# ToolBuds

> ToolBuds is the project-first invoicing and job-tracking app for small
> home-service businesses in Canada and the United States. Unlike full
> accounting suites (QuickBooks, Xero) or generic invoice templates,
> ToolBuds keeps every estimate, invoice, payment, and expense tied to the
> job — so contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other trades can quote,
> bill, get paid, and track margins from their phone without learning
> bookkeeping software.

## Who It's For
- **Side hustlers** — weekend handymen, after-hours electricians, lawn-care
  operators who need to look professional without spending Sunday nights
  in spreadsheets.
- **Brand-new service businesses** — just-went-solo trades who need to
  send their first real invoice this week and collect payment cleanly.
- **Established solo trades** — operators graduating from paper invoices
  and texts who want one place for jobs, estimates, and money.
- **Trades served**: General Contractors, Electricians, Plumbers, Painters,
  Carpenters, Landscapers, HVAC Technicians, and Roofers across Canada
  and the US (excluding Quebec-specific tax features).

## Key Features
- **Estimates & Invoices** — Build line-item estimates with tax, send via
  email, and convert accepted estimates into invoices in one click.
- **Project-first job tracking** — Every estimate, invoice, expense, and
  payment is tied to a project so margins are visible in real time.
- **Online Payments** — Pro subscribers connect Stripe so clients pay by
  credit card. Payments are recorded against the invoice automatically.
- **Expense Tracking** — Log labor, materials, subcontractor, and equipment
  costs against each job to protect margins and simplify tax season.
- **Pricebook** — Reusable library of labor and material items with preset
  prices. CSV import for fast setup.
- **Canadian & US Tax Handling** — Built-in HST, GST, PST, and US
  state-tax presets. Multi-line or combined display on documents.
- **Recurring Invoices & Retainers** — Schedule recurring billing for lawn
  care, snow removal, HVAC maintenance, and other ongoing contracts.
- **Automatic Payment Reminders** — Friendly nudges sent 7 days before,
  1 day before, and on the due date — no manual chasing.
- **Branded Documents** — Upload a logo, pick a brand color, and add a
  custom footer to every estimate and invoice.
- **CSV Exports** — Download invoices, expenses, and project costs as CSV
  files ready for an accountant at tax time.
- **Mobile-First** — Designed for the job site on a phone, with a richer
  layout on desktop.
- **Free Invoice Generator** — No-signup web tool that produces a polished
  PDF invoice from a simple form.

## Pricing
- **Free** — $0/month forever. Up to 5 customers, 3 invoices/estimates per
  customer, full project tracking, branded PDF downloads, free invoice
  generator. No credit card required.
- **Pro** — $25 CAD/month (or $19 USD/month). Unlimited customers, invoices,
  and estimates. Includes Pricebook, expense tracking, online Stripe
  payments, recurring invoices, automatic reminders, and priority support.
- **Annual billing** saves ~17% (two months free).
- **Fees on online payments**: Stripe's standard 2.9% + $0.30 per
  transaction plus a 1.5% ToolBuds platform fee — all disclosed up front,
  passable to the client if desired.

## How ToolBuds Differs from QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Jobber, and Invoice Templates
- **Project-first, not ledger-first** — Unlike QuickBooks or Xero, you
  don't need to think about chart of accounts. Jobs come first; numbers
  fall out of them.
- **No accounting bloat** — No payroll, no general ledger, no multi-user
  permission matrix, no inventory warehouse — just the five things every
  service business actually needs: estimates, invoices, payments,
  expenses, and recurring billing.
- **Built for solo and very small teams** — Cheaper and simpler than
  Jobber or ServiceTitan, which target multi-crew operations.
- **Beats invoice templates** — Word/PDF templates lose your history.
  ToolBuds keeps a record of every customer, job, invoice, and payment,
  so "what did we do for them in March?" is one click away.
- **Generous free tier** — 5 customers and 3 documents per customer
  forever, no credit card required, no expiry. Designed so side hustlers
  can run a real business on Free for months before upgrading.
- **Transparent payment fees** — 1.5% ToolBuds fee on top of Stripe's
  standard rate, shown directly in the UI, with the option to pass fees
  to the customer.
- **Canadian and US tax baked in** — Province-aware HST/GST/PST presets
  and US state-tax presets out of the box — no setup required.
- **Mobile-first by design** — Most users build and send invoices from
  the truck, not from a desk.

