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How We Rank Software

Every software ranking on ContractorRanks is based on six measurable criteria, weighted by what matters most to trade contractors.

1. Trade-specific features (25%)

Generic CRMs don't understand contractor workflows. We evaluate whether software handles trade-specific needs: service agreements (HVAC), insurance documentation (roofing), permit tracking (electrical), recurring routes (landscaping), etc.

2. Pricing transparency (20%)

Hidden costs kill contractor budgets. We rank vendors higher when they publish actual prices vs. requiring sales calls. We also weigh per-user pricing math, add-on costs, and onboarding fees.

3. Mobile experience (20%)

Field techs spend more time in the mobile app than on desktop. We weight iOS and Android app quality, offline functionality, GPS tracking, photo uploads, and signature capture.

4. User reviews (15%)

We aggregate ratings from G2, Capterra, Software Advice, and trade-specific communities (Reddit's r/HVAC, r/Plumbing, etc.). Volume matters: 1,000+ reviews = more reliable signal.

5. Onboarding & support (10%)

Software that takes 6 months to learn isn't worth the cost. We track typical implementation time, training resources, and support response time.

6. Integration ecosystem (10%)

QuickBooks integration is table stakes. We also evaluate connections to payment processors, parts catalogs, scheduling tools, and accounting platforms.

Data refresh schedule

  • Pricing: Verified monthly from vendor pricing pages
  • Features: Reviewed quarterly
  • Reviews: Aggregated monthly
  • New software: Added when they meet our criteria (1,000+ active users, public pricing, trade-specific)

What we DON'T do

  • Pay-to-play rankings. Vendors cannot buy higher positions.
  • Editorial gates. Vendors don't review content before publication.
  • Affiliate-only coverage. We review software with no affiliate program when they're industry-leading.
  • Stale content. If we can't verify current pricing, we mark the page accordingly.