trade-business) - [Progress Invoicing and Deposits: Get Paid As the Work Gets Done · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/progress-invoicing-deposits) ## Subcontractor workflow ### Does a subcontractor need to register to submit a bid? No. A bid request is sent as a link the subcontractor can open and respond to without creating an account. Attach the request to a job so the scope remains associated with the response. - [Managing Subcontractor Bids Without the Text-Message Back-and-Forth · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/subcontractor-bid-management) ### Can I see whether a subcontractor declined a bid request? The bid-management screen shows statuses including pending, submitted and declined. This gives you a structured record instead of trying to reconstruct the outcome from phone calls and text threads. - [Managing Subcontractor Bids Without the Text-Message Back-and-Forth · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/subcontractor-bid-management) ### Is the subcontractor book a workforce dispatch system? No. It is a contact, history and bid-request workflow for the subcontractors you already work with. The guide explicitly distinguishes that record-keeping purpose from dispatching or scheduling a subcontractor workforce. - [Managing Subcontractor Bids Without the Text-Message Back-and-Forth · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/subcontractor-bid-management) ## Plans and getting started ### What happens if I reach the free plan’s customer or invoice limit? Existing records remain available. You cannot add a fourth customer or a sixth invoice in that month until you upgrade or the monthly invoice allowance resets. The published FAQ says hitting the limit does not delete your data. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### Can I cancel a Trades Chaser subscription from the app? Yes. Settings includes a cancellation control. The published FAQ says cancellation stops future charges while access continues through the period already paid for; review your subscription status when making the change. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### Can I switch between Base and Enhanced? The FAQ describes switching plans or monthly and yearly billing in Settings, with prorated charges. Review the displayed billing changes before confirming a switch. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### Can I explore a sample business before entering my own records? Paid plans offer a demo business in Settings with sample customers, invoices and quotes in different states. The FAQ says it can be cleared before you start entering your own business data. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ### Will a temporary signup promotion last forever? No. The published price policy separates the ongoing standard rate from time-limited introductory offers. Read the length and renewal price shown at checkout rather than treating a promotional period as a permanent free plan. - [Contractor Invoicing & Receipt Tracker App | Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/) ## Website ordering details ### How many photos should I prepare for a Trades Chaser website order? The intake requires at least three real photos and accepts files totaling up to 25 MB. Images of your work, crew, vehicle, storefront or logo help the site represent your actual business. - [Trades Chaser Sites: a website for your trade business, $50/year · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/sites) ### How many brand colors do I need for my website intake? The order form asks for at least two colors. Choose colors that already fit your business identity so the design can be built around them and the photos you supply. - [Trades Chaser Sites: a website for your trade business, $50/year · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/sites) ### Can I request email communication instead of a website design phone call? Yes. The intake includes an option for email instead of the design call. Select it when ordering so the team can discuss the design and requested changes in your preferred way. - [Trades Chaser Sites: a website for your trade business, $50/year · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/sites) ### Will I receive admin access to the finished website? The Sites offer says admin access is provided once the website is finished. The team first discusses the design with you, builds the site and connects its inquiry form to Trades Chaser. - [Trades Chaser Sites: a website for your trade business, $50/year · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/sites) ### Who chooses the included domain name for my website? If you use the included domain option, the team chooses and buys an affordable address suited to the business. If you want a particular domain you own, choose the DNS or transfer option in the intake. - [Trades Chaser Sites: a website for your trade business, $50/year · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/sites) ### Will I get an email when someone submits my website’s quote form? Yes. The published Sites workflow sends quote requests into your Trades Chaser leads and provides an email alert. This connects the public website with your follow-up process. - [Trades Chaser Sites: a website for your trade business, $50/year · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/sites) ### Does the $50 website package renew automatically? The offer states that hosting renews yearly through Stripe until cancelled. Review those renewal terms at checkout and manage the hosting arrangement separately from your software subscription. - [Trades Chaser Sites: a website for your trade business, $50/year · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/sites) ### Do I have to stay on a paid software plan after my included website year? The Sites FAQ says that after the included first year of Base, you can continue on any available plan, including Free. Consider the limits and features you need before choosing how to continue. - [Trades Chaser Sites: a website for your trade business, $50/year · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/sites) ## Using a phone or computer ### Do I need an app-store download to use Trades Chaser? No. Open the service in your browser and add it to your home screen if desired. The guide describes a full-screen web app with its own icon and no separate app-store installation. - [The Best Mobile Invoicing App for Contractors and Trade Businesses · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/mobile-invoicing-app-for-contractors) ### Can I use the same Trades Chaser workflow on a laptop and phone? The published guide describes the same customers, quotes, invoices, calendar and quote builder on both. Mobile navigation is designed for phone use, so the workflow is not restricted to a desk. - [The Best Mobile Invoicing App for Contractors and Trade Businesses · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/mobile-invoicing-app-for-contractors) ### Can I start a quote immediately