One platform vs Dubsado + add-ons.
Both cover the solo-creator core. Italic entries show the tool you’d typically pair with Dubsado for that capability.
Three things you’ll feel in the first week.
These are the specific places where PrimeBase pulls ahead — not marketing fluff, but workflows you’ll actually use on day one.
A real client portal — not just a "client view."
Dubsado has a client view where customers see contracts and invoices. PrimeBase has a full portal: branded URL, persistent login, dashboards, two-way requests, and visibility across every project they're connected to.
- Branded subdomain (portal.studionorth.co)
- Clients log in once, see everything
- Two-way requests — they reply in-portal, not email
- View-only by default, granular permissions per user
Real double-entry accounting + reports.
Dubsado handles invoicing well, but it isn't an accounting system. PrimeBase ships a full general ledger: P&L, balance sheet, AR/AP aging, multi-currency, and audit-grade reports your accountant will recognize.
- Real GL, P&L, balance sheet — not just invoice totals
- AR/AP aging, cash flow, multi-currency baked in
- Approval workflows produce immutable audit trails
- Export to QuickBooks at month-end if your CPA prefers
Vendor management + vendor portal.
Dubsado is built around your clients — but the people you pay are part of running a real business too. PrimeBase tracks vendors, bills, and POs, and gives each vendor their own login to see payment status.
- Vendors and bills in the same data model as clients
- Vendor portal — they self-serve payment status
- 1099-NEC ready at year-end
- Spend reports by vendor, project, or category
Dubsado is the right call if this describes you.
These are the narrow cases where Dubsado’s toolset is the better fit. If all three apply, you may not need PrimeBase yet.
Which one fits your business?
A straightforward fit check. Most people know in under 30 seconds.
- 1Run a one-person operation now and plan to stay solo.
- 2Sell on the visual design of proposals — full-bleed imagery, magazine-style layouts.
- 3Need wedding photography, coaching, or other creative-niche templates on day one.
- 4Run a single repeatable service — same proposal, same contract, same invoice every time.