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Jobber vs ServiceM8

Written by Courtney Fuller | Sep 6, 2024 6:00:40 PM

Overview

Jobber is a cloud-based field service management software designed to help small to medium-sized service businesses streamline their operations. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for scheduling, invoicing, customer management, and more across various service industries.

ServiceM8, on the other hand, is a mobile-first field service management solution that focuses on providing tools for small businesses to manage their operations efficiently. It offers features for job management, scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication, with a strong emphasis on mobile functionality.

Feature Comparison

Scheduling and Dispatching

Jobber:

  • Drag & drop scheduling
  • Route optimization
  • GPS tracking of technicians
  • Automated appointment reminders for customers

ServiceM8:

  • Visual job board for scheduling
  • Intelligent scheduling suggestions
  • Real-time job status updates
  • Automated SMS notifications to clients

Both platforms offer robust scheduling features, but Jobber's route optimization gives it a slight edge for businesses with multiple field technicians.

Customer Management

Jobber:

  • Comprehensive customer profiles
  • Client portal for self-service options
  • Automated follow-ups and reminders
  • Integration with marketing tools

ServiceM8:

  • Detailed client records
  • Client communication history
  • Automated follow-up emails and SMS
  • Integration with CRM systems

Both offer strong customer management features, with Jobber's client portal providing a more comprehensive self-service option for customers.

Invoicing and Payments

Jobber:

  • Customizable invoice templates
  • Online payment processing
  • Automated invoice reminders
  • Integration with QuickBooks and Xero

ServiceM8:

  • Professional invoice creation
  • Online payment options
  • Automated payment reminders
  • Integration with accounting software (MYOB, Xero, QuickBooks)

Both platforms offer robust invoicing and payment features, with similar accounting software integrations.

Mobile Functionality

Jobber:

  • Comprehensive mobile app for iOS and Android
  • Offline mode for areas with poor connectivity
  • Photo and document attachments to jobs

ServiceM8:

  • Mobile-first design optimized for smartphones and tablets
  • Offline capabilities
  • Digital forms and checklists for on-site completion

ServiceM8's mobile-first approach gives it an advantage in this category, especially for businesses that prioritize on-site efficiency.

User Experience and Interface

Jobber is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design. Users consistently praise its ease of use, particularly for those who may not be tech-savvy. The desktop version offers a comprehensive overview of business operations, while the mobile app provides essential functionality for field use.

ServiceM8's interface is designed with a mobile-first approach, making it particularly user-friendly for field technicians. The desktop interface, while functional, may feel less comprehensive compared to Jobber. However, the mobile app is highly praised for its intuitive design and ease of use in the field.

Pricing and Licensing

Jobber offers three pricing tiers:

  1. Core: $69/month (1 user)
  2. Connect: $169/month (up to 7 users)
  3. Grow: $349/month (up to 30 users)

All plans include unlimited customers and invoices, with higher tiers offering more advanced features. Jobber also offers a 14-day free trial.

ServiceM8 offers four pricing tiers:

  1. Starter: $29/month (2 users)
  2. Growing: $79/month (4 users)
  3. Premium: $149/month (8 users)
  4. Unlimited: $349/month (unlimited users)

All plans are billed annually and include core features, with higher tiers offering more advanced capabilities and integrations.

ServiceM8's pricing structure may be more attractive for very small businesses, while Jobber's mid-tier plans offer better value for growing companies.

Implementation and Support

Jobber offers:

  • Guided onboarding process
  • Extensive knowledge base and video tutorials
  • Live chat, email, and phone support
  • Regular webinars and training sessions

Users generally report positive experiences with Jobber's customer support, praising their responsiveness and helpfulness.

ServiceM8 provides:

  • Self-guided setup process
  • Online knowledge base and video tutorials
  • Email support (phone support for higher tiers)
  • Community forum for peer-to-peer assistance

While ServiceM8's support is generally well-regarded, some users report that the self-guided setup can be challenging for less tech-savvy individuals.

Industry Focus and Specialization

Jobber caters to a wide range of service industries, including:

  • Home services (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
  • Cleaning services
  • Lawn care and landscaping
  • Pest control
  • Handyman services

Its versatility makes it suitable for various small to medium-sized service businesses.

ServiceM8 focuses primarily on trade and home services, including:

  • Plumbing and electrical
  • HVAC and refrigeration
  • Cleaning and pest control
  • Property maintenance

While ServiceM8 can be used in various service industries, its features are particularly well-suited for trades and home services.

Integration Capabilities

Jobber offers integrations with:

  • Accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero)
  • Payment processors (Stripe, Square)
  • Marketing tools (Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
  • GPS tracking services

ServiceM8 provides integrations with:

  • Accounting software (MYOB, Xero, QuickBooks)
  • Payment gateways (Stripe, Square)
  • CRM systems (Salesforce, Pipedrive)
  • Zapier for custom integrations

Both platforms offer a good range of integrations, with ServiceM8's Zapier integration providing more flexibility for custom workflows.

Unique Features

Jobber

  • Client Hub: A self-service portal for customers to view quotes, approve work, and make payments
  • On-my-way texts: Automated notifications to clients when technicians are en route
  • Time tracking with GPS: Accurate time tracking for payroll and job costing

ServiceM8

  • Digital forms and checklists: Customizable forms for on-site data collection and compliance
  • Job photo timeline: Visual documentation of job progress with before and after photos
  • One-tap recording: Easy voice-to-text note-taking for field technicians

Conclusion

Both Jobber and ServiceM8 are powerful field service management solutions, each with its own strengths and focus areas. The choice between the two often comes down to specific business needs, size, and operational preferences.

Jobber excels in providing a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to manage all aspects of their operations from a centralized platform. Its user-friendly interface, robust scheduling and routing features, and strong customer management capabilities make it an excellent choice for growing service businesses that need a scalable solution.

ServiceM8 stands out with its mobile-first approach, making it particularly appealing to businesses that prioritize field efficiency. Its digital forms, photo documentation features, and streamlined mobile interface make it an excellent choice for trades and home services that need powerful on-site tools.

Ultimately, the decision between Jobber and ServiceM8 should be based on a careful evaluation of your business's specific needs, growth plans, and technological preferences. Consider factors such as:

  1. The importance of mobile functionality vs. comprehensive desktop management
  2. The size and growth trajectory of your business
  3. The specific features that align with your industry and operational needs
  4. Your budget for software implementation and ongoing costs
  5. The level of support and guidance you require during setup and ongoing use

Both platforms offer free trials, which can be invaluable in assessing their fit for your organization. It's recommended to involve key stakeholders in the decision-making process and potentially run pilot projects to fully evaluate the impact of each system on your operations.

As the field service industry continues to evolve and embrace digital solutions, both Jobber and ServiceM8 are likely to remain key players, continually updating their offerings to meet the changing needs of service professionals. Whichever platform you choose, investing time in proper implementation, training, and adoption will be crucial to maximizing its benefits and improving your business outcomes.

Sources: [1] https://www.softwareadvice.com/field-service/lmn-profile/reviews/ [2] https://www.softwareadvice.com/field-service/jobber-profile/vs/lmn/ [3] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/jobber-review/ [4] https://streamlineresults.com/jobber-reviews/ [5] https://connecteam.com/reviews/jobber/ [6] https://zapier.com/apps/lmn/integrations