{Originally published in 2019, updated in 2025}

If you know me at all, you know I overanalyze every purchase I make TO THE MAX. Dubsado vs. Honeybook was no exception. Another fun fact about me, I HATE spending money. Evenso, a CRM (customer relationship management) was one of the first investments in my business because I knew it could streamline the process, allow me to get rid of my other bookkeeping service (Quickbooks), and allow me to nix my service that sent contracts. After much analysis, here was my conclusion.

Dubsado vs. Honeybook: Why I Chose the CRM That Saves Me Time and Money

With all the amazing CRM’s out there, how do you even begin to choose?!

I knew I needed a CRM, but which one was the big kicker. Here is a super brief summary on why I chose Dubsado (note, I wrote this blog BEFORE I was an affiliate, however now if you click on that link I make a few dolla bills so THANK YOU).

1. LACK OF PROCESSING FEES — Obviously if you use ANY invoicing system and allow people to pay with debit or credit card, there will be extra fees, this is the cost of doing business, however Dubsado doesn’t take any out for themselves, while Honeybook does.

Dubsado integrates with multiple processors including Stripe and the typical fee is 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.

Honeybook‘s processing fees are as follows: Cardholder-entered payments: 2.9% + $0.25 per transaction and card-on-file payments: 3.4% + $0.09 per transaction.

2. FEATURES — Both Dubsado and Honeybook have a ton of features, but I have felt like in the 6 years of using Dubsado that it has everything I need. When I first researched for this blog the branding/ custom URL wasn’t a thing in Honeybook and it was in Dubsado which was important to me. Honestly they are very comparable in this regard. Dubsado has “Task Boards” (which Honeybook doesn’t) and I appreciate that feature.

3. THE PRICE — There are tons of discounts for both resources, but if you go with the yearly plan, Honeybook is $188 a year more (as of 2025). I couldn’t rationalize spending more for features I wouldn’t use.

Y’all this was THE TEA in 2024 when Honebook announced their price hike. I will say, if you use all their tools (they have some great AI features like transcripts of your calls) then maybe it is worth the $588/ year, but I will stick with my $400/ year plan.

Another thing to note – Honeybook and Dubsado both have a lower-tier/ starter plan of $348/ year ($29/month) for Honeybook and $200/ year for Dubsado.

4. THE SUPPORT — I can’t speak to Honeybook, but I can speak to Dubsado and they have AMAZING support! I love the small-business/ community feel of Dubsado. It was started by a husband and wife with young kids and they have grown a great business!

5. THEY MOVE YOUR CLIENTS & DATA FOR FREE — This was so helpful when I started setting everything up in Dubsado. They even helped me with my contracts and moving those over! I’m hoping they still offer their White Glove Migration (but reach out to them if they don’t and they may make an exception).

6. TRY IT FREE — There’s no time limit to how long you can trial with Dubsado (the only limit is up to 3 clients, then you have to pay).

If I can give you one piece of advice it would be smart small with Dubsado. It is a BEAST of a system and I implemented #allthethings right off the bat (workflows, invoices, emails, you name it). It left me feeling super overwhelmed and confused. Thankfully there were some great Dubsado video resources and I scheduled a FREE (aka my favorite word) 30 minute call and they helped me get my stuff figured out.

All that to say, this CRM has been great for me for 1. scheduling appointments 2. sending contracts 3. invoices (aka all my bookkeeping) 4. creating workflows to streamline my client’s experience (especially for my Website in a Day clients) & have less work on my end. Literally couldn’t live without it.  

If you’re ready to try it, GET 20% OFF FIRST YEAR (use code bekah). This ISN’T why I chose it, but I’m happy to promote things I like!

Want a full breakdown of all my favorite tools? These are my favorite tools for creative entrepreneurs 🧰

What I do in Dubsado: Set up my bookkeeping + proposal, invoicing + contract software

I used Quickbooks Online the first year of my business, but didn’t like it for anything other than the invoicing software. Insert Dubsado (and PayPal which it connects to so I can get paid)!

I use this for managing my leads and clients + sending contracts and invoices. I really intend to utilize more of its features this year as their workflows and automation are AH-MA-ZING!

Dubsado is great for building relationships, scheduling appointments, and creating workflows to streamline a client experience. Mostly loving Dubsado for NOT having to rewrite the same email a million times 🙌

ALSO if you start the set up process and get EXTREMELY overwhelmed (I feel you), reach out to my friend Caitlyn Gray with Systems & Strategy. She does Dubsado setups (as well as Honeybook) and let her know I sent you!

Did you find this blog about my favorite business tool helpful?

Here’s some other blogs that may assist you in your entrepreneur journey:

• Want to get into affiliate marketing? Read this post
• Want to know my secret to designing a website in a day? Watch this video
• What’s the best payment processor for new businesses? Read the blog
• BTS of what is in my business toolbox (besides Dubsado)

Yes, with some of these I get a little commission, (with no extra cost to you) but I would recommend all of them regardless!