Plutio and Dubsado are both CRM softwares for small business owners, solo entrepreneurs and freelancers. They help streamline and automate the administrative and backend workflows of a business to improve the organization and efficiency of project management. Both Plutio and Dubsado are good alternatives to consider when looking for small business management solutions as they eliminate the need to switch between various apps or handle multiple subscriptions by improving the functionality of combining all of the tools in one platform, allowing users to integrate their existing apps.

What is Plutio? 

Plutio is an all-in-one business management software which brings everything you need such as proposals, contracts, projects, invoices, forms and schedulers into one built-in platform allowing you to improve the functionality of how you manage your business. Additionally, allowing you to turn on/off features to create your own personalized workflow allowing you to keep your workspace clutter free and fit to your business’ specific needs. 

What is Dubsado? 

Dubsado is a business management tool aimed at business owners to help you organize, streamline and automate your client process; which essentially allows you to use Dubsado to do things like email your clients, send invoices, proposals, questionnaires, contracts and so on. Dubsado also includes a variety of task management features to help users stay on top of their work. Dubsado is marketed towards creative solo entrepreneurs in industries such as photography, content writing, event organization and so on. 

Plutio’s Highlights

Friendly interface

Plutio is highly customizable and offers features that can be re-envisioned to suit your work structure. With deep customization at every stage, Plutio recognizes that each user has different preferences and caters to that.  Even more compellingly, the responsiveness of the Plutio app has a more organized and structured feel to it. The intuitive interface makes it easy for all users, including your clients. Regardless of whether you are managing a single business or several businesses, Plutio allows you to switch between businesses from a single login.

Outstanding time-tracking features

Plutio offers a top-notch time tracker that allows you to start time tracking per task, mark as billable, and edit the rate. And, you can go back to update a task if you initially forgot to start time tracking. The platform provides real-time stats such as total time logged, paid & unpaid, and billable & non billable time. Additionally, Plutio also provides print-friendly timesheets that can be downloaded as editable XLSX files which allow you to visualize your employee’s time entries against each task.

Communication benefits

Plutio comes with a robust inbox which includes instant messages, emails (connected to third parties like Google and outlook), and a live chat feature. This inbox offers reliable tools that streamline communication and enhance collaboration. Plutio’s inbox feature also allows you to convert emails to tasks in a click which is incredibly useful for any business to stay on top of their action items. Conversations can also be snoozed, scheduled to send later, and even grouped together for a more conversational experience. 

Dubsado’s Highlights

‍Calendar sync and scheduling

Dubsado’s interface is easy to use which allows for new users to quickly get accustomed to the platform. Dubsado comes with an internal calendar which can be assigned to your tasks. This allows you to have a view of everything you are working on. The internal calendar provides appointment-based triggers to be set. Dubsado also offers automated scheduling of meetings and calendar sync across all devices. However, you can only sync one external calendar with dubsado per user. 

Customer support

Dubsado is known for its exceptional customer support. The company has a dedicated team of customer service professionals who are available to assist customers with any issues that may arise. They offer various means of communication including phone, email, and live chat, ensuring that customers can easily reach out to them. They go the extra mile to make sure that their customers are satisfied with the service they receive.

In addition to their excellent customer support, Dubsado also places great importance on building strong relationships with their customers. They offer a personalized onboarding process, regular check-ins, and educational resources to help customers get the most out of the platform. Overall, their customer support and relationship-building efforts make it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a reliable and supportive CRM solution. 

Automated Workflows

Dubsado’s workflow automation is one of the platform’s most powerful features. With Dubsado, businesses can create custom workflows that automate repetitive tasks and streamline their workflow processes. Workflows can be created for various stages of a project, such as inquiry, proposal, and completion. The Platform’s automation feature allows users to trigger specific actions based on certain criteria, such as when a proposal is signed or when a payment is received. Users can also create custom email templates, contracts and invoices which are automatically sent out to clients at different stages of the project.

With Dubsado’s workflow automation, businesses can save time, reduce errors, and improve their overall productivity. The platform’s automation feature can also help businesses provide a better customer experience by sending timely reminders and updates to clients throughout the project. Overall, Dubsado’s workflow automation is a powerful tool that can help businesses streamline their processes and improve their efficiency.  

Plutio vs. Dubsado: Differences

Both these CRM alternatives have some key differences that could determine which is the right fit for your business.

