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What is 17hats

17hats is a small business management platform that combines CRM, project workflows, contracts, invoicing, scheduling, and payments into one application. It is built to replace multiple single-purpose apps by keeping client records, communications, and financials connected in a single workspace.

Compared with HoneyBook and Dubsado, 17hats emphasizes an all-in-one experience with built-in SMS, booking, and automation workflows rather than relying primarily on third-party glue. Compared with QuickBooks, which focuses on accounting and bookkeeping, 17hats centers on the client lifecycle and automating client-facing processes from inquiry to final delivery.

17hats works particularly well for solo entrepreneurs, creative professionals, and small service businesses that want a single system for client intake, contracts, scheduling, and payments. Its strengths are consolidated workflows and automation that reduce the need to switch between multiple apps.

How 17hats Works

The platform organizes a client record as the central object, linking emails, messages, questionnaires, contracts, tasks, and invoices to that single profile. When a lead arrives, you can route it through a template-driven workflow that assigns follow-ups, schedules meetings, and triggers contract and invoice creation.

Workflows are rule-based and use templates for emails, forms, contracts, and payment requests so common processes are repeatable. Automation can send reminders, apply tags, move projects through pipelines, and record payments, which keeps day-to-day administration minimal while preserving a full audit trail.

17hats features

17hats bundles client management, project tracking, contracts, invoices, online booking, payments, and automation into a single interface, and continues to add convenience features aimed at solo and small teams. Recent emphasis has been on automation templates, SMS messaging for client contact, and simplified onboarding flows.

Client CRM

Centralized contact profiles store client details, communication history, documents, and project records in one place. This reduces duplication and makes it easy to pull up past invoices, contracts, and messages when communicating with clients.

Workflows and Automation

Automations let you define triggers and actions to move projects forward automatically, such as sending questionnaires after an inquiry or issuing a final invoice when a milestone is marked complete. This reduces manual follow-up and keeps projects progressing on schedule.

Contracts and E-signatures

Create and send templated contracts that clients can sign electronically, with signature tracking and automatic storage in the client record. Built-in contract tooling eliminates separate document-signing subscriptions for many users.

Invoicing and Payments

Issue invoices, accept online payments through common gateways, and track payment status inside the platform. Integration with payment processors lets you collect deposits, full payments, and set up payment plans tied to workflows.

Online Booking and Scheduling

Offer clients an online booking experience that syncs with your calendar, supports buffer times, and attaches appointments to client projects. The scheduling workflow reduces back-and-forth and feeds confirmed meetings into automated task lists.

Questionnaires and Forms

Build intake forms and questionnaires to collect project details, preferences, and client assets before work begins. Responses are stored on the client profile and can trigger next steps in a workflow.

SMS and Email Communication

Send and receive SMS alongside email within the client timeline, using templates for common messages and reminders. Native messaging helps preserve context and reduces the need for external texting apps.

With these features, the biggest benefit is a connected client lifecycle where intake, agreements, scheduling, and payments are all linked, cutting down manual work and app switching. The platform is designed to keep routine tasks automated so you spend more time on billable work.

17hats pricing

17hats uses a subscription pricing model with a single, feature-rich plan offered across several billing cycles. The vendor positions the service as an all-in-one subscription rather than a la carte modules, and offers monthly, annual, and multi-year purchase options.

Monthly Billing:

Monthly Billing: A month-to-month subscription option is available; check the 17hats homepage for the current monthly rate and any promotional offers.

Annual and Multi-year Billing:

Yearly Plan – $300 (one-year access to the platform, billed annually)

Bi-Yearly Plan – $400 (two-year access billed upfront)

The site also promotes a 30-day money-back guarantee and occasional promotional discounts for first-time purchases. For full details and any additional business or team pricing, view the 17hats homepage for current purchasing options and promotions.

What is 17hats Used For?

Small service businesses use 17hats to manage the full client journey from initial inquiry to final payment, keeping documents, messages, contracts, and invoices in one place. It is especially useful for roles that rely on scheduled appointments, templated contracts, and repeatable onboarding steps.

Typical users include photographers, coaches, designers, event professionals, and solo consultants who need to reduce administrative overhead and standardize client-facing processes. The platform is aimed at business owners who prefer a single app to cover CRM, scheduling, and basic accounting-related tasks.

