Weighted scoring categories
Score each vendor 1–5 on: routing (20%), mobile crew app (20%), invoicing/payments (20%), estimating fit (15%), QuickBooks sync (15%), support/onboarding (10%). Multiply by weight for a total out of 5.
- Routing: recurring schedules, map optimize, skip handling
- Mobile: offline, photos, speed
- Billing: autopay, retries, taxes
- Estimating: templates, margins, change orders
- Accounting: QBO sync depth, deposit mapping
Red flags in demos
“That’s on the roadmap” for QuickBooks or autopay. Cannot show crew view on a real phone. Pricing requires a sales call with no public tiers. No export path for your data if you leave.
Reference calls that matter
Ask vendors for a reference with similar crew size and service mix — not just their biggest enterprise logo. Ask that reference what broke in year one.
Cross-check picks in our Jobber alternatives and Housecall Pro alternatives lists.
Final decision rule
If two vendors tie within 0.3 points, pick the one your crew lead prefers mobile UX on. Adoption beats theoretical features. Start with how to choose lawn care software for workflow fit before scoring.