Comparison

A ServiceM8 alternative with an AI receptionist built in

ServiceM8 is a strong field-service app for trades, good at quotes, scheduling and on-site job cards. TradeAssist covers the same job-management ground, then adds an AI receptionist that answers every call, WhatsApp and SMS so an enquiry never goes to voicemail.

Feature
ServiceM8
TradeAssist
Field workflow and job cards
Strong, on-site job cards, signatures and offline access
Kanban job board with per-job status and profit
Quoting and invoicing
Yes, create quotes and invoices on site
Yes, ballpark quotes from your rate card plus Xero invoice sync
Answers your phone
No, ServiceM8 does not answer incoming calls
Yes, AI receptionist answers every call automatically
WhatsApp and SMS handling
Customer SMS and online booking
AI handles inbound WhatsApp and SMS and replies for you
Dedicated business number
Not provided
Yes, a dedicated AI business number
Books jobs from enquiries
Online booking, plus you enter phone enquiries yourself
The AI captures the enquiry and books the job for you
Emergency detection
Not built in
Flags urgent calls so you can respond fast
Xero integration
Yes, integrates with Xero and other accounting tools
Yes, syncs invoices to Xero
Subcontractor and team management
Staff scheduling and dispatch
Subcontractor management with per-job profit

Why trades switch

Same job control, plus a phone that answers itself

ServiceM8 is excellent in the field, but it cannot pick up the phone. TradeAssist keeps the job board and adds an AI receptionist that answers and books work while you are on the tools.

Front office and back office in one

Capture the enquiry, book the job, track profit and sync to Xero in a single tool. No separate answering service to brief and pay alongside your job app.

Always on, flat price

The receptionist is AI, so it answers around the clock with no per-call fee. Pricing runs from £69 to £129 a month with a 14-day trial and no card required.

Frequently asked questions

How is TradeAssist different from ServiceM8?

Both run your jobs, quotes and invoices, and both sync to Xero. ServiceM8 is built around the field workflow. TradeAssist adds an AI receptionist that answers your calls, WhatsApp and SMS and books jobs for you, which ServiceM8 does not do.

Does ServiceM8 answer incoming calls?

No. ServiceM8 offers online booking and customer messaging, but it does not answer your phone. TradeAssist puts an AI receptionist on a dedicated business number for that.

Can I run a job board in TradeAssist?

Yes. TradeAssist gives you a Kanban job board with per-job status and profit, plus subcontractor management.

What does TradeAssist cost?

Plans run from £69 to £129 a month. There is a 14-day free trial and you do not need a card to start.

Does TradeAssist work for solo traders?

Yes. It suits sole traders who cannot stop to answer the phone, as well as small teams who want one tool for the front office and the back office.