Cheaper Alternatives to Checkatrade: Best Alternatives for Tradespeople and Homeowners

When searching for platforms that connect tradespeople with homeowners, Checkatrade is often a go-to choice. However, for tradespeople looking to save on costs, Checkatrade’s membership and lead fees can add up quickly. If you're looking for cheaper alternatives to Checkatrade, Buildela is the ideal solution. In this guide, we’ll explore why Buildela is a more cost-effective alternative and introduce other affordable options that can help you connect with customers while saving money.

Published: 01 Jan, 2025
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What is Checkatrade?

Checkatrade is a platform that connects homeowners with vetted tradespeople, offering a range of services from plumbing and electrical work to cleaning and gardening. Tradespeople pay a membership fee to be listed on the platform, and they also pay additional fees for leads. While Checkatrade offers verified reviews and background checks, these costs can make it an expensive option for tradespeople, especially for small businesses or those just starting out.

  • How It Works: Tradespeople pay a monthly membership fee to be listed on Checkatrade, and they pay for each lead they receive.
  • Membership: Paid membership with different pricing tiers for various levels of visibility.
  • Target Audience: Tradespeople looking to build a trusted reputation through verified reviews and homeowners seeking vetted professionals.

Why Buildela is the Best Cheaper Alternative to Checkatrade

While Checkatrade provides high-quality leads and background-checked professionals, it can be expensive due to its membership fees and pay-per-lead model. Buildela offers 100% free lead generation with no membership fees or extra charges. Here's why Buildela is the best cheaper alternative to Checkatrade:

  • 100% Free for Tradespeople: Unlike Checkatrade, which charges for membership and leads, Buildela is completely free for tradespeople to join. You can start receiving leads at no cost.
  • No Pay-Per-Lead Fees: Buildela doesn't charge for leads, so you won't have to pay for each opportunity you pursue. With Checkatrade, paying for each lead can quickly add up, especially for smaller businesses.
  • No Membership Fees: Buildela doesn’t require you to pay a monthly fee to be listed, making it a more affordableoption for tradespeople compared to Checkatrade’s membership-based pricing.
  • Transparent and Predictable Lead Generation: With Buildela, you get a steady flow of leads without the worry of fluctuating costs for leads or upgrades, unlike Checkatrade, where you might need to pay extra for enhanced visibility.
  • Vetting Process: Like Checkatrade, Buildela has a vetting process for tradespeople to ensure quality service, but unlike Checkatrade, this vetting is completely free.

Other Cheaper Alternatives to Checkatrade

While Buildela stands out as the best free alternative to Checkatrade, there are other platforms that may offer more affordable pricing options or lower membership fees. Here's a look at a few options:

1. MyBuilder

MyBuilder is a pay-per-lead platform that allows tradespeople to bid on jobs posted by homeowners. It’s free to join, but tradespeople must pay for each lead they pursue. While MyBuilder is more affordable than Checkatrade in terms of membership fees, the cost of leads can still add up.

  • How It Works: Tradespeople bid on jobs and pay for the leads they receive.
  • Pros: Free to join, flexible bidding system.
  • Cons: You pay for each lead, which can get expensive over time.

Why Buildela is Better: Unlike MyBuilder, Buildela is completely free to use, with no charges for leads. Buildela’s transparent lead flow and zero cost for tradespeople make it a far more cost-effective solution.

2. Rated People

Rated People is another platform where tradespeople pay for leads. It’s a pay-per-lead service, and tradespeople are often required to pay for each lead they receive. While Rated People can be more affordable than Checkatrade in terms of membership, the cost of leads can add up, especially for tradespeople who want a steady stream of jobs.

  • How It Works: Tradespeople receive job leads by paying for them.
  • Pros: Wide range of job categories.
  • Cons: Pay-per-lead model can quickly become expensive.

Why Buildela is Better: Buildela is free to use, and there are no hidden charges for leads. Unlike Rated People, you can grow your business without worrying about paying for leads or memberships.

3. Bark

Bark is an online platform where businesses and tradespeople can create profiles and get leads for various services. It operates on a pay-per-lead model, similar to MyBuilder and Rated People. Bark also offers subscription packages for increased visibility.

  • How It Works: Tradespeople pay for the leads they receive and can also purchase premium listings to increase visibility.
  • Pros: Offers access to leads for a variety of services.
  • Cons: Pay-per-lead model and additional costs for premium features.

Why Buildela is Better: Buildela is 100% free, offering unlimited access to leads without any hidden fees or premium costs. Unlike Bark, you don’t have to pay for premium services to get noticed.

Why Buildela is the Best Cheaper Alternative to Checkatrade

  • No Membership Fees: Buildela offers free access for tradespeople, unlike Checkatrade, which charges high membership fees for visibility.
  • No Pay-Per-Lead Costs: With Buildela, you don’t pay for each lead or job opportunity you pursue. Checkatrade and many other platforms charge for every lead, adding up over time.
  • High-Quality Leads: Buildela offers targeted, high-quality leads that connect you directly with homeowners seeking services. You won’t face competition from multiple tradespeople on Buildela, unlike platforms like Checkatrade and MyBuilder.
  • Transparency and Flexibility: Buildela provides clear, predictable lead generation without worrying about hidden costs or premium service fees. Checkatrade requires membership and additional costs for visibility, making it difficult for tradespeople to predict their expenses.
  • No Hidden Charges: Buildela doesn’t charge for leads or services, providing tradespeople with affordable access to new jobs and customers without any unexpected costs.

Cheaper Alternatives to Checkatrade

Buildela is completely free for tradespeople. There are no membership fees, lead charges, or hidden costs.

Yes, Buildela offers 100% free lead generation for tradespeople with no membership or service charges.

Buildela is free, while Checkatrade charges membership fees and extra costs for leads. Buildela is the more cost-effective and predictable option for tradespeople.

Yes, with Buildela, you can target multiple trades and locations with a single free profile, unlike Checkatrade, where you may need to pay extra for additional trades or locations.

Why Choose Buildela Over Checkatrade and Other Platforms?

If you want a cheaper, more flexible alternative to Checkatrade, Buildela is the best option. Unlike Checkatrade, which requires expensive memberships and pay-per-lead costs, Buildela is completely free with no hidden charges. You’ll receive high-quality leads and have access to transparent lead generation without the worry of ongoing fees or additional costs.

Start today with Buildela, the best alternative to Checkatrade, and experience a more cost-effective way to grow your business and receive leads. Buildela is free for tradespeople, making it the ideal solution for affordable lead generation and business growth.