Efficiency and accuracy are two indispensable needs for electrical contractors and estimators. Whether you’re working on a small-scale commercial project or a multi-million-dollar enterprise, managing bids effectively can be the difference between winning or losing a project.
Fortunately, electrical estimating software offers a way to simplify this crucial part of the job.
Today, we’re comparing two popular tools in the field of electrical estimating software:
Best Bid and
Infosoft’s Electrical Bid Manager. From features and pricing to pros and cons, we’ll help you determine which option might be the better fit for your business.
Why Accurate Electrical Estimating Software Matters?
Electrical projects are getting more complex, and manual estimating methods can leave room for errors, inefficiencies, and delays. Here’s why investing in the right software is critical for contractors and estimators:
- Improved Accuracy: Eliminates guesswork while accounting for labour costs, materials, and contingencies.
- Time-Saving Features: Automates repetitive calculations and takeoffs, allowing you to focus on strategy and project execution.
- Professional Bids: Generates impressive proposals that reflect attention to detail and professionalism.
Businesses that implement advanced electrical estimating software report faster bid preparation times, fewer errors, and higher win rates. With the stakes this high, choosing the best tool is essential.
Overview of Best Bid
Best Bid stands out for its affordability and simple, intuitive interface, making it a favourite among small to mid-sized contractors. This software offers everything you need to create efficient and accurate estimates minus the recurring fees.
Key Features of Best Bid
- One-Time Fee: No subscription commitments. Purchase once and own it for life.
- Unlimited Licenses and Lifetime Updates: Share across your team without additional costs.
- Built-In On-Screen Takeoff: Perform visual estimates directly from your computer screen.
- Custom Assemblies: Save frequently used item combinations for future projects to streamline repeat tasks.
Pros of Best Bid
- Extremely user-friendly, even for small teams and non-tech-savvy users.
- Cost-effective with no hidden fees.
- Stellar customer support, with fast response times and hands-on help for all users.
Cons of Best Bid
- Limited options for report customization, which may restrict flexibility for highly tailored presentations.
Who is Best Bid For?
Best Bid is ideal for
small to mid-sized contractors looking for an affordable, easy-to-use solution without the burden of ongoing subscription fees. If your team values simplicity and efficiency, this tool offers everything needed to create competitive estimates.
Overview of Infosoft’s Electrical Bid Manager
Infosoft’s Electrical Bid Manager positions itself as a robust tool for larger enterprises or professionals working on high-value, multilayered projects.
Its advanced features come with a subscription-based pricing model, but it offers significant advantages for complex estimating needs.
Key Features of Infosoft
- Subscription Model: Includes updates, customer support, and training resources.
- Advanced EPIC Pricing Database: Access over 2 million items from 100+ manufacturers to keep estimates accurate.
- Bid Analysis Tools: Provides detailed breakdowns and insights into your project costs.
- QuickBooks Integration: Simplifies financial tracking and project management.
Pros of Infosoft
- Exceptional data integration through its extensive material pricing database.
- Highly flexible takeoff modules for complex projects.
- Excellent for teams requiring multiple user licenses or enterprise scalability.
Cons of Infosoft
- Higher upfront costs due to the annual subscription model.
- The steeper learning curve may require a longer training period for new users.
Who is Infosoft For?
Infosoft is well-suited for
large contractors or businesses handling complex projects with many moving parts. If you require accurate pricing databases and integration with accounting platforms, this tool is built for your needs.
Best Bid vs Infosoft: Pricing Comparison
One of the most notable differences between these two software solutions lies in their pricing structure:
- Best Bid: Flat one-time fee, ranging between $1,995 and $2,500, with lifetime updates and support. Ideal for budget-conscious businesses.
- Infosoft: Subscription-based model, offering additional perks like database updates, training resources, and multi-license scalability. Best for contractors with ongoing high-budget projects.
The total cost of ownership will depend on your business size, team requirements, and whether you prefer a one-time investment over recurring costs.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Feature Best Bid Infosoft
| Feature |
One-time Fee (No Recurring Cost) |
Subscription-Based |
| On-Screen Takeoff |
Built-in |
Flexible, with multiple modules |
| Assembly Customization |
Yes, with an unlimited database |
Yes, highly detailed |
| Material Pricing |
Manual and limited integration |
EPIC database with real-time updates |
| Customer Support |
Personalized, fast response |
Training resources included |
| Updates |
Lifetime free updates |
Included in the subscription plan |
What Customers Are Saying?
Best Bid Customers:
“Best Bid is so easy to use! The support team is always accessible, and the one-time price made it a no-brainer.” – Allen B., Contractor.
“Switching to Best Bid saved hours—we can now complete estimates in half the time.” – Maria P., Project Manager.
Infosoft Customers:
“The EPIC database is a game-changer. It ensures no item is overlooked, which is crucial for our large-scale projects.” – George P., Electrical Contractor.
“It’s the only tool I trust for detailed bids. The QuickBooks integration is a lifesaver!” – Bret’s Electric.
Both solutions boast high user satisfaction, with Best Bid lauded for simplicity and affordability and Infosoft for its advanced features and scalability.
Choosing the Right Software for Your Business.
Finding the right electrical estimating software comes down to evaluating your unique needs.
Here are some questions to guide your decision:
- What’s my budget? If you prefer a one-time fee over ongoing costs, Best Bid is the clear choice.
- How complex are my projects? For large-scale or multifaceted projects, Infosoft’s EPIC database and advanced tools may be worth the investment.
- Am I tech-savvy? Best Bid’s simple interface is perfect for smaller teams or contractors less familiar with tech.
By aligning your business’s needs with the features of the software, you can make a smart, informed choice.
Take the Next Step
Choosing the right software can streamline your bidding process, save time, and help you win more projects.
- See what Best Bid has to offer with a free demo and understand why contractors rate it highly on user-friendliness. Schedule a Demo Now
- Interested in Infosoft? Explore a trial to experience its extensive pricing database and scalable tools firsthand.
Please streamline your estimating today and give your business the tools it needs to succeed.
