What software should a small tradie business use?

For solo operators and small crews, Tradify and ServiceM8 are widely used because they handle quoting, invoicing and scheduling on a phone. Larger businesses with field teams often move to AroFlo or simPRO for asset tracking and project management. Trial each one and check fit with your bookkeeper before committing.

Do I need a licence to work as a tradie in Australia?

Many trades require state-issued licensing for work above a value threshold, and electrical and plumbing work is generally licensed in every state and territory. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with the relevant authority in your state before quoting.

What insurance does a sole-trader tradie need?

Public liability is commonly held by trade businesses. Tools and equipment cover, personal accident and illness, and product liability for trades that supply materials are often added. Workers compensation is required once you employ staff. Speak to a licensed insurance broker about your situation.

How do I get more Google reviews without nagging customers?

Build the request into how the job ends. A short SMS the morning after payment, with a single follow-up two days later, is designed to lift review volume without feeling pushy. Stop after one follow-up.

Where can I find ongoing training and CPD as a tradie?

Industry associations such as Master Builders, NECA and Master Plumbers run regular short courses and CPD events. State licensing bodies also list approved providers.

Is it worth joining an industry association?

Many growing trade businesses find value in membership. Associations often provide template contracts, dispute support, advocacy and member rates on insurance and training. Choose the one most active in your state and trade.

What is a Trade Page?

A Trade Page is a suburb-exclusive landing page built for one trade in one suburb. It is designed to attract local customers searching for that trade and route enquiries directly to the business that holds the page, on a fixed monthly fee.

How is Trade Page different from shared-lead platforms?

Shared-lead platforms typically sell the same enquiry to multiple businesses and charge per lead. Trade Page is built around one suburb-exclusive page per trade, so enquiries from that page come straight to you without bidding against other tradies.

Do I need my own website if I have a Trade Page?

A Trade Page is designed to function as your professional online presence for that suburb and trade. You can keep an existing website if you have one, but a Trade Page is built to stand on its own for enquiries.

Tradie reviewing job paperwork on a laptop

In-Depth Guide

Tradie Resources: Tools, Templates and Guides

A practical hub of tools, templates and guides for Australian tradies. Quoting and job-management software, state-by-state licensing, insurance basics and marketing templates you can put to work today.

Read the Marketing Playbook See Tradie Advertising

Quoting and Job-Management Tools

The right software cuts admin time and gets quotes out faster. These four tools cover the bulk of the Australian trade market.

ServiceM8

Best for: Small to mid-sized service trades

Job cards, quoting, invoicing, scheduling on iPhone and iPad

Tradify

Best for: Solo tradies and small crews

Simple quoting, time tracking, Xero and MYOB sync

AroFlo

Best for: Growing trades with field teams

Field service management, asset tracking, scheduling

simPRO

Best for: Larger commercial trade businesses

Project management, complex jobs, asset maintenance

Trade Page is not affiliated with any of these vendors. Choose based on a free trial and your bookkeeper's preference.

Licensing by State and Territory

Trade licensing is set at the state and territory level. The table below is a starting point for finding the right authority for your trade.

Do your own due diligence. Trade licensing rules, value thresholds and class definitions change regularly. Always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant state or territory authority before quoting or accepting work.

NSW

NSW Fair Trading

Home Building Licence may be required for work above set value thresholds. Confirm current rules with NSW Fair Trading.

VIC

Victorian Building Authority

Registration may be required for most building trades. Check current categories with the VBA.

QLD

QBCC

Licensing covers many building, plumbing and electrical activities. Confirm scope with the QBCC.

WA

Building and Energy

Trade-specific licences are administered by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. Verify before quoting.

SA

Consumer and Business Services

Building work contractor licences may be required for many trades. Check current rules with CBS.

TAS

Consumer, Building and Occupational Services

Occupational licences may be required for several trades. Confirm with CBOS.

ACT

Access Canberra

Construction occupations licensing scheme applies in the ACT. Check Access Canberra for current categories.

NT

NT Building Practitioners Board

Licensing covers building, plumbing, electrical and related work. Confirm requirements with the Board.

Insurance Basics

This is general information designed to help tradies start the conversation with a broker, not financial or legal advice.

Public Liability

Commonly held by trade businesses to cover third-party injury or property damage. Cover levels vary by trade and contract requirements.

Tools and Equipment

Designed to cover theft and damage to tools at the job site, in transit and in storage. High-value items are often scheduled individually.

Personal Accident and Illness

Designed to replace income if you cannot work. Often considered by sole traders without employer cover.

Workers Compensation

Required by law in every state and territory once you employ staff. Rules and rates vary by jurisdiction, so confirm with your state authority.

Marketing Templates

Copy, adapt and use. Replace the bracketed placeholders with your job details.

Review request SMS

Hi [Name], it was great working on the [job] at [suburb] today. If you were happy with the work, a quick Google review would mean a lot. Here is the link: [link]. Cheers, [Your Name].

Quote follow-up email

Hi [Name], following up on the quote I sent through on [date] for the [job]. Happy to walk through any of the line items or talk through scheduling. Just hit reply or call me on [phone].

Google Business Profile post idea

Job of the week: replaced a 30-year-old switchboard in [suburb] with a modern compliant unit. Tidy install, clean labelling, customer back online same day.

Industry Associations and Training

Most trade associations offer template contracts, dispute support, ongoing professional development and member-only insurance rates.

Master Builders Australia

Master Plumbers Association

National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA)

Housing Industry Association (HIA)

Master Painters Australia

Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers

Tradie Resources FAQ

General information only. Always do your own due diligence and confirm details with the relevant authority, broker or accountant for your situation.

Trade-Specific Advertising

Jump straight to the suburb-exclusive advertising page for your trade.

See the Tradie Advertising Strategie Summary page

The shorter overview article this in-depth guide expands on.

The information provided above is based on publicly available information. The time of writing or last edit was April 2026. Platform features, business models and fees may change over time.

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Trade Page builds suburb-exclusive pages for Australian tradies on a fixed monthly subscription. One business per suburb, no shared leads, no per-lead bidding.

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