Pros and cons of 17hats

Pros

  • Unified client record: Keeps contacts, messages, contracts, invoices, and tasks tied to one profile, which reduces duplication and context switching.
  • Automation templates: Prebuilt workflows and email/contract templates streamline common processes and reduce time spent on manual follow-ups.
  • All-in-one features: Offers scheduling, e-signatures, invoicing, and SMS from the same interface, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions.
  • Simple purchasing options: Annual and bi-yearly plans are available that reduce churn and provide predictable billing.

Cons

  • Learning curve for advanced workflows: Complex automation sequences can take time to design and test for the best results.
  • Limited deep accounting tools: While invoicing and payment capture are included, businesses needing full accounting and payroll should pair 17hats with dedicated accounting software.
  • Single-plan approach: The all-in-one plan structure may not be ideal for organizations that prefer modular pricing for specific features.

Does 17hats Offer a Free Trial?

17hats offers a free trial for new users that provides access to core features so you can evaluate workflows, contracts, scheduling, and invoicing before committing. The vendor also advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee for paid purchases, and promotional discounts are offered periodically on the homepage.

17hats API and Integrations

17hats supports a range of third-party integrations and connectivity options so you can link payments, calendars, and accounting tools to your workflow. Common integration partners include payment gateways, calendar providers, and automation services; see the 17hats integration directory for specifics and connection instructions.

For automation and custom workflows, 17hats integrates with services such as Zapier and synchronizes with Google Calendar and major payment processors; explore the integration directory for connectors and setup guides. If you require direct developer access or API endpoints, check the same integration resources on the official site for developer options and documentation.

10 17hats alternatives

Paid alternatives to 17hats

  • HoneyBook – A client management and payment platform that emphasizes client-facing proposals, branded workflows, and a marketplace of professionals.
  • Dubsado – Focused on custom workflows, client portals, and onboarding sequences popular with photographers and creative freelancers.
  • QuickBooks – Strong accounting and bookkeeping features with invoicing and payment processing, best when paired with a client management tool.
  • Zoho CRM – Scalable CRM with extensible modules for sales, marketing, and basic project tracking suitable for growing teams.
  • FreshBooks – Invoicing-first platform with simple time tracking and expense management for billing-centric businesses.
  • Square Appointments – Scheduling-first solution that ties payments, bookings, and client records together for appointment-based businesses.

Open source alternatives to 17hats

  • EspoCRM – Lightweight open source CRM that can be extended for client management and workflow customization.
  • SuiteCRM – A full-featured open source CRM platform that supports sales automation and customer records for larger customization projects.
  • Odoo (Community Edition) – Modular ERP/CRM platform where invoicing, scheduling, and CRM can be combined with self-hosting for control and customization.
  • ERPNext – Open source ERP that includes CRM, project management, and invoicing modules for teams that can self-host and customize.

Frequently asked questions about 17hats

What features does 17hats include?

17hats combines CRM, workflows, contracts, invoicing, scheduling, and payments into a single platform. It also provides email and SMS messaging, intake forms, and automation templates to manage the client lifecycle.

Does 17hats integrate with accounting software?

Yes, 17hats can connect to common accounting and payment tools via integrations. Users frequently link payment processors and accounting services through the integration directory to streamline bookkeeping.

Can 17hats handle online booking for clients?

Yes, 17hats supports online booking and calendar synchronization. Booking pages can be shared with clients and appointments are tied back to the corresponding project or client profile.

Is there an API for 17hats for custom automations?

17hats provides integration options and developer resources for custom workflows. Review the integration directory and developer resources on the official site to determine available endpoints and automation approaches.

How does 17hats pricing work for long-term subscriptions?

17hats offers multiple billing cycles including monthly, yearly, and multi-year options. The vendor advertises a Yearly Plan for $300 and a Bi-Yearly Plan for $400, with a month-to-month option shown on the homepage.

Final verdict: 17hats

17hats is a practical, all-in-one solution for freelancers and small service businesses that want to centralize client intake, contracts, scheduling, and payments without managing several disconnected apps. Its automation templates and single client record help reduce administrative overhead and keep work moving from inquiry to payment.

Compared with HoneyBook, 17hats leans toward a single consolidated subscription and built-in SMS and workflow automation, while HoneyBook focuses on polished client-facing proposals and a different pricing structure. For small-business owners who want a unified operational hub and predictable annual pricing such as $300/year or $400 for two years, 17hats is a strong fit; businesses needing deep accounting features should plan to pair it with a dedicated accounting tool.

For demos, integration details, and current purchasing options, visit the 17hats homepage to explore how the platform would map to your specific business processes.