Booking Jobs

Booking Pathways at a Glance

Choose the pathway that matches the situation. You can learn more about the Dispatch Board and scheduling views here: ServiceM8 Scheduling Help.

Path A — Book via Dispatch Board

1. Open ServiceM8 > Dispatch Board. See the scheduling overview in the Help Centre.
2. Search client in the top bar. If existing, open their record. If new, you can create from here (see Path D).
3. Create Job:
   • Double-click a time slot OR click New Job.
   • Enter Job Title (e.g., “General Pest Treatment – 3 bed house”).
   • Select Category (see categories below) & Priority if urgent.
   • Set Start and Duration.
   • Add Job Address and Access notes.
4. Assign technician (drag job to the right tech or use the dropdown) — see “Assigning the Technician”.
5. Save, then send confirmation SMS/email (see “Confirmation & Reminder Schedule”).

Path B — Book a Quote (from call)

1. From Dispatch Board or Clients, click New Job for the client.
2. Set Category to Quote or Inspection/Assessment (e.g., “Termite Inspection/Quote”).
3. Title the job “Quote Visit — Service/Issue”.
4. Schedule the site visit (usually 30–45 min residential; 45–60+ min commercial).
5. Assign the appropriate estimator/technician.
6. Send confirmation + prep (tell client it’s a quote appointment, not treatment).
7. Tech completes visit, updates the Job Card, and either:
   • Builds the quote in the Job Card and sends it; or
   • Marks findings and requests office to build/send the quote.
8. Follow up quotes via quote workflows. When accepted, convert to Job and schedule treatment.

Path C — Create a Quote (then convert)

Per ServiceM8’s model, you start with a Job and add your quote details to that job. You can then send, track status, and convert on acceptance. See Quotes in ServiceM8.

1. Create New Job for the client (or open existing job).
2. Open the Job Card > Quote/Invoice area.
3. Add line items (services, materials), quantities, and pricing. Include scope notes and warranty terms where relevant.
4. Preview & Send (email/SMS link). Status becomes Sent.
5. Track acceptance/rejection. On acceptance, click Convert to Work Order and schedule the job.

Path D — Add Customer First

1. Go to Clients in ServiceM8.
2. Search by name, phone, email to avoid duplicates.
3. If new, click New Client and capture:
   • Name, mobile, email, billing address.
   • Service address (if different) + access notes.
   • How they found us (marketing source).
4. Click New Job from the client card and follow Path A/B/C.

Job Card — Required Fields

ServiceM8 requires a Job to hold client/quote info. You can generate quotes, send them, and manage acceptance all from the Job Card. See: Job Basics.

Job Categories & Default Durations

Pick the closest category. Adjust duration by size/complexity. (Use this as a guide; technician judgment prevails.)

Assigning the Technician

1. License/Skill match: Termite inspections/treatments require appropriately licensed techs.
2. Location/Route: Prefer techs already in the area to minimise travel.
3. Workload: Check day capacity and previous job durations.
4. Risk/Site notes: Pets, access limits, ladders, confined spaces, heights.
5. Equipment/Chemicals: Ensure vehicle stock suits the job (refer to our inventory SOP).

Learn more about assigning and calendar views in the ServiceM8 scheduling guides.

Confirmation & Reminder Schedule (SMS/Email)

Reduce cancellations with consistent, friendly messages. Use ServiceM8’s communication tools; see Messaging & Templates.

Customer Prep Instructions (Send with Booking)

Include this prep link/text with the confirmation (adjust per service type). For more template ideas, see templates & automations.

Basic Booking Script (Phone)

Use this script to book confidently. For more phone tips, see ServiceM8 job & client workflows.

Troubleshooting & Quality Checks

Note: In ServiceM8, you create a Job first, then add client information and quote details within the Job Card. You can generate and send quotes, track status, and manage acceptance or rejection, then convert accepted quotes to scheduled jobs. For guidance, see the ServiceM8 Help Centre.