Mobile App

Dubsado and Plutio both offer mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, which allow users to access the platform’s features on the go. Both apps have a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and manage tasks. However, when comparing the two apps, there are some differences. Dubsado’s mobile app offers more features including the ability to create and send proposals, contracts, and invoices, manage clients, and view reports. On the other hand, Plutio’s mobile app is more focused on task management, allowing users to create tasks, track time, and view their schedule. Additionally, Plutio’s app has a built-in timer, which allows users to track their time more accurately. Overall, both Dubsado and Plutio’s mobile apps offer convenient access to the platform’s features, but Dubsado’s app is more comprehensive and suited for businesses that require more advanced features, while Plutio’s app is more focused on task management and may be more suitable for small and freelance businesses. 

API and user interface

When it comes to API and user interface, Dubsado and Plutio have some similarities and differences. Both platforms offer APIs that allow users to integrate the platform with other tools and automate their workflows. However, Dubsado’s API is more extensive and offers more options for customization. Dubsado’s API allows users to create custom forms, proposals, and contracts, and even build custom integrations. Plutio’s API, on the other hand, is more limited, focusing primarily on taks and project management.

In terms of user interface, both Dubsado and Plutio have a modern and clean design that makes it easy to navigate and use the platform. However, Dubsado’s user interface may be more complex for some users, as it offers more features and options. Plutio’s user interface is more straightforward and focuses on task management, making it easier for users to get started quickly.

Overall, both Dubsado and Plutio offer APIs that allow users to integrate the platform with other tools and automate their workflows. However, Dubsado’s API is more extensive and offers more customization options. In terms of user interface, both platforms have a modern design, but Dubsado’s user interface may be more complex for some users, while Plutio’s user interface is more straightforward and easier to use for task management. 

Pricing and payment methods

Dubsado offers flexible pricing plans that cater to the needs of different businesses. The platform has a free plan, which allows users to manage up to three clients, and a paid plan that starts at #35 per month, which includes unlimited clients, projects, and forms. Dubsado’s pricing plans also offer a range of features such as scheduling, invoicing and project management, depending on the plan. In terms of online payment methods, Dubsado accepts credit cards, PayPal, Stripe and Square. This allows businesses to choose the payment method that works best for them and their clients. Additionally, Dubsado integrated with Quickbooks, a popular accounting software, which makes it easier for businesses to manage their finances. With Dubsado, businesses can also set up automated payment reminders, send invoices, and process payments all in one platform.

Plutio also offers a range of pricing plans that cater to the needs of different businesses. The platform has a free plan, which offers limited features and a paid plan that starts at $15 per month which includes unlimited clients, projects, and tasks. Plutio’s pricing plans offer features such as task management, time tracking and project templates depending on the plan. In terms of online payment methods, Plutio accepts credit cards, Paypal and Stripe which allows businesses to choose the payment method which works best for them and their clients. Plutio also offers a 14 day free trial which allows businesses to test out the platform before committing to a paid plan.

When comparing Plutio’s pricing and payment method to Dubsado, both platforms offer similar payment options, but Dubsado’s plans are slightly more expensive, starting at $35 per month. Dubsado also offers additional features such as a client portal, automation workflows, and scheduling, which may be more appealing to businesses with more complex needs. However, Plutio’s plans are more affordable and may be more suitable for smaller businesses or solopreneurs who require a simpler platform.

Plutio vs. Dubsado: The Verdict

Both Plutio and Dubsado can be good CRM options for your business. Both platforms include lead capture, projects and project statuses, project tags, task boards, time tracking, custom fields and a client-facing portal. Plutio has been around longer than Dubsado which has allowed the platform to become more accessible and easier to navigate in comparison to Dubsado. Regardless, Dubsado still has a sleek interface, an easy client booking process and video conference integration to ease the user experience. The option you choose depends on your specific business needs but some Plutio and Dubsado alternatives include Honeybook and 17hats.

If you haven’t found the right fit with the options presented earlier, and you are looking for a client management platform that places a greater focus on clients and client communication, then Practice could be the solution you need. Compared to other CRMs designed for small businesses, Practice has the most comprehensive client records. Additionally, it boasts an intuitive client portal that allows your clients to access chat, voice memos and file organization features on iOS, Android, and Web platforms.

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