5 min read

Togal Alternative for Subcontractors

If you're searching for a Togal alternative, you probably fall into one of two groups. Either Togal 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 Togal 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 Togal.

What Togal is

Togal describes itself on its website as construction takeoff software for estimators. Its focus is on measuring plans: quantities, areas, counts and lengths pulled from drawings, so estimators spend less time clicking around a PDF. Source: Togal's website. Features and pricing change, so always check the vendor's current pages before you decide.

When Togal may be the better choice

If your main pain is measuring big, complex plan sets, and you already have a separate system for pricing and proposals, a dedicated takeoff tool like Togal may be a good fit. Estimating teams at larger firms often pair a takeoff tool with their own pricing spreadsheet or estimating platform.

Where TradeBid is different

TradeBid covers more of the workflow after the measuring is done. It gives you an editable line-item bid with pricing, then a branded PDF proposal ready to send. For a small subcontractor who doesn't have a separate estimating department, having takeoff, pricing and proposal in one place can mean one less tool to learn.

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:

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.
Who am I bidding to? Subcontractors bidding to GCs need clear scope, inclusions and exclusions. Builders selling to homeowners need different things.
How much setup can I handle? Bigger platforms can do more, but take longer to set up and learn.
Is the price published? Published pricing makes comparing easier. If it isn't published, ask for a written quote.
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 | Togal | 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 Togal column general on purpose. We won't guess at another company's features or prices. Please confirm the details on their website.

We compare Togal, STACK and TradeBid side by side in Togal vs. STACK vs. TradeBid.

FAQ

Is TradeBid a direct replacement for Togal? It depends on what you use Togal 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 Togal, check whether you need them before switching.

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

Start for $0.00