after a customer walkthrough? Yes. The mobile guide describes creating quotes from a phone while at a job site or in the truck. Enter and verify the scope while the details are fresh, then send it when the quote is ready. - [The Best Mobile Invoicing App for Contractors and Trade Businesses · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/mobile-invoicing-app-for-contractors) ### Will I have to manually update an app-store version of Trades Chaser? The published mobile workflow is browser-based rather than an app-store download. Adding it to the home screen provides an app-like launch, without managing a separate store-installed version. - [The Best Mobile Invoicing App for Contractors and Trade Businesses · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/guides/mobile-invoicing-app-for-contractors) ## Workflows by trade ### How can a solo electrician organize a panel-upgrade quote? The electrician guide focuses on parts plus labor for jobs such as panel upgrades and rewires. Use the quote calculator to separate those costs and apply your own rates before sending the scope for acceptance. - [Invoicing, Quoting & Receipt Tracking for Electricians | Trades Chaser · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/for/electricians) ### How can a plumber avoid retyping a quoted installation into an invoice? The plumber workflow carries an accepted quote into a job and invoice. It is intended to reduce repeated entry between estimating, doing the work and billing, especially when mixing call-outs and scheduled installations. - [Invoicing, Quoting & Receipt Tracking for Plumbers | Trades Chaser · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/for/plumbers) ### Can an HVAC technician organize recurring seasonal maintenance follow-ups? The HVAC page highlights recurring-service reminders for work such as seasonal tune-ups and inspections. Use that workflow alongside customer records so recurring maintenance does not depend only on a paper note. - [Invoicing, Quoting & Receipt Tracking for HVAC technicians | Trades Chaser · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/for/hvac-technicians) ### What workflow suits an owner-operator managing several contracting jobs? The general-contractor page emphasizes a shared calendar and quotes that separate materials from labor. It is aimed at owner-operators managing their own projects rather than a large multi-crew dispatch operation. - [Invoicing, Quoting & Receipt Tracking for General contractors | Trades Chaser · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/for/general-contractors) ### What makes lightweight business software useful for a solo handyman? A handyman often handles many smaller jobs, so repeated administration matters. The trade page focuses on a compact quote, invoice and follow-up workflow with flat pricing rather than a large dispatch platform. - [Invoicing, Quoting & Receipt Tracking for Handymen | Trades Chaser · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/for/handymen) ### Can a landscaping business handle maintenance clients and one-off installs together? The landscaper page addresses both rhythms: reminders for recurring maintenance and materials-based quotes for installations. The shared business records help keep those different kinds of work in one workflow. - [Invoicing, Quoting & Receipt Tracking for Landscapers | Trades Chaser · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/for/landscapers) ### How can a roofer combine a materials estimate with signed customer approval? The roofer page highlights materials-driven quotes with digital acceptance in the customer portal. That keeps estimating and the customer’s signature in one flow rather than splitting them across unrelated tools. - [Invoicing, Quoting & Receipt Tracking for Roofers | Trades Chaser · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/for/roofers) ### How can a painter move from a walkthrough to an accepted estimate? The painter page focuses on building a professional quote quickly, then sending it for a signature. Use your actual labor and material inputs so speed does not replace checking the scope and price. - [Invoicing, Quoting & Receipt Tracking for Painters | Trades Chaser · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/for/painters) ## Choosing software ### What should I check before moving from Jobber to Trades Chaser? List the features you actually rely on before comparing prices. Trades Chaser’s own switching guide identifies dispatching, SMS and accounting synchronization as capabilities that may make a move inappropriate for a business depending on them. - [Switching from Jobber to Trades Chaser: what you gain and lose · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/compare/switching-from-jobber) ### Is Trades Chaser intended to replace a large crew’s dispatch platform? The comparison guide positions it for solo operators and small crews. A business dispatching multiple teams should evaluate its operational requirements carefully; a lighter quote-and-invoice tool is not automatically a substitute for full field-service dispatch. - [Switching from Jobber to Trades Chaser: what you gain and lose · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/compare/switching-from-jobber) ### What trade-offs should I consider before leaving Tradify? Trades Chaser’s guide says to check dependencies such as accounting sync, purchase orders and subcontractor scheduling. Compare the actual workflow you need, rather than assuming a lower-priced product replaces every feature. - [Switching from Tradify to Trades Chaser: what you gain and lose · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/compare/switching-from-tradify) ### Is a vendor’s software comparison an independent review? No. The comparison on Trades Chaser’s website is the company’s own explanation of its positioning and trade-offs. Use it as a starting point, and verify competitor features and current pricing directly before deciding. - [Switching from Tradify to Trades Chaser: what you gain and lose · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/compare/switching-from-tradify) ### How should a one-person trade business evaluate software value? Start with the tasks you perform regularly: quoting, invoicing, expenses, customer follow-up and scheduling. Then check whether you actually need crew dispatch or advanced integrations before paying for a larger platform. - [Do you actually need Jobber or Tradify as a one-person trade business? · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/compare/do-you-need-jobber-or-tradify-as-a-solo-trade) ### Should I compare software by price alone? No. A useful comparison includes your required workflows and the features you would lose by switching. Trades Chaser’s solo-business checklist encourages checking fit rather than choosing only the lowest advertised monthly price. - [Do you actually need Jobber or Tradify as a one-person trade business? · Trades Chaser](https://tradechaser.online/compare/do-you-need-jobber-or-tradify-as-a-solo-trade)