For crews weighing their options
The free QuoteIQ alternative for crews that work outside.
QuoteIQ starts at $29.99/month and keeps its satellite measuring behind a $74.99/month plan. MakeHay gives you satellite measurement, weather-aware scheduling, quotes, invoicing, and online payments — free, with no credit meter counting your clicks.
Free forever for one user. Set up in minutes.
Switching? We'll help you move your customer list — support@makehay.io.
Side by side
MakeHay vs QuoteIQ, feature by feature
QuoteIQ is a capable app with a strong mobile experience — this isn't a takedown. The difference is what you pay, where the measuring tool lives, and what happens to your schedule when the forecast turns.
| Feature | MakeHay | QuoteIQ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — no monthly plan | $29.99–$699/mo (5 tiers) |
| Satellite site measurement | Built in, free | Requires the $74.99/mo plan or higher |
| Measurements flow into quote quantities | One tap | |
| Weather warnings per job site (rain, cure temps, snow) | Automatic on every visit | |
| Good/better/best quote packages | Free | |
| Invoices with card + bank (ACH) payment | ||
| Usage meter | None | AI features draw from a monthly credit allowance |
| Price stability | Free is the plan | Published tier prices increased twice in 2026 |
Comparison reflects QuoteIQ's published pricing and feature tiers at myquoteiq.com as of July 2026; plans, prices, and features change — verify with the vendor. QuoteIQ is a trademark of its owner; MakeHay is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by QuoteIQ.
Why crews switch
Software that already knows outdoor work
Measure the site before you drive to it
Pull up any address on satellite view, trace the areas, and measure the runs — square feet and linear feet, straight into your quote. Older imagery is one dropdown away when today's photo hides what you need to see.
Quotes in the units you bid in
Per square foot, per linear foot, per item, or flat — with categories so the customer sees a clean total, good/better/best packages when you want to upsell, and one-tap approval that skips the printer.
Weather watching every job
Every scheduled visit is checked against the forecast for that address. Rain on the job day, a cold snap that stops a cure, snow that triggers a plow route — you get warned first, and pointed to the clearer day.
Scheduling made for outdoor work
Multi-day jobs, split visits, recurring routes — drag them on the calendar, and unscheduled work sits in a tray so nothing gets forgotten.
Paid without the chase
Approved quote to invoice in one click. Card and ACH online, checks recorded in seconds, and automatic follow-ups so overdue money doesn't stay overdue.
One tool, not five — and free
Measuring, estimating, CRM, scheduling, and invoicing in one place, with no monthly subscription. No exporting takeoffs from one app into quotes in another.
An honest note
QuoteIQ has a genuinely good mobile app, and its founders publish a mountain of free business training that has helped a lot of new contractors get started — credit where due. If an AI receptionist answering your phone is the single feature your business runs on, QuoteIQ has it today and we don't yet. But if what you actually need is measuring, quoting, scheduling around the weather, and getting paid — MakeHay does that for exactly $0, and no tier change or credit pack will ever stand between you and the measuring tool.
FAQ
Common questions
Is MakeHay a good QuoteIQ alternative?
If you run an outdoor service business — pressure washing, striping, sealcoating, lawn care, or any trade the weather bosses around — yes. You get the same core loop (measure, quote, schedule, invoice, get paid online) with two big differences: MakeHay is free with no plan tiers, and it watches the forecast on every scheduled visit so rain or a cold snap doesn't ambush your week.
How much does QuoteIQ cost compared to MakeHay?
As of July 2026, QuoteIQ's published plans run from $29.99/month (Essentials) to $699/month (Max), and its MapMeasure satellite measuring requires the $74.99/month plan or higher. Its AI features draw from a monthly credit allowance that varies by tier. MakeHay is free — satellite measuring included — with no credit meter. We only ever plan to charge for add-ons that cost us real money per use, like text messaging and AI.
What does MakeHay have that QuoteIQ doesn't?
Weather intelligence is the big one: every visit is checked against the forecast for that specific address, with warnings tuned to your trade — rain on the job day, temps too cold to cure, rain inside the cure window — plus a suggestion for the clearer day. And the price: the features QuoteIQ meters or tiers are simply free here.
What does QuoteIQ do that MakeHay doesn't (yet)?
QuoteIQ ships AI tools — an AI estimate generator and an AI receptionist that answers missed calls — plus built-in texting. Those are metered by credits on their side, and they're on MakeHay's paid-add-on roadmap (we'll charge for what costs us money per use, nothing else). If an AI receptionist is the center of your operation today, QuoteIQ genuinely has it first.
How do I switch from QuoteIQ to MakeHay?
Create a free account — you can send your first quote the same day. Email support@makehay.io with your customer list however it lives today (spreadsheet or export) and we'll help you bring customers and properties in, set up your services, and get your pricing dialed.
Ready for software built for the way you work?
Start free today — and if you're switching, we'll help you move in.
Free forever for one user. Set up in minutes.