Customer Reviews (500)

NotMinecraftSteve • 2025-03-22T14:27:51-07:00

This most recent update has introduced a new freezing bug when going to remove a photo. Once you remove a photo from the line item and then attempt to go back, it freezes entirely and eventually crashes. It seems to be some sort of a memory leak. Previous review Subject: Expand Button ——————————— The expand button on estimates and invoices needs to be expanded by default. I can not tell you how many times I’ve had to tell clients that they can see a complete breakdown of charges IF they can click that almost hidden, terribly placed button. Please for the love of Christopher Columbus, have all photos and line items visible by default. On that note, with as much as we pay for this app year round, we need to be able to upload a lot more photos. Not only to line items but at the end of the invoice. Right now it’s set up as child’s play with 4 photos max per item and 20 max total as the footer attachment. Please, put the subscription money to use. Thank you.

TaylorAC.18 • 2025-03-20T09:08:38-07:00

My husband and I use this app for his small contracting business. I love many of the features but the one issue I have is that if an invoice is changed & new signatures are needed from a client, there is no way to get that done electronically via email/text. Only in person on the app. Please add a way for us to be able to get new signatures on an updated invoice from the clients via email or text!

HomeProsJax • 2025-03-12T10:09:06-07:00

At first I love this app, but now with the paid service taking over I feel like they’ve lost sight of the appeal of this app vs a million others. I tried the paid service didn’t like it didn’t use the extra features. I tried to go back to the free version and couldn’t use the app anymore. My invoices are gone. Jobs I’m in the middle of I can’t access their invoices. Unbelievable.

Summary of Key Insights

The Joist app is generally well-received for its ease of use and professional-looking estimates and invoices, particularly among small business owners and contractors. However, recent changes to its pricing model, specifically the reduction of the free tier and the introduction of subscription fees to access previously free features and data, have generated significant negative sentiment. Users also report issues with bugs, customer service responsiveness, and limitations in functionality. While the app is praised for its core functionality, the shift towards a more aggressive monetization strategy is alienating long-time users and driving them to seek alternatives.

Key Strengths:

  • Ease of use and intuitive interface.
  • Professional-looking estimates and invoices.
  • Convenient for on-the-go use.
  • Helpful customer support (though recently criticized).

Key Weaknesses:

  • Recent shift to a paid subscription model, limiting or removing previously free features.
  • Bug issues (freezing, crashing, tax rate issues).
  • Customer service responsiveness issues.
  • Lack of offline functionality.
  • Limited payment options (primarily PayPal).
  • Loss of access to old invoices without a paid subscription.

Overall Sentiment: Mixed. While many long-term users express positive experiences, recent reviews are overwhelmingly negative due to the changes in the pricing structure.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating (implied): Leans positive, but trending downwards.
  • Score Distribution: {"1":16.8,"2":2.8,"3":4.6,"4":7.8,"5":68} (Percentages calculated from provided review data)
    • 5-star: 68%
    • 4-star: 7.8%
    • 3-star: 4.6%
    • 2-star: 2.8%
    • 1-star: 16.8%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span a considerable period, but recent reviews appear to be more focused on the present.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis was performed based on star ratings and review content. Keyword extraction was used to identify recurring themes, pain points, and feature requests.

