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STACK Alternative for Subcontractors

If you're searching for a STACK alternative, you probably fall into one of two groups. Either STACK doesn't quite fit how a small trade contractor works, or you want to compare options before committing. This page is a fair, plain comparison. We describe STACK only as its maker does on its own public website, and we explain where TradeBid fits differently. The best tool is the one that matches your workflow, and sometimes that's STACK.

What STACK is

STACK describes its product on its website as cloud-based construction software that covers the process "from bid decision to project closeout." It's best known for cloud takeoff and estimating, and it offers more tools for later project stages. Source: STACK's website. Features and pricing change, so always check the vendor's current pages before you decide.

When STACK may be the better choice

If you want one cloud platform that follows a job from takeoff and estimating through to project closeout, and you're ready to set up and learn a broader system, STACK's wider scope may suit you.

Where TradeBid is different

TradeBid is narrower on purpose. It focuses on the bid: upload plans, get an editable line-item draft, and export a branded PDF proposal. If what you need most is getting accurate bids out the door faster, a focused tool can be quicker to learn and use.

TradeBid was built for small and mid-size subcontractors who estimate their own work, often at night after a day on the job. The goal is simple: get from plans to a professional, itemized proposal quickly, while you keep full control of every number.

What TradeBid does

  • Upload plans as a PDF plan set, a scan or a photo, or type out the scope
  • Pick your trade: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, roofing, framing, drywall, painting, siding and more
  • Review an editable line-item bid with materials, labor and scope lines. Nothing is final until you approve it.
  • Export a branded PDF proposal with your logo and terms
  • Track bids on your dashboard
  • Takeoffs on Journeyman and Master. Master adds materials and invoicing.

TradeBid pricing

  • Apprentice: $149/mo or $1,490/yr, up to 5 bids a month, no takeoffs
  • Journeyman: $300/mo or $3,000/yr, unlimited bids, takeoffs
  • Master: $850/mo or $8,500/yr, adds materials and invoicing
  • Single bid: $100

Try TradeBid free for 7 days: every plan starts with a free trial that includes 3 bids and 1 takeoff. A card is required at checkout. Start for $0.00 or view a sample bid.

How to choose between them

Ask yourself these questions before you pick any tool:

  1. What do I actually do all day? If you mostly measure plans for someone else to price, a takeoff tool may be enough. If you measure, price and send the bid yourself, you need all three steps covered.
  2. Who am I bidding to? Subcontractors bidding to GCs need clear scope, inclusions and exclusions. Builders selling to homeowners need different things.
  3. How much setup can I handle? Bigger platforms can do more, but take longer to set up and learn.
  4. Is the price published? Published pricing makes comparing easier. If it isn't published, ask for a written quote.
  5. Can I try it on a real job? The only test that matters is running a plan set you already bid and comparing the result.

A fair side-by-side

| Question | STACK | TradeBid | |---|---|---| | Main focus | See the vendor's description above | Bids for trade subcontractors: plans to editable line items to PDF proposal | | Runs in | See the vendor's system requirements | Any modern web browser (Mac, Windows, iPad) | | Published pricing | Check the vendor's website | Yes: $149, $300 or $850 a month, or $100 per bid | | Trial | Check the vendor's website | 7 days, up to 3 bids and 1 takeoff, card required | | Branded PDF proposal | Check the vendor's website | Yes |

We left the STACK column general on purpose. We won't guess at another company's features or prices. Please confirm the details on their website.

See the three-way comparison in Togal vs. STACK vs. TradeBid.

Related reading

FAQ

Is TradeBid a direct replacement for STACK? It depends on what you use STACK for. If you use it to produce bids for your trade, TradeBid covers plans, an editable line-item bid and a PDF proposal. If you rely on features specific to STACK, check whether you need them before switching.

Is TradeBid cheaper than STACK? TradeBid's prices are published: Apprentice $149/mo, Journeyman $300/mo, Master $850/mo, or $100 for a single bid. Compare these against STACK's current published pricing or a written quote.

Can I try TradeBid before switching? Yes. Try TradeBid free for 7 days: every plan starts with a free trial that includes 3 bids and 1 takeoff, with a card on file. Run a job you already bid and compare.

Can I try TradeBid free? Yes. Try TradeBid free for 7 days, with 3 bids and 1 takeoff included. A card is required at checkout ("Start for $0.00"), and you won't be charged if you cancel before the trial ends. After the trial, plans start at $149/mo, or you can buy a single bid for $100.

Does TradeBid work on a Mac? Yes. It runs in the browser on Mac, Windows and iPad.

Which trades does TradeBid support? Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, roofing, framing, drywall, painting, siding, landscaping and more.

Looking at more options? See STACK alternatives: 5 options for subcontractors.

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