The Tradie's Trail.

Why keeping a digital record is crucial.

On a job site, it’s easy to spot the telltale records of a hard-working tradies: sawdust patterns from the drop saw, neatly stacked timber offcuts, or a close by coffee to refuel for the next challenge. However, there’s another record just as important, though it’s not something you can spot with the naked eye.

We’re talking about the digital record.

You might think it’s all about the hands-on work, but a good part of your trade is managing the paperwork too. Invoices, receipts, timesheets… they all add up to tell the story of your business.

Why bother with a digital record.

Why should you, a busy tradie, care about keeping every receipt or jotting down every job detail? Isn’t It enough to just get the job done and get paid?

Well, not quite, mate.

A well-kept digital record is like a well-oiled power tool, - it helps you run a tight ship and can save you a world of pain down the line.

Avoiding the “cashies” temptation.

We get it, cash jobs can be tempting. They’re quick and easy. But running jobs through the books isn’t just about playing by the rules. It’s about building a reputation, a record of work, and financial stability.

Plus, you’re not doing yourself any favours in the long run with cashies. Without a record of income, it can be a real hassle getting loans (particularly a mortgage for your first home), or financial aid when you need it most.

A tech-tool for a jumpstart

So, where do you start?

Fortunately, the ATO has just the tool to get you off your feet.

Their nifty record keeping evaluation tool will give you a fully-fledged report telling you how on-top-of-the-game you are in keeping business records. And, all it takes is 5 – 10 minutes to fill out a few questions.

Not only do you get to know what you’re nailing and what you’re slacking in, you also get a pretty comprehensive list of business records to track that you may not have been aware of before. And here’s the best part - you can always come back to this tool 6 months, 2 years or 5 years down the road when your situation changes again.

And if all that isn’t to your taste, just remember the bottom line: keep all records in any format - even if you’re going old-fashion and keeping binders of paper!

Covering your back.

In our line of work, we know that accidents can happen. That’s why we wear helmets on site. Consider a digital record as your financial safety gear. It’s your proof of work and payment. If disputes arise, be it with clients, suppliers or even tax guys, this record is your best defence.

Let’s picture this: Joe’s a top-notch tradie who’s been on the tools for a good couple of years. His craftsmanship? Unbeatable. His clients love his work, and his calendar’s chock-full of jobs.

One day, he gets a call from a client he worked for a few months ago. The client’s fuming – there’s a leak in the bathroom Joe renovated, causing a whole heap of damage. The client blames Joe’s shoddy work and demands that Joe coughs up the cost for repairs.

But here’s where Joe’s digital record comes in. Joe keeps a meticulous record of all his jobs – plans, materials, invoices, you name it. He pulls out his file on the bathroom renovation job. He’s got the original quote detailing the scope of his work, invoices for quality materials, even photos of the completed job. Joe clearly didn’t cut any corners, so the leak might have been caused by something else.

With these records, Joe could confidently dispute the claim, saving him a costly repair job and maintaining his hard-earned reputation. That’s how a proper digital record can be a tradie’s best mate when the going gets tough.

There you have it.

Look, we’re not saying that keeping logs is the most exciting part of the job. But it’s one of the foundations of a successful trade business. A solid digital record provides structure and stability, allowing you to build and grow with confidence.

Remember, running a successful business is more than just nailing your trade. It’s about mastering these behind-the-scenes details too. So keep track, keep your records in check, and let your business flourish!