Quick Feature Comparison
| Category | FieldBid | Joist |
|---|---|---|
| Core focus | Fast iPhone estimating for solo contractors | Estimating/invoicing platform with broader workflow options |
| Primary user fit | Solo contractors and one-person operations | Contractors with larger teams or established Joist workflows |
| Estimate workflow | Template-first, line-item workflow optimized for speed | Feature-rich estimating with configurable options |
| Price book | Saved labor/material rates for repeat bids | Catalog and line-item support, depending on plan usage |
| Proposal output | Professional PDF proposals from iPhone | Professional estimate and invoice documents |
| Offline usage | Offline-first by design | Varies by workflow and connectivity context |
| Platform scope | Focused estimating app (not CRM/project management) | Broader contractor business feature set |
Pricing Comparison
- FieldBid: $19.99/month or $199/year (launch early-bird: $99/year)
- Joist: Pricing depends on Joist plan and billing cycle. Check current details at joist.com/pricing.
Who Joist Is Better For
- Contractor businesses that already run core workflows in Joist
- Larger teams that want to keep a broader Joist process in one place
- Users who prefer Joist’s existing setup and migration is not a priority
Who FieldBid Is Better For
- Solo contractors who want the fastest path from walkthrough to estimate
- iPhone-first operators who work in low-signal jobsite conditions
- Pros who want estimating speed and simplicity without CRM complexity
Key Differences
- FieldBid is focused on solo estimating speed; Joist supports broader workflows.
- FieldBid keeps pricing simple with one monthly/annual structure.
- FieldBid is intentionally not a full CRM or project-management system, while Joist can cover a wider business process.