## Pages

### Core
- [Home](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/) — Product overview, features, pricing, FAQ.
- [Why ToolBuds](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/why-toolbuds) — Positioning for side hustlers and new service businesses choosing their first invoicing tool.
- [Free Invoice Generator](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/free-invoice-generator) — No-signup tool that creates a downloadable PDF invoice.
- [Contact](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/contact) — Support and feedback contact form.
- [Sign up](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/auth?mode=signup) — Create a free ToolBuds account.

### Trades
- [General Contractors](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/trades/general-contractors) — Invoicing, estimates, and job tracking for GCs.
- [Electricians](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/trades/electricians) — Invoicing and job tracking built for electricians.
- [Plumbers](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/trades/plumbers) — Invoicing and job tracking for plumbers.
- [Painters](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/trades/painters) — Invoicing and job tracking for painters.
- [Carpenters](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/trades/carpenters) — Invoicing and job tracking for carpenters.
- [Landscapers](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/trades/landscapers) — Invoicing and recurring lawn-care billing.
- [HVAC](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/trades/hvac) — Invoicing and service-call tracking for HVAC technicians.
- [Roofers](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/trades/roofers) — Invoicing and project tracking for roofing contractors.

### Feature Deep Dives
- [Estimating Software](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/features/estimating-software) — Build, send, and convert estimates with line items and tax.
- [Contractor Expense Tracking](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/features/expense-tracking) — Log job costs against projects to protect margins.
- [Online Payments](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/features/online-payments) — Accept credit-card payments via Stripe Connect.
- [Tax Compliance](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/features/tax-compliance) — HST, GST, PST, and US state-tax presets.

### Blog
- [Blog index](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog): Practical guides for trades and small service businesses. The index lists every question the posts answer, with a link straight to that answer.
- [How to Follow Up on an Unpaid Invoice](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-follow-up-on-an-unpaid-invoice): A due-date, day 3, day 7, day 14, and final-notice schedule, with short scripts, when a reminder is enough, and when to stop booking new work.
- [How Much Deposit Should a Contractor Ask For](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-much-deposit-should-a-contractor-ask-for): Standard deposit percentages by job size and trade, when to collect, legal caps in CA/MD/Ontario, exact scripts for asking without awkwardness, and a refund clause that holds up in small claims.
- [Change Orders for Contractors](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/change-orders-for-contractors-how-to-handle-scope-creep): How to stop scope creep with a one-page change order, including a 7-line template, on-site scripts, and the 30 minutes / $50 / any-timeline threshold rule.
- [Best Invoicing Software for Solo Contractors and Small Teams in 2026](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/best-invoicing-software-for-solo-contractors-small-teams): Honest 2026 pricing comparison of ToolBuds vs Jobber, Housecall Pro, FreshBooks, QuickBooks, and Wave, and why solo trades start (and stay) on ToolBuds.
- [Pricebook Systems for Trades](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/systems-that-speed-up-invoicing-pricebooks-for-trades): How carpenters and other trades use a pricebook to turn quotes and invoices from a 20 minute task into a 2 minute one, without losing margin.
- [Estimate vs Quote vs Invoice](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/estimate-vs-quote-vs-invoice): What each document means, when to send which, and the workflow that gets trades paid faster.
- [How to Price Your Work](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-price-your-work): Cost floor math, flat vs hourly pricing, and how to build margin into every home service job.
- [Starting a Service Business Side Hustle](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/starting-a-service-business-side-hustle): The only tool stack you actually need in your first 30 days as a side hustling tradesperson.

