Pencl vs YourTradebase: UK tradesperson comparison

Introduction

In the competitive landscape of quoting platforms for tradespeople, Pencl and YourTradebase stand out as two popular choices in the UK. Both platforms cater to the specific needs of tradespeople, offering features tailored to the UK market, but they differ in pricing, user experience, and functionality.

Pencl focuses on a survey-first and mobile-first approach, making it suitable for those who prioritise ease of use on mobile devices. YourTradebase, on the other hand, provides a more traditional quoting workflow with a feature set that appeals to a wider range of trades. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right tool for your business.

Pricing Model

Pencl

• Cost: £25 per seat per month.
• Transaction Fee: 1.5% on payments processed via Stripe Connect.
• No Subscription Tiers: Simple pricing structure without additional levels.

YourTradebase

• Cost: Starts at £12 per month for a basic plan, with pricing increasing for additional features.
• Transaction Fees: Varies based on payment processing options.
• Subscription Tiers: Multiple plans available depending on business needs.

UK-Specific Features

Both platforms have features tailored for the UK market, including:

• CIS (Construction Industry Scheme): Both platforms help you manage CIS deductions easily.
• VAT Reverse Charge: YourTradebase has a built-in feature for managing VAT reverse charge, which can save time on compliance.
• Stripe Connect GBP: Pencl offers integration with Stripe Connect for easy payment processing in GBP.

Quoting Workflow

Pencl

• Survey-First Approach: Starts with a survey to gather project details.
• Mobile Optimisation: Designed primarily for mobile use, making it easy to quote on-site.

YourTradebase

• Traditional Workflow: More straightforward quoting process with templates and customisation options.
• Detailed Options: Offers various templates that can be tailored to different trades.

Customer Portal

Pencl

• User-Friendly Mobile Portal: Customers can view quotes and make payments directly from their mobile devices.
• Limited Features: Focuses on essential functions, which may not suit all trades.

YourTradebase

• Comprehensive Portal: Offers a more detailed customer portal with options for clients to manage their projects.
• Invoicing and Payments: Integrated invoicing features that make tracking payments easier.

Mobile Experience

Pencl

• Mobile-First: Designed specifically for mobile use, making it easy to operate from job sites.
• Intuitive Interface: Users report a smooth experience when creating quotes on mobile devices.

YourTradebase

• Responsive Design: Works well on mobile but is not primarily designed for mobile use.
• Full Features on Desktop: Offers a more comprehensive experience on desktop, which might not be as convenient on mobile.

Onboarding Effort

Pencl

• Quick Setup: Easy to set up with minimal training required, allowing users to start quoting quickly.

YourTradebase

• More Complex: Requires a bit more time to learn due to its extensive features, but offers more functionality once mastered.

Verdict: Who Should Pick Which?

• Choose Pencl if you: Value a straightforward, mobile-first quoting experience and prefer simple pricing without tiered plans.
• Choose YourTradebase if you: Need a more comprehensive quoting and project management solution with a variety of features and customer management tools.

| Feature | Pencl | YourTradebase | |-----------------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------| | Pricing | £25/seat/month + 1.5% fee | Starts at £12/month | | UK Features | CIS, Stripe Connect GBP | CIS, VAT reverse charge | | Quoting Workflow | Survey-first, mobile-focused| Traditional with templates | | Customer Portal | Basic mobile portal | Comprehensive client portal | | Mobile Experience | Optimised for mobile | Responsive design | | Onboarding | Quick and easy | More complex |