You don't need much. Here's the complete list of what's worth paying for and what to skip.
For most tradies: Free ChatGPT is enough. Upgrade only when you're using it every day.
Not an AI tool, but essential. Claim it, fill it out, post occasionally. This is how people find you on Google Maps and search. Cost: $0.
Both have AI features built in (bank reconciliation, expense categorisation). Use them. They're included in your subscription.
Many "AI-powered" job management tools are just existing software with a ChatGPT chatbot bolted on. You're paying for something you could get free.
If you need job management, use a non-AI tool like Buildertrend, Fergus, or Tradify. Don't pay extra for "AI features" that just wrap ChatGPT.
$500/month for "AI-powered lead generation" — skip it. Your 10-minute weekly marketing routine (from lesson 3) does 80% of what these services charge for.
These promise to analyse photos and give you accurate estimates. They're not reliable enough yet. You know your trade — trust your own estimating.
Most of these are early-stage, overpromise, and will be gone in 12 months. Stick with ChatGPT (which isn't going anywhere) until a tool proves it's worth your money.
| What you need | Cost |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT Free | $0 |
| Google Business Profile | $0 |
| Lalapanzi.ai courses (learning) | $0 |
| Total for most tradies | $0/month |
If you use AI daily and want more: | ChatGPT Plus | $30/month | | Total for heavy users | $30/month |
That's it. Don't spend more. The free tools are powerful enough for 90% of trade business needs.
If you haven't already: spend 2 hours this week setting up your prompt library. Save the prompts from this course in a notes app. Customise them for your trade and your city.
That 2-hour investment will save you 30 minutes every day for the rest of your career. No software subscription gives you that kind of return.
AI is starting to appear in tools you already use:
The tradies who learn AI basics now will be ready when these features arrive in the tools they already use. The ones who ignore it will be playing catch-up.
You've read this course. Now do one thing:
If it saves you time, you've got your first AI tool. If not, try a different prompt from this course. One of them will work for you.
Key Takeaways
All free. Built in New Zealand.