You do not need to be tech-savvy to set up TradieM8. If you can download an app and make a phone call, you can do this. Most tradies are up and running in under 10 minutes — and getting their first AI-answered call within the hour.
Here is exactly what to do, step by step.
Step 1: Sign up
Time: 2 minutes
Go to tradiem8.com and pick your plan.
You have three options:
- Pro — $99/month: Job management, quoting, invoicing, CRM, Xero sync. Great if you just want the business tools without the AI phone.
- Pro + AI — $149/month: Everything in Pro plus the AI phone receptionist. This is what most tradies choose.
- Premium — $499/month: For bigger businesses that want a dedicated account manager and custom integrations.
Use the code TM8_LAUNCH_50_2MO at checkout for 50% off your first two months. That brings Pro + AI down to just $74.50/month to start.
Enter your business name, ABN, email, and payment details. No lock-in contract — cancel any time with one click.
Step 2: Forward your number
Time: 2 minutes
You keep your existing business number. Customers call the same number they always have.
After signing up, TradieM8 gives you a forwarding number. You set up conditional call forwarding on your phone so that when you cannot answer (busy, no answer, out of range), the call forwards to the AI.
On most phones, this is a simple settings change:
- iPhone: Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding → enter the TradieM8 number
- Android: Phone app → Settings → Calls → Call forwarding → Forward when unanswered
- Landline: Dial *61* followed by the TradieM8 number and # (works on most Australian landlines)
If you get stuck, our support team will walk you through it. Most tradies do it themselves in under 2 minutes.
Step 3: Set up your services and pricing
Time: 3 minutes
Tell the AI what you do so it can answer questions and quote accurately.
In your TradieM8 dashboard, add the services you offer. For example, if you are a plumber:
- Blocked drain — from $150
- Hot water system replacement — from $1,200
- Tap repair — from $120
- Emergency call-out — $180 flat rate
Add your service area (e.g., “Gold Coast and Northern Rivers”), your trading hours, and any specialisations. The AI uses this information when talking to customers so it can give accurate initial quotes and check whether a job is in your area.
Step 4: Connect Xero or QuickBooks
Time: 2 minutes
Automatic invoicing and bookkeeping sync.
Go to the Integrations tab in your dashboard and click “Connect Xero” or “Connect QuickBooks”. Log into your accounting software, authorise the connection, and you are done.
From now on, when TradieM8 creates an invoice, it automatically syncs to your accounting software. Your bookkeeper sees it straight away. No manual data entry, no missed invoices, no double-handling.
If you also want payments, enable Stripe in the same Integrations tab. Customers can pay invoices online with a card — the money lands in your account within 2 business days.
Step 5: Test your first call
Time: 1 minute
Call your own business number from another phone and hear the AI in action.
Grab a mate's phone (or your partner's) and call your business number. Let it ring through to the AI. You will hear it pick up, introduce your business by name, and start asking questions.
Try giving it a realistic scenario: “Yeah, I have got a blocked drain in the kitchen. Can someone come out tomorrow?” Watch how it responds, takes the details, and books it in.
After the call, check your TradieM8 dashboard. You will see the full call summary — caller name, what they need, when they are available, and the quote the AI gave. That is what every real customer call will look like from now on.
That is it. You are done. From now on, every call that comes in while you are on the tools gets answered, every lead gets captured, and you can focus on the work that actually pays the bills. Welcome to TradieM8.