If you’re a tradesperson looking to grow your business—or a homeowner trying to find someone reliable—you’ve probably come across platforms like MyBuilder, Checkatrade, and Rated People.
They’ve been around for a while. But here’s the thing: they all operate on a pay-to-play model.
You pay upfront for leads…
You compete with five other people for the same job…
And sometimes, the client doesn’t even respond.
That’s where TradeBridge flips the script.
Let’s break it down.
🛠️ At a Glance: Platform Comparison Table
| Feature | TradeBridge | MyBuilder | Checkatrade | Rated People |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-qualified job leads | ✅ Yes | ✅ Partially | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Verified tradespeople | ✅ Strict vetting | ✅ Basic checks | ✅ Background checks | ✅ Basic vetting |
| Customer reviews | ✅ Verified only | ✅ Mixed | ✅ Mixed | ✅ Mixed |
| Payment management | ✅ Handled via platform | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Lead competition | ❌ Limited to few trades | ❌ Open bidding | ✅ Directory format | ❌ Open bidding |
| Instant communication | ✅ In-platform messaging | ❌ Not consistent | ❌ Often offline | ✅ Some in-app |
| Payment protection | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Fees | ✅ Free to use – 10% commission only | ❌ Monthly + lead fees | ❌ Monthly fee | ❌ Pay per lead |
| Dispute resolution & support | ✅ Hands-on assistance | ❌ Limited | ❌ Limited | ❌ Limited |
🔍 MyBuilder: Lead Generator with a Catch
How it works: You pay to express interest in jobs. Homeowners choose from a shortlist.
Pros:
✔ Targeted job alerts
✔ Public reviews help with credibility
✔ Easy sign-up
Cons:
✘ You pay whether you win the job or not
✘ Competing with multiple tradespeople
✘ No payment or job support
Good for: Confident tradespeople with strong reviews who don’t mind competition.
🔍 Checkatrade: Looks Great, But You’re On Your Own
How it works: Tradespeople pay a monthly fee to be listed. Homeowners browse and reach out.
Pros:
✔ Strong brand recognition
✔ Great for local visibility
Cons:
✘ No active job matching
✘ Expensive monthly subscription
✘ You handle everything—quotes, messages, payments—on your own
Good for: Established trades with a solid presence and marketing budget.
🔍 Rated People: Lots of Leads, Not Much Else
How it works: You pay to buy leads, then try to win the job.
Pros:
✔ Lots of jobs
✔ Some targeting by area and trade
Cons:
✘ Mixed lead quality
✘ Unresponsive or unrealistic clients
✘ Pay-per-lead adds up fast
✘ No protection if things go wrong
Good for: Filling calendar gaps, not growing long-term.
✅ What Makes TradeBridge Different?
1. It’s 100% Free to Use
Unlike the others, TradeBridge is completely free for both tradespeople and customers.
We only take a 10% commission—and only after the job is completed and payment is made.
💡 No subscriptions. No pay-per-lead. No upfront fees. You only pay when you get paid.
2. No Competing for Leads
We don’t throw a job at ten different trades and see who responds fastest.
Every job is pre-qualified and matched to one or two suitable tradespeople based on:
- Location
- Availability
- Skillset
💡 Less competition, more action. You get real jobs, not just leads.
3. We Handle Payments & Disputes
Tired of chasing payments or handling difficult conversations?
TradeBridge:
- Holds funds safely
- Releases payment once the job is approved
- Steps in early if there’s an issue
💡 You get paid fairly, securely, and on time—without the drama.
4. All-in-One Communication
Everything from the first message to the final invoice is handled through our platform.
No more WhatsApp chaos or lost emails.
💡 Professional. Simple. Organised.
🧱 The Bottom Line
| Platform | Pay-to-Use | Competes for Leads | Manages Payment | Dispute Support | Free to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MyBuilder | Yes | Yes | No | No | ❌ |
| Checkatrade | Yes | No (directory) | No | No | ❌ |
| Rated People | Yes | Yes | No | No | ❌ |
| TradeBridge | No | No – direct match | Yes | Yes | ✅ Free |
🛠️ Final Word: Join the Platform That Works for You
TradeBridge isn’t just a lead generator—it’s a job generator, a payment manager, and a business support system.
And unlike the others, we don’t charge you unless you get paid.
Real jobs. Zero risk. One simple platform.
🎯 Ready to stop paying for dead leads and start getting paid for real work?
Join TradeBridge today—it’s free to sign up, and only 10% commission when the job’s done.
Let me know if you’d like this adapted into a landing page, one-pager for trade onboarding, or social posts!
