Looking for a free client tracking tool — will my data stay safe, and where are the limits?

Under KVKK, even as a sole proprietorship, you are legally obligated to protect your clients' contact details and personal data. We recommend reviewing the software's privacy agreement to verify what country the data is hosted in and confirm their commitment not to share it with third parties.

The biggest risk with free cloud tools is database isolation. Multi-tenant shared setups can carry higher vulnerability risks. Make sure whatever software you pick has two-factor authentication enabled, and download your client list as a CSV to a local drive at the end of every month for backup.

ive been wanting to switch from a notebook to an app too but what exactly is a CSV format? tbh do I have to enter all the clients from my notebook manually one by one, or is there a way to pull them straight from my phone contacts?

Checklist to keep in mind when picking a free plan: 1) Maximum contact/client limit (should be at least 200). 2) File storage allocation for uploading quotes or drawings. 3) Monthly email or notification sending limits. 4) Bulk data export capability.

trust me it's way safer than keeping it in a notebook. if u leave that notebook at a cafe all your budgets and client phone numbers are gone. set up a free tier on a reputable cloud tool use a strong password and you're good.

note: I wrote this based on my own experience, it might not apply to everyone.

Stay away from downloadable desktop setup files offered by obscure websites claiming to be 'completely free client management software'. They might contain malware. Stick strictly to free starter tiers of well-known cloud-based tools with established corporate identities.

When freelancing, your most valuable asset is your clients' trust. You need to be confident that the app where you store home addresses, custom requests, and budgets won't just shut down overnight. Going with the free tier of an established company that also offers paid plans is the safest path forward.

Let me summarize the topic, since several different answers were given. Any unwritten clause becomes a point of disagreement later, as both sides remember it differently.

If I were you, I'd go this route.

Good call starting this thread.

I'll try it.

i was thinking the same thing. tbh weekly written progress reports are much more useful than asking for dates.

provne by experience.

It's rare to find an explanation this clear. Start with a small trial; don't commit to everything at once.

If scope grows, either time or budget must grow. There is no third option.

I disagree with you on this point. If you get three different answers on a topic, the question was asked wrong.

Good luck with that.

Thanks, this was very helpful.

Could you elaborate on that? Access credentials should be opened in the company's name, not personal accounts.

I went through the same thing two years ago. Code without setup documentation isn't yours, even if you have it.

Correct.

I didn't know that.