Slate vs Dubsado
Dubsado is a flexible CRM used widely by freelancers. Slate Freelance is specifically built for live-event freelance crew — A1/A2, videographers, projectionists, editors working gigs across production companies.
Live-event and production freelance crew who work W-9/1099 across multiple clients and need gig tracking, overtime, gear billing, per diem, and compliant invoices.
Freelancers in creative services (coaches, designers, planners, photographers) who want a customizable CRM with forms + workflows.
| Feature | Slate | Dubsado |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Gig tracking + compliant invoicing | CRM + client workflow |
| Clock in/out + overtime rules | Yes (core feature) | No |
| Gear rental billing | Yes | Limited |
| Per diem tracking | Yes (with GSA rates) | No |
| Mileage (IRS rate) | Yes | Limited |
| Invoice format production cos accept | Yes (optimized for this) | Generic |
| Inquiry pipeline + forms | No | Yes (core feature) |
| Customizable client workflows | Limited | Yes (strong) |
| Starting price | Free (10 gigs) | ~$40/mo |
Pick Slate if…
- ✓Your gigs involve clocking in/out with overtime rules (A1, A2, projectionist, camera op).
- ✓You bill gear rentals + per diem + mileage alongside your day rate.
- ✓You need invoices that production companies actually pay without pushback.
- ✓You're in the live-event or production world, not a general creative freelancer.
Pick Dubsado if…
- ✓You run a client-inquiry business (planner, designer, coach) where forms and workflows are your lifeline.
- ✓You need deep CRM customization with conditional logic and scheduled workflows.
- ✓Your work isn't tied to specific shift times and overtime tracking doesn't matter.
Dubsado is a powerful generalist CRM. Slate Freelance is a specialist tool for crew who work events and productions. If your life revolves around call times, per diems, and gear invoicing, Slate Freelance will feel purpose-built. If you run a service business with inquiry forms and client portals, Dubsado is the better fit.
10 gigs free — per diems, overtime, gear billing included.