Traddie vs Spreadsheets
We get it — spreadsheets are free and you already know how to use them. But most trade teams outgrow them once quote volume picks up and payment tracking becomes a nightmare. At some point, the time you spend on admin is costing you more than a proper tool would.
Our verdict
Once you send more than a handful of quotes a month, Traddie beats spreadsheets: fewer missed invoices, CIS and VAT worked out for you, and customers paying by card.
Choose Traddie if you want:
- Quotes that turn straight into invoices, paid by card, GoCardless or bank transfer
- UK VAT threshold tracking and automatic CIS deductions built in, not bolted on
- Gas, oil and electrical certificates on your phone: CP12, Benchmark, OFTEC forms, EICR, EIC, minor works and PAT
- Simple pricing from £9.99/mo, with extra logins added only when you need them
Choose something else if: you only do a few jobs a year with no VAT, CIS or certificates to deal with. A spreadsheet may be all you need.
We make Traddie, so weigh our verdict with that in mind. The side-by-side below is based on each product's publicly described features, which change over time.
| Category | Traddie | Spreadsheets |
|---|---|---|
| Quote creation speed | Templates + shareable links | Manual build and formatting every time |
| Job workflow | Built-in statuses and assignments | Custom sheets and manual updates |
| Invoice follow-up | Automatic reminders | Manual chasing and notes |
| Payment visibility | Everything in one place | Split across multiple files |
| Error risk | Structured fields — harder to mess up | Easy to make mistakes |
When to upgrade from spreadsheets
If you are spending more time reconciling data across tabs than actually completing jobs — it is probably time to switch. A dedicated workflow platform pays back in admin time saved, and you will wonder why you did not do it sooner.
Start free trialTraddie vs spreadsheets: FAQs
Why move from spreadsheets to Traddie?
Spreadsheets do not send professional quotes, chase overdue invoices, track CIS and VAT, or sync to your accountant. Traddie does all of that automatically, so less falls through the cracks and you get paid sooner.
Does Traddie handle CIS and VAT?
Yes. Traddie tracks CIS deductions and VAT as you invoice, so you stay ready for HMRC and Making Tax Digital. It is built in from day one, not a bolt-on.
Does Traddie work with my accountant and take payments?
Traddie syncs with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent and Sage, and takes card and bank payments through Stripe and GoCardless so you get paid faster.
Can I try Traddie before committing?
Yes — start a free trial and run Traddie on real jobs first. Quoting, scheduling, invoicing and automatic payment reminders are all included.