ConEst IntelliBid vs Tofu

ConEst IntelliBid is electrical estimating software for electrical, low-voltage, datacom, and solar contractors. Its database includes more than 140,000 material items and over 500,000 pre-built assemblies. Built-in labor units and Auto Labor Factoring let estimators adjust for installation height, floors, run length, and quantities. Supplier connections include NetPricer, EPIC, and TRA-SER; those pricing services are separately licensed. Estimates can compare prices across as many as 10 local suppliers. Standard provides core estimating, Plus adds Smart Substitution and Count Sheets, and Pro adds change orders, enhanced proposals, and bid analysis. SureCount links plan takeoff with estimates by synchronizing drawings and phases and passing assigned materials and labor into the estimate. Conest Connect is an add-on for custom reports and dashboards. IntelliBid can be installed locally or accessed through CE Cloud. Local workstation support lists Windows 10 and 11; Mac requires supported Windows software in virtualization, and ARM systems are unsupported. Pricing depends on edition and user count and is available on request.

Tofu is field service management software for contractors and service teams, bringing scheduling, job tracking, estimates, invoicing, online payments, and crew management together. Its calendar supports recurring visits and drag-and-drop scheduling visible to the crew. Users can send estimates, convert approved estimates into invoices, and review invoice drafts from completed jobs. Invoice links let clients pay by credit card or ACH bank transfer. Tofu records GPS location and timestamps for visit starts, finishes, and photos, including before-and-after job photos. Its mobile app works offline in the field and syncs when the device is back online. Tofu is aimed at growing businesses in cleaning, lawn care, landscaping, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and handyman services. It runs on Android, iOS, and web, and supports connecting a Stripe account for online payments. Monthly plans are Solo at $29 a month for one user, Team at $79 a month for up to five workers, and Business at $149 a month for up to ten workers with priority customer support. There is no free plan; a 7-day trial is listed.