How to switch from Joist in an afternoon, with undo
The planThe goal is an afternoon for a small business with a short customer list. A long history of estimates and invoices takes longer. Import tools for competitor exports are rolling out in Apex, and the current status is shown by the badges on the import features below.
Before you start
- Keep the old Joist account open and paid until the new setup has run a full cycle.
- Write down every open estimate and unpaid invoice so none is lost in the move.
- List the integrations in use, such as accounting, and note which ones you will reconnect.
- Pause any automated payment reminders on the old side before customers see two sets.
The steps
- Export what the old account allowsLook in the vendor's own help center for customer and document export options. We did not verify the file format, so open the result and check that names, phones, emails and addresses are all there.
- LD15Customer import from CSV/other software(In progress)
- Check the file before importingScan the export for blank phone numbers, duplicate names and split addresses. Fix them in a spreadsheet first. A clean file makes the side-by-side check in the next step quick to read.
- LD15Customer import from CSV/other software(In progress)
- Import with a side by side checkLoad the customer list into Apex and compare a sample of records against the old account. Import from competitor exports is built and tested but not yet connected to saving real data, so confirm what is available before relying on it.
- OB02Import from competitor with side-by-side check(Rolling out)
- OB04Import from Jobber / HCP / Workiz / ServiceTitan exports(Rolling out)
- Re-create recurring workRebuild repeat jobs by hand as recurring plans, one customer at a time, and compare the first generated visits with the old calendar. Do this for your top customers first.
- RC01Recurring service plans (weekly/monthly)(Rolling out)
- SC10Recurring jobs auto-generated(In progress)
- Test a request end to endSubmit a test request through the booking page. It should arrive pending, then you confirm it and see the visit appear. Cancel it with the customer link to test that path as well.
- BK11Booking requires owner approval (request mode)(Built)
- BK24Reschedule / cancel link for customer(Built, rolling out)
- Run both systems for a full cycleKeep new work flowing into the new system while the old account stays readable. Compare totals at the end of the cycle. Switch protection is in demo state, so your own spreadsheet check is the safety net.
- OB14Switch protection (never lose data, ledger)(Rolling out)
- Cut over and tell customersPoint your website booking link to Apex, turn off old reminders, and send one message so customers know the new link. Confirm reminders go out once, from one place.
- CM03Appointment reminders (SMS/email)(Built, rolling out)
- BK02Embeddable booking widget for website(Built, rolling out)
- Keep the backupSave the final export from the old account in two places. Export your Apex customer list on a schedule you choose, so you always hold a copy of your own records.
- LD16Customer export (CSV) at any time(In progress)
Apex status for the import and switch tools is shown beside each step. Status as of 2026-10-07.
Undo plan
In progress
To reverse the switch, keep the old account open until the new one has run a full cycle, then point your booking link back. Apex export of customers is designed to be available at any time, and data export on cancel is partly built. We do not promise an automatic rollback, so treat your saved exports as the real undo.
- OB14Switch protection (never lose data, ledger)(Rolling out)
- AD10Data export on cancel(In progress)
- LD16Customer export (CSV) at any time(In progress)
Switching questions
Can I move my Joist estimates and invoices into Apex?
Apex import for competitor exports is in demo state, so do not count on estimates and invoices arriving automatically. Export what you can from the old account, keep it as your record, and bring customers across first.
Will my customers notice the switch?
They notice a new booking link and possibly a new sender for reminders. Texts need your own provider account and carrier registration first, so plan reminders by email until texting is connected.
Should I cancel the old plan right away?
No. Keep it until the new system has handled a full cycle of requests, confirmations and payments. Check the vendor's own terms for any notice period before you cancel.
Sources for Joist facts
- www.joist.com/pricing/ (read 2026-10-07)
- www.joist.com/pricing/ (read 2026-10-07)
- www.joist.com/pricing/ (read 2026-10-07)
- www.joist.com/pricing/ (read 2026-10-07)
- www.joist.com/ (read 2026-10-07)
- www.joist.com/ (read 2026-10-07)
- www.joist.com/ (read 2026-10-07)