BookaBoss User Guide

Welcome to BookaBoss, the premier Canadian marketplace for construction projects and tool rentals. This guide will help you navigate the platform whether you are a Client, Contractor, Tool Owner, or Renter.

---

Table of Contents

1. Getting Started
2. For Clients (Posting Projects)
3. For Contractors (Finding Work)
4. Tool Rentals
5. Messaging & Communication
6. Payments & Security

---

Getting Started

Registration

1. Click "Sign Up" on the homepage.
2. Enter your email and create a password.
3. Verify your email address via the link sent to your inbox.
4. Complete your basic profile (Name, Address, Profile Picture).

Role Switching

BookaBoss supports dual roles. You can switch between views at any time:

• Client View: For posting projects and renting tools.
• Contractor View: For finding work and managing your business profile.
• Toggle: Use the switch in the main navigation menu (or sidebar on mobile) to change your active role.

---

For Clients (Posting Projects)

How to Post a Project

1. Switch to Client View.
2. Click "Post a Project" in the navigation bar.
3. Complete the 3-Step Wizard:
   • Step 1: Details: Enter a clear title, description, and select a category.
   • Step 2: Budget & Location: Set your budget range (Min $5,000) and project location.
   • Step 3: Attachments: Upload photos or documents to help contractors understand the job.
4. Review your post and click "Submit Project".

Managing Proposals

1. Go to "My Projects".
2. Click on a project to view its details.
3. Select the "Proposals" tab.
4. Review bids from contractors. You can see their price, estimated duration, and cover letter.
5. Click "View Details" on a proposal to see the full breakdown and contractor profile.
6. Use the Message button to ask questions before awarding the job.

---

For Contractors (Finding Work)

Verification (Required)

Before you can bid on projects, you must be verified.

1. Switch to Contractor View.
2. Go to "Verification" in the menu.
3. Upload the required documents:
   • GST/HST Number
   • Liability Insurance Policy
   • WSIB Number
   • Proof of Address
4. Wait for Admin approval (usually 24-48 hours).

Finding & Bidding on Jobs

1. Go to "Find Work" or "Browse Projects".
2. Use the filters (Budget, Location, Category) to find relevant jobs.
   • Mobile Tip: Tap the "Filters" button to open the filter sidebar.
3. Click on a project to view details.
4. Click "Submit Proposal".
5. Define your Cost Breakdown (Tasks) and your proposed Payment Schedule (Milestones), along with a Cover Letter.
6. Submit your proposal.

Managing Contracts & Payments

1. Once a client accepts your proposal (or sends a Direct Hire), a Contract is automatically generated in Draft status.
2. Go to "My Contracts" and click "Review & Sign" to digitally sign the agreement.
3. Once both parties sign, the contract becomes In Progress and you can access the Contract Management dashboard.
4. Important: Do not begin work on a task or milestone until the client has funded it into Escrow. The status will change to Funded and show a padlock icon.
5. Once you finish the work, click "Complete" for the task/milestone.
6. The client will review the work and click "Release" to transfer the funds to your connected Stripe account.

Upfront Payments & Advances

Contractors may need funds upfront for materials or deposits. There are two ways to handle this securely:

1. Upfront Milestones: During the proposal phase, create a specific milestone (e.g., "Material Deposit"). Once the contract is signed, the client can fund and immediately release this milestone before physical labor begins.
2. Advance Requests: If a specific task or milestone is already Funded (money is securely in escrow), the contractor can click Request Advance to ask for a partial release of those funds. The client will review the request and, if approved, the advance amount is transferred immediately while the remainder stays secure in escrow.

Managing Active Jobs

• Track your submitted proposals in "My Proposals".
• Once awarded a job, it will appear in "Active Projects".
• Use the platform to communicate with the client and track milestones.

---

Tool Rentals

Renting a Tool

1. Go to "Browse Listings" or "Tool Rentals".
2. Search for the tool you need (e.g., "Hammer Drill", "Cement Mixer").
3. Filter by location or category.
4. Select a tool to view its availability calendar.
5. Choose a rental period:
   • 4 Hours (Half Day)
   • 24 Hours (Full Day)
6. Send a booking request.
7. Once accepted by the owner, payment is held in escrow until you pick up the tool.

Listing Your Tools

1. Go to "My Listings".
2. Click "List a Tool".
3. Fill in the details (Brand, Model, Condition, Power Source).
4. Set your hourly/daily price (System suggests 20% below market rate).
5. Set your availability.
6. Publish your listing.

---

Messaging & Communication

• Inbox: Access all your conversations from the "Messages" icon in the top right.
• Project Threads: Each project has a dedicated message thread with the client/contractor.
• Privacy: Do not share phone numbers or emails. The system automatically detects and blocks contact information to ensure safety and compliance.
• Notifications: You will see a "New" badge on unread conversations.

---

Payments & Security

• Currency: All transactions are in CAD (Canadian Dollars).
• Escrow: Payments are held securely in escrow until the job or rental is completed.
• Commission: Platform fees are deducted based on your Contractor Subscription Tier (Free = 15%, Pro = 8%, Elite = 5%).
• Disputes: If an issue arises, you can open a dispute from the project or booking page. Our support team will mediate.

---

Need Help? Contact support at info@bookaboss.ca or visit our Help Center.