How I test
I run the same sample jobs through each product and record the screen.
What the labels mean
Each product page and integration row has one of these labels.
- Tested by me
- I used it on a trial or demo account, ran my tests and recorded the screen.
- Hands-on checked
- I logged in and checked what's on this page, but didn't run the full tests.
- Specs checked
- This comes from the vendor's website and help docs. I haven't used it.
How a test works
I sign up for a trial or demo account on the vendor's website. [Whether vendors know you're testing, and whether you accept free or extended accounts from them.]
Then I set up a sample business. I use the same business and steps for every product in a category, so you can compare the results.
I record the screen for each test. The review shows the result and how long the test took.
Each review lists what I didn't test. Trial accounts sometimes lock features that paid plans include, and some features need hardware or data I don't have.
The sample business
Ferncastle Plumbing & Gas
A Newcastle plumbing and gas fitting business with an owner-operator, a licensed plumber and an apprentice.
| Name | Role | Rate per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Dave Morgan | Licensed plumber | $95 |
| Priya Shah | Apprentice | $45 |
| Description | Lines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom renovation rough-in and fit-off | Labour (Dave): 16 hr × $95 Labour (Priya): 16 hr × $45 Materials allowance: 1 × $2,350 | GST 10% $1,500 deposit paid |
| Replace 250L electric hot water system | Hot water unit 250L: 1 × $1,480 Labour (Dave): 3 hr × $95 | GST 10% |
| Quarterly grease trap and backflow inspection (recurring) | Backflow test and certification: 1 × $180 Grease trap inspection: 1 × $140 | GST 10% Repeats every 3 months |
How I check prices
I take prices from each vendor's Australian pricing page and record the date. Prices are in AUD and include GST unless marked ex GST. Price changes go in the page's change log.
[How often you recheck prices, for example monthly.]
The tests for trades and job management
- Test 1
[Quote to paid invoice]
[Sample business and job]
- [Step]
- Test 2
[Scheduling a job]
[Sample business and job]
- [Step]
- Test 3
[Completing a job on the phone app]
[Sample business and job]
- [Step]
- Test 4
[Invoice sync to accounting software]
[Sample business and job]
- [Step]