VanLog vs. Tradify
Looking for a simpler, cheaper alternative to Tradify? Tradify is a powerful tool for large offices, but for individual sole traders, it is often overly complicated and expensive.
Tradify
- Expensive per-user model: Starts at £39/month per user. Adds up fast if you hire helpers or subs.
- No Offline Support: Fails or freezes when loading lists in low signal basements or rural areas.
- No AI Receipt Scanning: Invoices and merchant receipts must be manually logged line-by-line.
- Bloated Feature Set: Designed with dispatch systems, team calendars, and timesheets you might not need.
VanLog Pro
- Affordable flat pricing: From £0 to £14.99/month max. Unlimited active jobs with zero per-user upcharges.
- Offline-First: Logs materials and runs calculations offline, syncing to the cloud when signal returns.
- AI Receipt Scanner: Take a photo of Selco/Screwfix receipts and AI parses details instantly.
- Tax & Profit Focus: Real-time materials tracking, P&L ledgers, and allocated mileage claims at approved rates.
Why Tradify is overkill for individual builders
Tradify is a great platform if you run a team of 5+ engineers, coordinate scheduler dispatch boards, and require backoffice staff to monitor GPS locations in real time.
However, if you are a sole trader, you are paying £468+ per year for features you don't use. Even worse, the lack of offline support means you can't access client details or materials lists when working inside solid brick basements or plant rooms.
1. Per-User Cost Penalties
Tradify's billing model relies on charging per user license. If you are a sole contractor who occasionally brings on apprentices, laborers, or subbies, adding them to Tradify forces you to buy extra licenses. VanLog Pro is flat £14.99/mo regardless of how many jobs you manage, letting you keep your margins where they belong.
2. True Offline-First Architecture
VanLog is a Progressive Web App designed specifically for the realities of local building sites. It runs locally using IndexedDB client-side database caching. You can edit jobs, allocate materials, or capture client invoices in basements or plant rooms with zero cell signal, and the app auto-synchronizes when your device detects connectivity.
3. Built-in AI Invoice Scanner
Logging materials line-by-line in Tradify takes valuable evening time. VanLog Pro features an AI-powered receipt scanner that processes wholesaler invoices (CEF, City Plumbing, Screwfix, Selco). In less than 15 seconds, it extracts and files the descriptions and unit costs straight into your active job budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track my business mileage for tax write-offs in VanLog?
Yes. Unlike Tradify, VanLog Pro includes a smart mileage logger. It tracks journeys at approved flat rates (45p for UK/HMRC, 88c for AU/ATO) and allows you to allocate journey costs directly across multiple active jobs.
Is there a free trial for VanLog?
Yes. Both our Standard and Pro plans include a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, so you can test all features on site before subscribing.
Try VanLog Solo Free
Get started with 3 active jobs, offline storage, and invoice generation. No credit card required. Upgrading to Pro is only £14.99/month.