Free resources

Guides for South African trades

Practical, no-fluff advice on quoting, invoicing, VAT and getting paid, written for electricians, plumbers, builders and every trade running a business off a bakkie.

Case study

Why Quoting Fast Wins More Jobs

The tradesman who quotes first usually wins. Why quoting and invoicing on the spot wins more work and gets you paid faster.

For electricians

How to Quote for an Electrical Job in South Africa

What to include, how to price labour and materials, VAT, deposits, plus a free quoting checklist.

Money & tax

VAT for Tradesmen in South Africa: A Simple Guide

When you must register, the 15% rate, output vs input VAT, VAT201 returns, and valid tax invoices.

Getting paid

Quote vs Invoice vs Pro Forma: What SA Tradies Need to Know

What each document means, when to send it, and the natural flow from quote to payment.

Money & tax

What Must Be on a Tax Invoice in South Africa

The exact details SARS requires on a valid tax invoice, for full and abridged invoices, plus a clear checklist.

Getting paid

How to Chase a Late-Paying Customer Without Losing Them

A calm, professional ladder from a friendly reminder to a final demand, so overdue invoices get paid.

Money & tax

Do I Need to Register for VAT in South Africa?

The R1 million compulsory threshold, voluntary registration from R50,000, and whether to register early.

Getting paid

How Much Deposit Should a Tradesman Charge?

How much to ask for, when to take it, and how to word it so you stop financing your customers' materials.

Free tools

No-signup tools for tradies

Quick calculators and templates — work out VAT, price a job, or grab an invoice layout.

Calculator

VAT Calculator (South Africa)

Add 15% VAT to a price, or work out the VAT inside a VAT-inclusive amount. Instant, no signup.

Calculator

Markup & Margin Calculator

Turn your cost into a selling price with the markup you want, and see your real profit margin.

Template

Free Invoice Template (South Africa)

What a proper SA invoice needs, a clean layout to copy, and the faster way to do it from your phone.