MyBuilder vs Checkatrade
When choosing a platform for generating leads, it’s important to know how competitors stack up. Both MyBuilder and Checkatrade are popular platforms for tradespeople, but they offer different features and pricing models. In this guide, we’ll break down what each platform offers and compare them to help you decide which is best for your business.
What is MyBuilder?
MyBuilder is a popular online platform that connects tradespeople with homeowners in need of services. The platform allows homeowners to post jobs and receive bids from local tradespeople. MyBuilder is designed to help users find reputable professionals for various home improvement projects. It offers a pay-per-lead model, allowing tradespeople to purchase leads that match their skills.
- How It Works: Homeowners post job listings, and tradespeople can bid on them. The tradespeople then pay a fee for each lead they receive.
- Membership: Free to join for tradespeople, but tradespeople must pay for leads when they submit a bid on a job.
- Target Audience: Small to medium-sized tradespeople looking for flexible lead generation and bidding opportunities.
Shortlisting on MyBuilder:
If you’re shortlisted for a job on MyBuilder, you will still need to pay the lead fee, even if you don’t win the job. This means that if your bid isn’t chosen, you still pay for the lead, which can cause your account balance to go negative if you consistently get shortlisted but don’t secure the work.
- Lead fees: Typically range from £7 to £50 per lead depending on job size and type.
What is Checkatrade?
Checkatrade is one of the leading online platforms that connects consumers with vetted, trusted tradespeople. Unlike MyBuilder, Checkatrade focuses more on vetting and verification, offering a membership-based model where tradespeople can gain exposure by being listed on the site. Checkatrade also provides a customer review system, which helps build credibility and trust.
- How It Works: Tradespeople join Checkatrade’s membership program and are verified based on background checks and customer reviews. They pay a monthly fee for exposure and access to leads.
- Membership: Paid membership with various plans, including additional charges for extra leads or services.
- Target Audience: Businesses of all sizes looking for credibility, visibility, and access to a higher volume of leads.
Checkatrade Membership Options: Approved Affiliate vs Lite vs Standard vs Pro
Checkatrade offers several membership tiers, each with varying benefits:
Approved Affiliate
£36/month or £432/year
- No leads provided
- Business cards and van vinyl prints included
- Limited to 1 trade and a set number of postcodes
- Minimum 12-month commitment
Lite
£85.20/month or £1,022/year
- 84 leads/year (7 per month)
- Limited to 1 trade and specific postcodes
- Minimum 12-month commitment
Standard
£126/month or £1,512/year
- 168 leads/year (14 per month)
- Limited to 1 trade and specific postcodes
- Minimum 12-month commitment
Pro
£216/month or £2,592/year
- 336 leads/year (28 per month)
- Limited to 1 trade and specific postcodes
- Minimum 12-month commitment
Note: Minimum 12-month contract required.
MyBuilder vs Checkatrade: Comparison
| Feature | MyBuilder | Checkatrade |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to Join | Free to join; pay-per-lead model. | Paid membership with different tiers. |
| Lead Generation Model | Pay per lead, tradespeople bid on jobs. | Subscription-based with fixed monthly costs and lead fees. |
| Flexibility | High flexibility in bidding on specific jobs. | Membership offers less flexibility in choosing leads but higher visibility. |
| Verification | Less strict vetting; relies on customer feedback. | Strict verification process including background checks. |
| Customer Reviews | Reviews from previous clients but no strict vetting process. | Comprehensive review system with verified feedback and background checks. |
| Lead Quality | Mixed quality; varies based on how well the job is posted. | High quality; leads come from vetted customers looking for trusted tradespeople. |
| Exposure | Limited exposure; you need to bid for jobs. | High exposure; paid members receive priority listings. |
| Target Market | Smaller businesses or freelancers. | Suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small to large. |
| Additional Fees | Charges per lead, so you only pay for what you bid on. | Monthly subscription fees with additional charges for leads, extra services, or location changes. |
Which Platform Is Right for You?
- MyBuilder is a great option for tradespeople who want a flexible, pay-per-lead model. It’s ideal if you prefer bidding on specific jobs rather than committing to a fixed membership. MyBuilder’s lower upfront costs and pay-as-you-go system can be attractive for smaller businesses or freelancers who don’t want to pay for ongoing membership fees.
- Checkatrade, on the other hand, is a better option for those looking for high visibility and trustworthiness. With its background checks and verified customer reviews, it’s a good choice if you want to build credibility and access more consistent leads. However, the monthly membership fees and extra charges can add up, so it’s best suited for tradespeople or businesses that are ready to invest in a longer-term strategy for lead generation.
Why Buildela is a Better Alternative
If you’re looking for a free, flexible, and transparent alternative to both MyBuilder and Checkatrade, Buildela could be a better fit for your business. Unlike MyBuilder and Checkatrade, Buildela is completely free for tradespeople. You won’t have to worry about membership fees or paying per lead. Buildela also allows you to target multiple trades and locations with a single, flexible membership, making it a perfect choice for growing your business.
- Zero Membership Fees: Buildela is completely free for tradespeople to join, with no upfront costs.
- Flexibility: No long-term contracts or minimum commitments, giving you the freedom to cancel anytime without penalties.
- Transparent Lead Flow: Clear, predictable lead flow with no hidden fees or surprise charges for extra leads or locations.
- Target Multiple Trades and Locations: Unlike MyBuilder and Checkatrade, Buildela lets you target multiple trades and locations under one account.
Start today with Buildela—completely free—and experience a simpler, more flexible way to generate leads and grow your business without the extra costs or commitments.
