Best Scheduling App for Solo Tradespeople: Plumbers, Roofers, and More
As a first-time self-employed tradesperson, you've got enough on your plate—getting the right tools, finding jobs, and making sure clients are happy. Wasting time on back-and-forth emails to schedule estimates or service calls means less time on the job site or picking up supplies. A good scheduling link can save you hours each week. Calendly, Acuity, and SavvyCal each handle booking differently. The differences matter if you're trying to book paid estimates, manage complex multi-day jobs, or just need to get new leads on your calendar fast without the hassle.
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The Quick Answer
For solo tradespeople just starting out, picking the right scheduling tool helps you spend less time on paperwork and more time on the job. * Choose **Calendly** if you need the fastest way to share a link for simple estimate bookings or follow-up calls. It's super easy to set up. * Choose **Acuity Scheduling** if you need to book paid estimates, collect client details for a job (like scope of work or property access), offer different service packages (e.g., basic repair vs. full installation), and manage repeat clients. It's built for service businesses. * Choose **SavvyCal** if you want a smoother experience for clients trying to book time with you, especially if you deal with many initial estimate requests and want to make it feel less like a transaction.
Side-by-Side Breakdown
* **Calendly:** Has a free plan (good for one type of booking, like "Free Estimate"). Paid plans are around $10-16 per month. It's simple, fast, and works with many other tools. Great for just getting a booking link out there. * **Acuity:** Costs about $16-61 per month. It's a full system for managing your jobs: * **Payment Processing:** Collect deposits for materials or paid estimates directly. * **Packages:** Offer bundles like "Basic Leak Repair" or "Full Bathroom Tile Install." * **Intake Forms:** Get all the job details up front (e.g., "Is this a roof repair or full replacement?"). * **Client Management:** Keep track of past jobs and client notes. Best for trades businesses needing a robust booking and job detail system. * **SavvyCal:** Around $12-20 per month. Its main benefit is making scheduling feel more natural. Instead of filling out a form, clients see your open slots right on their own calendar (if they use it), making it easier for them to pick a time that works for both of you. Good for initial estimate meetings where you want to build rapport.
When to Choose Calendly
Choose Calendly if you mainly need a simple link for clients to book an estimate or a quick follow-up call. * You just need a fast way to get people on your calendar without phone tag. * You can put the booking link in your email signature, on your website, or text it to potential clients. * You're a solo operator and don't need fancy team routing features. * Calendly's free plan is often enough if you only offer one type of meeting (like a "30-Minute Estimate").
When to Choose Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling is your best bet if you're serious about managing your jobs and clients from day one. * You need to book specific job types like "Roof Inspection," "Plumbing Leak Diagnosis," or "Flooring Consultation" and collect upfront details. * You want to collect deposits for materials or charge a fee for detailed estimates. * You offer different service packages (e.g., "Standard Furnace Tune-Up" vs. "Premium Furnace Maintenance"). * You need clients to fill out a short form with job site details, desired finishes, or specific repair requests before you arrive. * You manage client communication, rescheduling, and reminders for jobs ranging from a quick drywall patch to a full tile installation. * Acuity helps you run your trades business, not just book a time slot.
When to Choose SavvyCal
SavvyCal is a good choice if you want to make booking an estimate or job feel more like a personal conversation and less like a chore for your client. * You meet with many potential clients for initial estimates and want to stand out with a smoother booking process. * You want clients to see your availability directly on their own calendar, making it super easy for them to pick a time that suits both of you. * You value a modern, less "corporate" feel for your booking links, which can help build trust early on. * This can be useful when you're coordinating a specific time to access a property for a roofing measurement or a plumbing inspection.
The Verdict
For solo tradespeople, the choice depends on how much client and job management you need. * **Calendly:** Best for quick, free estimate bookings and simple follow-ups. Start here if you just need a link to share. * **Acuity:** Best if you need to collect payments (deposits, paid estimates), gather detailed job info, manage different service offerings, and track clients. It's a full toolkit for your trade business. * **SavvyCal:** Best if you want to offer a smoother, more personal booking experience for clients, especially for initial estimate calls, helping you stand out. * If you're unsure, start with Calendly's free plan. It's a solid way to test the waters. Only switch or upgrade when your business grows and you hit its limits for managing jobs and payments.
How to Get Started
* **Calendly:** Go to calendly.com and sign up for free. Link your Google or Outlook calendar. Create your first booking type, like "30-Minute Free Estimate." Then, add this link to your email signature, website, or text it to potential clients. * **Acuity:** Visit acuityscheduling.com and start a free trial. Set up your specific service offerings (e.g., "Emergency Plumbing Call," "Roofing Inspection," "Tile Installation Quote"). Connect a payment processor like Stripe to collect deposits or paid estimate fees. Then, share your main booking page link on your social media or website. * **SavvyCal:** Sign up at savvycal.com. Connect your calendar. Create a scheduling link tailored for your needs, perhaps "Book a Site Visit." Then, share it directly with clients or include it in your email footer.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can Calendly accept payments?
Yes, on the Professional plan ($16/month). Calendly integrates with Stripe and PayPal to collect payment at booking. For full service business appointment management including packages, Acuity is more capable.
Does Acuity work for group classes?
Yes. Acuity supports group classes with capacity limits, waitlists, and package purchases. This makes it popular among fitness instructors, yoga studios, and workshop facilitators.
What is the Calendly free plan limit?
Calendly Free allows one active event type — for example, a 30-minute call. If you need multiple event types (15-minute intro, 60-minute deep dive, group session), you need the Standard plan at $10/month.