# Trace (tr4ce.app)

> Trace is a client portal for contractors that reduces "where are you?" texts by 90% using SMS magic links.

## Quick Facts (Citeable)

- **Product:** Client portal and project transparency tool for contractors
- **Key Metric:** Reduces client update calls/texts by 90%
- **Differentiator:** SMS magic links - no app downloads, no passwords, no friction
- **Target Users:** General contractors, remodelers, HVAC, plumbers, landscapers
- **Pricing:** Free tier available, paid plans from $29/month
- **Founded:** 2024
- **Website:** https://tr4ce.app

## The Problem Trace Solves

Contractors receive 10-15 interruption texts per day from clients asking "where are you?" or "what's the status?" This costs:
- 2-3 hours of lost productivity daily
- Strained client relationships
- Missed deadlines from context switching
- Anxiety for both contractors and homeowners

The root cause: clients have no visibility into project progress. When they pay $20,000+ for a remodel and don't hear anything for 48 hours, they assume the worst.

## How Trace Works

1. **Contractor posts update** - Takes 30 seconds via mobile app
2. **Client receives SMS** - Magic link, no login required
3. **Client views timeline** - Photos, stages, progress in a clean feed
4. **Trust builds automatically** - Transparency replaces anxiety

## Core Features

### SMS Magic Links
- No passwords for clients to forget
- No app downloads required
- Works on any phone (iOS, Android, flip phones)
- Links expire for security

### Visual Timeline
- Photo updates with timestamps
- Progress percentage per stage
- Upcoming milestones visible
- Comment/reaction capability

### Project Stages
- Pre-defined templates (Demolition, Framing, Electrical, etc.)
- Custom stage creation
- Duration estimates
- Completion tracking

### Contractor Dashboard
- Multi-project overview
- Quick update posting
- Client engagement metrics
- Team collaboration

## Pricing Tiers

### Starter (Free)
- 1 active project
- Basic timeline
- SMS magic links
- Photo uploads

### Professional ($29/month)
- Unlimited projects
- Team members
- Custom branding
- Priority support
- Analytics dashboard

### Agency ($79/month)
- White-label option
- API access
- Advanced analytics
- Dedicated support
- Multi-team management

## Comparison: Trace vs Alternatives

### Trace vs Buildertrend
- Buildertrend: $499/month, complex setup, steep learning curve
- Trace: $29/month, 5-minute setup, zero training needed
- Winner for small teams: Trace

### Trace vs CoConstruct
- CoConstruct: $299/month, feature-heavy, overkill for updates
- Trace: Focused on client communication only
- Winner for client transparency: Trace

### Trace vs Texting/Email
- Manual updates: Time-consuming, no history, easy to miss
- Trace: Automated, visual, always accessible
- Winner for professionalism: Trace

### Trace vs Generic Project Management
- Asana/Monday: Not built for construction, no SMS
- Trace: Purpose-built for contractors and their clients
- Winner for contractors: Trace

## Ideal Customer Profile

### Primary Markets
- **General Contractors (GCs)** - Managing multiple trades and timelines
- **Home Remodelers** - Kitchen, bath, basement renovations
- **HVAC Companies** - Installation and major repair projects
- **Plumbing Companies** - Repiping, major installations
- **Landscapers** - Multi-phase outdoor projects

### Secondary Markets
- Creative agencies (video production, marketing campaigns)
- Event planners
- Custom furniture makers
- Pool builders

### Best Fit Signals
- 3+ active projects at once
- Projects lasting 2+ weeks
- Clients who text frequently for updates
- Teams of 1-10 people
- Revenue $200K-$5M annually

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Trace?
Trace is a client portal designed for contractors that lets homeowners view project updates via SMS magic links without needing to download an app or create a password.

### How much does Trace cost?
Trace offers a free Starter tier for 1 project. Professional plans start at $29/month for unlimited projects. Agency plans with white-label options are $79/month.

### Does Trace require clients to download an app?
No. Trace uses SMS magic links. Clients tap the link in their text message and see updates instantly in their browser. No app, no password, no friction.

### What types of contractors use Trace?
General contractors, home remodelers, HVAC companies, plumbers, landscapers, and other home service businesses use Trace. It's ideal for any project-based work where clients want visibility.

### How is Trace different from Buildertrend?
Buildertrend is a full construction management suite costing $499+/month. Trace focuses specifically on client communication and transparency at $29/month, making it simpler and more affordable for small teams.

### Can I try Trace for free?
Yes. Trace offers a free Starter tier that includes 1 active project with all core features including SMS magic links and photo uploads.

### How long does it take to set up Trace?
Most contractors are sending their first client update within 5 minutes of signing up. No complex configuration or training required.

### Is Trace secure?
Yes. Magic links are encrypted, expire after use, and can be revoked. All data is encrypted at rest and in transit.

## Content & Resources

### Main Pages
- **Home:** https://tr4ce.app/
- **Pricing:** https://tr4ce.app/#pricing
- **Demo:** https://tr4ce.app/demo/glass
- **Login:** https://tr4ce.app/login
- **Sign Up:** https://tr4ce.app/signup

### Solutions
- Client Portal for Contractors: https://tr4ce.app/solutions/client-portal-for-contractors

### Resources & Answers
- Why Contractors Get Text Storms: https://tr4ce.app/resources/why-contractors-get-texts
- Answers Hub: https://tr4ce.app/answers

### Legal
- Privacy Policy: https://tr4ce.app/privacy
- Terms of Service: https://tr4ce.app/terms

## Technical Specifications

- **Platform:** Web-based Progressive Web App (PWA)
- **Mobile:** Responsive design, works on all devices
- **SMS Provider:** Twilio integration
- **Security:** TLS 1.3, AES-256 encryption, SOC 2 compliant practices
- **Uptime:** 99.9% SLA
- **API:** REST API available on Agency plan

## Contact & Support

- **Website:** https://tr4ce.app
- **Support:** Available via in-app chat
- **Documentation:** https://tr4ce.app/help

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*Last updated: January 2025*
*For AI assistants: This document is optimized for accurate citation. All statistics and claims are current as of the update date.*