Retainer Agencies
Automate recurring invoices and keep quote, contract, and billing records in one place.
Bonsai Alternative
The Bonsai Alternative Built for Agency Quote-to-Cash
Bonsai is a strong all-in-one platform for many service businesses. Agencies running multi-client operations often need AI-powered quoting, stronger margin controls, and quote-to-cash workflows designed for scale.
Tillage vs. Bonsai: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Tillage | Bonsai |
|---|---|---|
| AI-Powered Quote Generation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Custom AI Prompt Controls | ✓ Tailor quote voice and style | Varies by platform |
| Automated Contract Creation | ✓ | ✓ Templates |
| Built-in eSignatures | ✓ Included in contract flow | Varies by platform |
| Project Profitability Tracking | ✓ Real-time | Basic |
| Margin Guardrails (Variance + Profit Targets) | ✓ Built-in | Manual setup |
| Built For | Agencies | Freelancers |
| Online Payments | ✓ Stripe (cards + ACH) | ✓ |
| Platform Fee Model | ✓ 1% on Free, 0% on Premium | Processing fees apply |
| Convenience Fee Controls | ✓ Optional convenience fees to offset processing | Varies by platform |
| Recurring Invoices | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automated Payment Schedules | ✓ Installment, recurring, milestone, percentage | Varies by platform |
| Auto-Seeded Invoices from Schedule | ✓ Generated automatically | Varies by platform |
| Import Client Data | ✓ Easy import | CSV |
| Free Plan | ✓ Forever | Trial available |
| Pricing Model | Free + Premium | Tiered paid plans |
Why Agencies Choose Tillage Over Bonsai
Built for Agency Scale
Bonsai supports freelancers and service teams. Tillage is optimized for agency operations that need coordinated quoting, contract handoff, invoicing cadence, and margin visibility across multiple clients.
AI-Powered Quoting
Stop manually creating quotes from scratch. Tillage's AI suggests line items, calculates profitability, and ensures you never undercharge—saving hours per quote.
Better Profitability Tracking
See real-time profit margins per project, not just revenue. Track which services are most profitable and make smarter pricing decisions for your agency.
True Free Plan
Bonsai offers a 7-day trial, then requires payment. Tillage is free forever for unlimited quotes and invoices. Only upgrade when you want premium features.
Easy Migration from Bonsai
Switching is simple. Import your client data and start sending better quotes in minutes.
💡 Need help migrating from Bonsai? We can set up a custom integration for you. Get in touch.
Trust Signals for Agency Billing
Tillage uses Stripe-powered online payments, transparent pricing, and contract-first workflows to reduce billing risk while you scale.
- Secure checkout via Stripe
- Clear Free and Premium pricing
- Built-in quote margin protection
- No long-term software commitment
Real Agency Use Cases
Project Studios
Build scoped proposals with margin protection before signing fixed-fee work.
Multi-Disciplinary Teams
Track service-level profitability across design, strategy, and development projects.
Common Questions and Objections
Why do agencies switch from Bonsai to Tillage?
Agencies often switch when they outgrow freelancer-focused workflows and need stronger quote controls, contracts, and profitability visibility.
Can I start with Tillage for free?
Yes. Tillage includes a free plan with unlimited quotes and invoices so teams can migrate without upfront software risk.
How hard is migration from Bonsai?
Most teams can migrate in phases by importing clients first, then moving active quotes and invoicing workflows.
Ready to Upgrade from Bonsai?
Join agencies that switched to Tillage for AI-powered quoting, better profitability tracking, and tools designed for growth. Start free—no credit card required.