ChatGPT
General AI assistant for emails, quote wording, SWMS drafts, voice chat and photo questions.
Our verdict
The best general-purpose AI to start with. Never send its SWMS or contract wording without checking it, because it can sound confident and still be wrong.
Best for: Everyday admin, writing and quick questions
What it does
ChatGPT from OpenAI is a general-purpose AI assistant. Tradies use it to write emails, quote descriptions, terms and conditions, social posts and first drafts of SWMS, to ask questions about a photo, and to talk through problems by voice.
AI features
- Chat and voice mode
- Image understanding
- Document and file analysis
Other voice notes & admin tools
Chime Labs
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Verdict: A well-priced, AU-built AI receptionist with a real free tier, so you can test it before paying. Booking straight into ServiceM8, Simpro or Fergus needs the A$399 Pro plan, so check which tier you actually need.
Price: Free plan (test calls, built-in diary, 5 quotes a week). Essential A$99/month + GST (100 minutes, then A$0.25/min). Pro A$399/month + GST (uncapped minutes, job-system booking). Enterprise on contract. No lock-in.
Claude
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Otter.ai
AI transcription and meeting notes for site meetings and client walk-throughs.
Verdict: Handy for meeting-heavy builders. Solo tradies may get enough from ChatGPT's voice mode or a Plaud.
Price: Free Basic plan. Pro $16.99/user/month monthly or $8.33/month annually. Business $30/month or $19.99/month annually. Check currency on site.
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