Why is asking for photos “critical” before I attend a job?

Photos are your best defense against "scope creep." A client’s description of a "small leak" might actually involve an antiquated system requiring specialized parts. Seeing the job visually allows for accurate quoting and ensures you don't waste time driving to a job you aren't equipped to finish.

What are the “Red Flags” I should look out for in a new lead?

Be wary of phrases like “It’s only a small job” or “It should only take 5 minutes,” as these often signal an attempt to downplay costs. If a client refuses to provide photos or measurements, there is a high risk of a dispute over the final bill.

How does “Job Prep” affect my actual tax deductions?

By using the Sole App to snap receipts for materials before arriving on-site, you ensure costs are immediately assigned to the correct project. This "live" tracking ensures that for the 2025–26 financial year, you don’t miss a single deduction for even the smallest parts.

What is the best way to handle parking and access issues?

Parking fines and "waiting time" are profit killers. Your pre-job message should explicitly ask for gate codes and parking instructions. In congested cities, clarify that parking fees or time spent searching for a spot will be added to the final invoice.

Why should I mention payment methods before I do the work?

Discussing money upfront prevents 90% of payment delays. By stating that you use Sole for instant online payments (Apple/Google Pay), you remove common excuses. Clients are much more likely to have their payment method ready when they know immediate payment is the expectation.

What compliance paperwork is essential for tradies in 2026?

Compliance rules have tightened significantly. Whether it is an Electrical Safety Certificate or a Plumbing Compliance Form, providing these digitally via Sole immediately upon completion meets your legal obligations and justifies your professional rates.

Pre-job checklist for trades and field service professionals

Prepare every job properly before you arrive onsite

Trades lose the most revenue through poor preparation, unclear scope, and missing materials.

This checklist removes those risks and ensures you arrive prepared, professional, and profitable.

Get webapp

What You Get

7 preparation sections

Scope, access, tools, pricing expectations, payment, safety, and client message — in one checklist.

Copy-paste pre-job message

Send this to every client the night before — sets scope, payment terms, and access in one message.

Red flag guide

The exact phrases and behaviours that signal a difficult client before you even arrive.

Two AI prompts

"What am I missing?" and "Write my pre-job message" — paste into ChatGPT or Claude for free.

Who It’s For

This resource is built for Australian sole traders and field service professionals who want to run their business more efficiently. It is not aimed at accounting firms or B2B organisations.

Plumbers

Electricians

Carpenters

HVAC Technicians

Solar Installers

Pest Control

Garden & Maintenance

Any Trades Sole Trader

ATO & Compliance Note

Important — Australian Sole Traders

Materials purchased specifically for a job are deductible business expenses. Use Sole App to snap receipts on-site before you leave the supplier — costs are immediately assigned to the correct job or expense category. Keep all receipts and invoices for at least 5 years as required by the ATO.

Get Your Free Pre-Job Checklist

Enter your email and we will send your DOCX download instantly — ready to print or open on your phone.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

Why is it so important to ask for photos before I attend a job?

Photos are your best defence against scope creep. A client might say ‘it’s just a leaking tap,’ but a photo might reveal an antiquated plumbing system that requires parts you don’t stock. Getting photos before you attend lets you quote more accurately, prepare the right materials, and avoid a costly return trip.

What are the red flags that signal a difficult client?

The most common ones are: ‘It’s only a small job’ (often an attempt to minimise the expected price), no photos provided after being asked, vague or changing job descriptions, and clients who are unwilling to approve variations in writing. Trust your instincts — clear communication is a prerequisite for professional service.

How does using a pre-job checklist affect my tax deductions?

Preparation involves material purchases. By using Sole App to snap receipts for job-specific materials before you arrive on-site, those costs are immediately assigned to the correct job. This live tracking means at tax time you have not missed a single washer, fuse, or fitting from your deductions.