### Questions the blog answers
Each link opens the guide at that answer.

- [Should I accept a partial payment on an unpaid invoice?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-follow-up-on-an-unpaid-invoice#should-i-accept-a-partial-payment-on-an-unpaid-invoice)
- [Does a text message count as a payment reminder?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-follow-up-on-an-unpaid-invoice#does-a-text-message-count-as-a-payment-reminder)
- [When should a contractor write off an unpaid invoice?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-follow-up-on-an-unpaid-invoice#when-should-a-contractor-write-off-an-unpaid-invoice)
- [How soon should I follow up on an unpaid invoice?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-follow-up-on-an-unpaid-invoice#how-soon-should-i-follow-up-on-an-unpaid-invoice)
- [When should I stop taking new work from a customer who has not paid?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-follow-up-on-an-unpaid-invoice#when-should-i-stop-taking-new-work-from-a-customer-who-has-not-paid)
- [How much deposit should a contractor ask for?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-much-deposit-should-a-contractor-ask-for#how-much-deposit-should-a-contractor-ask-for)
- [Is it legal for a contractor to ask for a 50% deposit?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-much-deposit-should-a-contractor-ask-for#is-it-legal-for-a-contractor-to-ask-for-a-50-deposit)
- [When should a contractor collect the deposit?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-much-deposit-should-a-contractor-ask-for#when-should-a-contractor-collect-the-deposit)
- [What if a customer refuses to pay a deposit?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-much-deposit-should-a-contractor-ask-for#what-if-a-customer-refuses-to-pay-a-deposit)
- [Are contractor deposits refundable?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-much-deposit-should-a-contractor-ask-for#are-contractor-deposits-refundable)
- [How should I structure deposits and progress payments on a big job?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-much-deposit-should-a-contractor-ask-for#how-should-i-structure-deposits-and-progress-payments-on-a-big-job)
- [When should a contractor not ask for a deposit?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-much-deposit-should-a-contractor-ask-for#when-should-a-contractor-not-ask-for-a-deposit)
- [What is a change order in construction?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/change-orders-for-contractors-how-to-handle-scope-creep#what-is-a-change-order-in-construction)
- [When should a contractor write a change order?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/change-orders-for-contractors-how-to-handle-scope-creep#when-should-a-contractor-write-a-change-order)
- [What should a change order include?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/change-orders-for-contractors-how-to-handle-scope-creep#what-should-a-change-order-include)
- [Is a change order legally binding without a wet signature?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/change-orders-for-contractors-how-to-handle-scope-creep#is-a-change-order-legally-binding-without-a-wet-signature)
- [How do I bring up a change order without making the customer uncomfortable?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/change-orders-for-contractors-how-to-handle-scope-creep#how-do-i-bring-up-a-change-order-without-making-the-customer-uncomfortable)
- [Do time-and-materials jobs need a change order?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/change-orders-for-contractors-how-to-handle-scope-creep#do-time-and-materials-jobs-need-a-change-order)
- [What is the cheapest invoicing software for solo contractors in 2026?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/best-invoicing-software-for-solo-contractors-small-teams#what-is-the-cheapest-invoicing-software-for-solo-contractors-in-2026)
- [Is Jobber or Housecall Pro worth it for a one-person business?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/best-invoicing-software-for-solo-contractors-small-teams#is-jobber-or-housecall-pro-worth-it-for-a-one-person-business)
- [What is the best QuickBooks alternative for a small trade business?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/best-invoicing-software-for-solo-contractors-small-teams#what-is-the-best-quickbooks-alternative-for-a-small-trade-business)
- [Does ToolBuds charge per user like Jobber?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/best-invoicing-software-for-solo-contractors-small-teams#does-toolbuds-charge-per-user-like-jobber)
