ServiceM8
ServiceM8 is a cloud-based job management platform designed for small service businesses and trade contractors. It provides an end-to-end system for scheduling, dispatch, quoting, invoicing, and payments through a mobile-first interface. By digitising job workflows, ServiceM8 helps businesses reduce administrative work, accelerate cash flow, and enhance customer communication. Its integration with Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks Online ensures financial processes remain accurate and efficient.
Discover the key capabilities that make ServiceM8 a leader in job management.
These features empower your business to work smarter and grow with confidence.
ServiceM8 is built for businesses with up to around 30 staff but scales effectively as job volumes increase. The mobile-first structure eliminates reliance on servers and reduces administrative overhead, enabling growth without system bottlenecks. Automation features such as recurring job scheduling, reminder notifications, and instant invoicing allow businesses to expand while maintaining efficiency and service quality.
ServiceM8 was founded in 2010 in Darwin, Australia, with a vision to simplify job management for small trade and service businesses. At the time, digital solutions for workflow and field operations were largely designed for larger enterprises, leaving smaller contractors reliant on paper-based systems and manual processes. ServiceM8 sought to close this gap by building a mobile-first platform that empowered small businesses to compete on efficiency and professionalism.
Between 2013 and 2016, ServiceM8 experienced significant growth following the launch of its dedicated iOS app. The app gave field technicians real-time access to job details, scheduling, and invoicing directly from their devices, eliminating the inefficiencies of paper job cards. Its seamless integration with accounting platforms like Xero and MYOB quickly became a key differentiator, allowing small businesses to link field operations directly with financial management. Industry recognition followed, with ServiceM8 named Xero Add-on Partner of the Year in 2016, further validating its value in the accounting and trade services ecosystem.
From 2017 onwards, ServiceM8 expanded its capabilities to meet the growing demands of field service businesses. Features such as workflow automation, advanced digital forms, and safety compliance tools were introduced to reduce administration and improve record-keeping. Integration with Apple Business Chat marked a step forward in client communication, enabling businesses to interact with customers using native iOS messaging tools. During this phase, ServiceM8 also began scaling globally, gaining traction in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and North America, extending its reputation beyond its Australian base.
As adoption grew, ServiceM8 earned recognition from leading accounting and technology partners. Awards for innovation and integration highlighted the platform’s role in enabling small businesses to modernise their operations without the complexity or expense of enterprise software. This industry acknowledgement reinforced ServiceM8’s position as a trusted solution within the trades and services sector.
By 2023, ServiceM8 had established itself as a leading job management platform for small service businesses, supporting more than 10,000 organisations worldwide. The platform has continued to evolve with a focus on automation, compliance management, and mobile-first design. Its ongoing development strategy prioritises tools that minimise administrative effort while empowering field staff to deliver efficient, compliant, and customer-focused service.
ServiceM8 supports a wide range of trade and service sectors, with tailored applications of its modules to meet the operational demands of each. The platform’s flexibility allows businesses across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, cleaning, and locksmith services to manage jobs more efficiently while maintaining compliance and improving customer outcomes.
ServiceM8 was developed in Australia and maintains a strong presence in the APAC region. Its integration with MYOB and Xero positions it as a preferred choice for Australian and New Zealand trade businesses. North America and the UK also represent growing adoption regions, particularly among small field-service providers.
ServiceM8 has been widely adopted in industries such as plumbing, HVAC, and franchise cleaning services. Recognised businesses include:
| Competitors | ServiceM8 | Jobber | Tradify | SimPRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market | Small service businesses, up to ~30 staff | Small to mid-sized service businesses (esp. North America) | Sole traders and very small operators | Medium to large trade and contracting businesses |
| Mobile | iOS mobile-first (no Android app, browser for admin) | Full support on iOS and Android | iOS and Android apps, simpler interface | Full-featured desktop and mobile apps |
| Automation | Strong automation: recurring jobs, reminders, auto-quoting/invoicing | Moderate automation: scheduling, client reminders | Limited automation, mainly scheduling & invoicing | Extensive automation including resource planning |
| Compliance | Advanced customisable digital forms for safety and compliance | Basic job notes and attachments, no advanced compliance | Minimal compliance features | Comprehensive compliance and asset tracking |
| Accounting | Deep integrations with Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks Online | Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe | Integrates with Xero, QuickBooks | Wide range of integrations including accounting and ERP |
| Deployment | Fast to deploy, minimal setup required | Easy to implement but broader features require training | Very quick setup, minimal configuration | Longer deployment with technical setup required |
| Pricing | Subscription tiers based on job volume and staff | Transparent tiered pricing, higher at mid-tier | Affordable flat pricing for small teams | Higher cost, enterprise-level pricing |
ServiceM8 occupies a distinct position within the field service management sector, offering a mobile-first solution optimised for small service businesses. Its strength lies in combining ease of use with powerful automation and compliance tools, particularly for organisations with field staff operating in the trades and service industries. The platform’s value proposition is clear when assessed against leading alternatives.
Jobber is well established in North America and provides strong scheduling and invoicing features across both iOS and Android. However, it is more generalist in design and lacks advanced compliance documentation and automation functions.
ServiceM8:
Tradify is recognised for its simplicity and affordability, making it a practical choice for sole traders and very small operators. It delivers core features but offers limited automation and compliance functionality compared to ServiceM8.
ServiceM8:
SimPRO is targeted at larger trade and contracting businesses, offering enterprise-level features such as asset tracking, complex project management, and advanced reporting. While powerful, it requires significant investment and implementation.
ServiceM8:
ServiceM8 delivers an integrated, mobile-first solution for small service businesses to manage jobs from first enquiry to final payment. Streamlining scheduling, quoting, compliance, and billing, it enables trades and contractors to improve efficiency, strengthen compliance, and achieve faster payments. With strong adoption across trades, HVAC, cleaning, and franchise sectors, ServiceM8 is a proven platform for scaling operational efficiency.
