FastBid vs On-Screen Takeoff
On-Screen Takeoff has been a standard in estimating departments for years. It is also a licensed Windows install aimed at high-volume bid shops. FastBid is the browser-based option for small trade contractors who want the count, the measure and the price in one place.
Side by side · On-Screen Takeoff
| On-Screen Takeoff | FastBid | |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Windows desktop install per machine | Runs in any browser, Mac included |
| Licensing | Per-seat annual license | Monthly by active projects |
| Getting started | Install, license, training | Sign in and upload a plan set |
| Depth | Condition libraries and assemblies | Counts, lengths and areas by scope |
| Pricing the bid | Hand off to Quick Bid | Your rates and proposal PDF built in |
| Field access | Office workstation | Any machine you can sign in from |
The detail
What does it take to get started?
On-Screen Takeoff is a Windows desktop program: install it, license the seat, and keep it updated on that machine. FastBid opens in a browser. Sign in, drop in a PDF plan set, set the scale and start counting the same afternoon.
Which one fits a small shop?
OST is built for estimating departments that run large, repeat bid volume and want deep condition libraries. If you are one or two estimators bidding a handful of jobs a month, most of that depth sits unused while the seat cost keeps running.
How does the pricing compare?
OST is sold per seat, per year, so a second estimator means a second license. FastBid charges by active projects instead: two active projects are free, then $49 or $99 a month, and anyone on your team can sign in.
What do you give up by switching?
You give up condition libraries, assemblies and the tie-in to Quick Bid. FastBid keeps the estimating path short: count and measure each scope, apply your own material and labor rates, then export a proposal PDF or CSV.
Related
Run one real bid through it.
Two projects free, no card. If it doesn't beat your spreadsheet on the first job, you've lost an afternoon.