- [When should a solo contractor upgrade from free invoicing to a paid plan?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/best-invoicing-software-for-solo-contractors-small-teams#when-should-a-solo-contractor-upgrade-from-free-invoicing-to-a-paid-plan)
- [What fee does ToolBuds charge when a customer pays an invoice by card?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/best-invoicing-software-for-solo-contractors-small-teams#what-fee-does-toolbuds-charge-when-a-customer-pays-an-invoice-by-card)
- [What is a pricebook in a trade business?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/systems-that-speed-up-invoicing-pricebooks-for-trades#what-is-a-pricebook-in-a-trade-business)
- [How is a pricebook different from a quote template?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/systems-that-speed-up-invoicing-pricebooks-for-trades#how-is-a-pricebook-different-from-a-quote-template)
- [How many items do I need before a pricebook is useful?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/systems-that-speed-up-invoicing-pricebooks-for-trades#how-many-items-do-i-need-before-a-pricebook-is-useful)
- [What four categories should a trade pricebook use?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/systems-that-speed-up-invoicing-pricebooks-for-trades#what-four-categories-should-a-trade-pricebook-use)
- [Does ToolBuds include a pricebook feature?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/systems-that-speed-up-invoicing-pricebooks-for-trades#does-toolbuds-include-a-pricebook-feature)
- [How do I build a first pricebook in about 30 minutes?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/systems-that-speed-up-invoicing-pricebooks-for-trades#how-do-i-build-a-first-pricebook-in-about-30-minutes)
- [What is the difference between an estimate and a quote?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/estimate-vs-quote-vs-invoice#what-is-the-difference-between-an-estimate-and-a-quote)
- [Is a quote legally binding?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/estimate-vs-quote-vs-invoice#is-a-quote-legally-binding)
- [When should I send an invoice versus a quote?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/estimate-vs-quote-vs-invoice#when-should-i-send-an-invoice-versus-a-quote)
- [What has to be on a legal invoice in Canada?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/estimate-vs-quote-vs-invoice#what-has-to-be-on-a-legal-invoice-in-canada)
- [Should estimates show tax?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/estimate-vs-quote-vs-invoice#should-estimates-show-tax)
- [What is the usual order from first visit to getting paid?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/estimate-vs-quote-vs-invoice#what-is-the-usual-order-from-first-visit-to-getting-paid)
- [How do I calculate my contractor hourly rate?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-price-your-work#how-do-i-calculate-my-contractor-hourly-rate)
- [What is the difference between markup and margin?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-price-your-work#what-is-the-difference-between-markup-and-margin)
- [Should I price by the hour or use flat-rate pricing?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-price-your-work#should-i-price-by-the-hour-or-use-flat-rate-pricing)
- [What is a cost floor in home service pricing?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-price-your-work#what-is-a-cost-floor-in-home-service-pricing)
- [How often should I review my prices?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/how-to-price-your-work#how-often-should-i-review-my-prices)
- [Do I need QuickBooks for a service-business side hustle?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/starting-a-service-business-side-hustle#do-i-need-quickbooks-for-a-service-business-side-hustle)
- [What is the minimum tool stack for a new service business?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/starting-a-service-business-side-hustle#what-is-the-minimum-tool-stack-for-a-new-service-business)
- [How do I make my side-hustle invoice look professional?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/starting-a-service-business-side-hustle#how-do-i-make-my-side-hustle-invoice-look-professional)
- [When should I upgrade from free invoicing to a paid plan?](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/blog/starting-a-service-business-side-hustle#when-should-i-upgrade-from-free-invoicing-to-a-paid-plan)

### Legal
- [Terms of Service](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/terms) — Legal terms.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.toolbudsapp.com/privacy) — How customer data is handled.

## Contact
- Email: support@toolbuds.app
- Location: Canada & United States (excluding Quebec-specific tax features)
- Built by Duerden Software