Key User Pain Points

  • Loss of Free Features/Forced Subscription: The most prominent complaint is the removal of features that were previously free, forcing users to subscribe to continue using the app or access their data. This is seen as a "bait and switch" tactic and a betrayal of trust.
  • Inaccessibility of Old Invoices: Users are outraged that they are locked out of their historical invoices and client data unless they pay for a subscription. This is described as "ransomware-like" behavior.
  • Bugs and Instability: Users report issues with the app freezing, crashing, and experiencing glitches, especially after updates. Specific bugs include problems with photo uploads and tax rate settings.
  • Customer Service Issues: Many users complain about slow or unresponsive customer service, particularly regarding payment issues and account problems. The lack of phone support is a recurring concern.
  • Lack of Offline Functionality: The inability to use the app offline is a significant limitation for contractors working in areas with poor or no internet connectivity.
  • Limited Payment Options: The reliance on PayPal as the primary payment processor is disliked by some users, who prefer more diverse payment options.
  • Unexpected Charges and Fees: Several users reported unexpected charges or "account balance corrections" from Joist, leading to distrust.
  • Constant Upselling: Users find the constant push to upgrade to higher-tier subscriptions annoying and disruptive.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Offline Functionality: The ability to create and access estimates/invoices without an internet connection.
  • Auto-Save: An auto-save feature to prevent data loss when the app crashes or is interrupted.
  • Improved Customer Service: More responsive and accessible customer support, including phone support.
  • More Payment Options: Integration with other payment processors besides PayPal.
  • Scheduling/Calendar Integration: A built-in scheduling or calendar feature to manage jobs and appointments.
  • Team Management Features: Features for managing teams and subcontractors, including role-based access and communication tools.
  • Expense Tracking: Improved expense tracking capabilities, including the ability to delete expenses and categorize subcontractor payments.
  • Customizable Estimate/Invoice Templates: More options for customizing the look and feel of estimates and invoices.
  • Improved Photo Management: More control over photo uploads, including the ability to upload more photos and control their layout on documents.
  • Task Management/To-Do List: A built-in task management or to-do list feature.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: The app is widely praised for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, making it easy for contractors with varying levels of technical expertise to create professional-looking estimates and invoices.
  • Professional Appearance: Users appreciate that the app helps them create professional-looking documents that impress clients.
  • Convenience: The app allows contractors to create and send estimates and invoices on the go, saving time and improving efficiency.
  • Helpful for Small Businesses: Many users find the app particularly valuable for managing the administrative aspects of their small businesses.
  • Payment Tracking: The app helps users keep track of customer payments and outstanding balances.
  • QuickBooks Integration: The ability to export data to QuickBooks is a valuable feature for some users.
  • Financing Options: The availability of financing options for customers is seen as a positive feature.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Pricing Model Concerns: Re-evaluate the pricing structure to find a balance between monetization and user satisfaction. Consider offering a more generous free tier or a lower-priced option for users with basic needs.
  • Restore Access to Existing Data: Immediately grant all users access to their existing invoices and client data, regardless of their subscription status. Holding this data hostage is damaging the company's reputation.
  • Fix Bugs and Improve Stability: Prioritize bug fixes and stability improvements to address the reported issues with freezing, crashing, and glitches.
  • Improve Customer Service: Increase customer service responsiveness and accessibility, including providing phone support.

Medium Priority:

  • Develop Offline Functionality: Implement offline functionality to allow users to create and access estimates/invoices without an internet connection.
  • Implement Auto-Save: Add an auto-save feature to prevent data loss.
  • Expand Payment Options: Integrate with other payment processors besides PayPal.

Low Priority:

  • Add Scheduling/Calendar Integration: Integrate a scheduling or calendar feature.
  • Improve Team Management Features: Add features for managing teams and subcontractors.
  • Enhance Expense Tracking: Improve expense tracking capabilities.
  • Offer Customizable Templates: Provide more options for customizing the look and feel of estimates and invoices.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Contractor App with Ethical Pricing: A new app that specifically promises a transparent and fair pricing model, avoiding the "bait and switch" tactics that users accuse Joist of employing.
  • Offline-First Estimating Tool: An app designed with offline functionality as a core feature, catering to contractors in areas with limited internet access.
  • AI-Powered Estimate Generator: An app that uses AI to automatically generate estimates based on project details and market rates.
  • Contractor-Specific CRM: A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system specifically designed for contractors, integrating estimating, invoicing, scheduling, and communication tools into a single platform.

Trends and Observations

  • Shift in Sentiment: There is a clear shift from positive to negative sentiment over time, coinciding with the changes in the pricing model.
  • Language Preference: The majority of reviews are in English, with a small number in Spanish.
  • Long-Term User Discontent: Long-term users are the most vocal in their criticism of the recent changes, indicating that the app is alienating its loyal customer base.

Conclusion

Joist has a strong foundation as a user-friendly and valuable tool for contractors. However, the recent changes to its pricing model and the reported issues with bugs and customer service are significantly damaging its reputation. To regain user trust and prevent further customer attrition, Joist needs to address the pricing concerns, restore access to existing data, and prioritize bug fixes and customer service improvements. Failure to do so will likely result in continued negative reviews and a loss of market share to competing apps.

Overall Recommendation: The app has potential but needs to prioritize user satisfaction and address the concerns raised regarding pricing and functionality. A more transparent and ethical approach to monetization is crucial for long-term success.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/joist-estimate-invoice-maker/id592163563?uo=2