How to Build Your Own ServiceM8
Replace ServiceM8 with a custom build. Smart Job Management Software
Build Difficulty: 4/5
A few focused days to build a solid replacement
Estimated Timeline
Based on 87 features at Few Days difficulty, expect about 3-5 days with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 87 features
Communication(9 features)
Send clients an email or text confirmation of their booking with a single tap
Set automatic emails and texts to remind clients of their upcoming booking
Automate emails and texts to clients to request feedback after job completion
Send and receive client emails directly through their job card, keeping everything in one place
Automatically SMS clients to notify you're on the way to the job, including an estimated time of arrival
+4 more in this category
Mobile(6 features)
See your schedule, call clients, send On-the-Way texts and navigate to jobs from your vehicle's screen
Scan barcoded items straight into your invoice using the ServiceM8 app's camera
Create and schedule jobs, email clients, quote, invoice and accept card payments with the iOS app
Access and use the ServiceM8 app without internet connectivity. All updates will sync when you're back in range
Simplified Android app for field technicians, subcontractors and temporary workers who need basic functionality
+1 more in this category
Payments(6 features)
Set automatic emails and texts to request payment of outstanding invoices
Accept credit and debit card payments on site or send clients a link to pay online
Accept deposit payments from clients
Accept credit and debit card payment on site. Enter the card details or use Scan & Pay
Email and text online invoices which clients can pay by card, or with Apple Pay
+1 more in this category
Phone System(6 features)
Automatically divert calls after hours to the team member On Call, or a custom voicemail message
Set a Primary group of staff to route calls to, and a Secondary group as a backup
Automatically record and transcribe phone calls to the client's job card, where you can review anytime
Greet clients by name, and instantly see their active quotes and work orders on screen
Route business calls to multiple staff members, anywhere, simultaneously
+1 more in this category
Integration(5 features)
Sync clients, items, invoices, and payments with your accounting package to save time and avoid double-entry
Automatically import emailed price list updates from suppliers
Have supplier invoices emailed directly into a job, then add the cost to your invoice
Import supplier invoices into job records
Automate the export of staff shift times to your accounting package as a timesheet every week
Forms(4 features)
Complete any kind of report, procedure or certificate on site, then generate as a professional PDF
Complete and manage forms and certificates on site
Fill or mark up forms and plans in the ServiceM8 app. Add text, shapes and annotations
Access pre-built forms that can be purchased
Quoting(4 features)
Combine several items into a preset 'bundle', with one description for clients to see on your quotes and invoices
Allow your clients to view and accept your quotes online
Create engaging proposals with a rich online experience, images and multiple choice options
Produce several quote options and send a link for the client to view and choose
Time Tracking(4 features)
Let ServiceM8 automatically Clock On & Off shifts, Check In & Out of jobs throughout the day, and include travel time from your previous location, using GPS and job data
Track and charge for time based on when you checked in to and out of the job in ServiceM8
See Job Time and Shift Time for every staff member, to find billable hours and boost productivity
Opt to charge for trips to suppliers, with ServiceM8 automatically tracking this time using GPS and job data
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying ServiceM8
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 87 features at easy complexity.