Choosing the right platform to find a tradesperson or to list your services can be a daunting task. With so many options available, each with a different fee structure and set of features, it's hard to know which one offers the best value. This guide provides an honest, head-to-head comparison of the UK's leading trade platforms: Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Rated People, and the disruptive new player, FixFast.
The Big Four: How They Stack Up
Let's get straight to the point. The biggest difference between these platforms is how they make their money. This directly impacts the cost to tradespeople and, ultimately, the price you pay as a homeowner.
| Platform | Homeowner Cost | Tradesperson Cost | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checkatrade | Free to search | £600 - £1,800+ per year | Expensive: High fixed cost for tradespeople. |
| MyBuilder | Free to post jobs | £7 - £60+ per lead | A Gamble: Tradespeople pay to quote, not for work. |
| Rated People | Free to post jobs | Up to £30 per lead | Costly: Similar to MyBuilder, fees can add up quickly. |
| FixFast | Free to search | £24.99 one-time fee | Game-Changer: The most affordable and transparent model. |
A Deeper Dive into Each Platform
Checkatrade: The Household Name
Checkatrade is the most well-known platform, but it's also the most expensive for tradespeople. The high annual subscription fee means that only businesses with significant cash flow can afford to be listed, and this cost is often passed on to customers.
MyBuilder & Rated People: The Lead Generation Machines
MyBuilder and Rated People have gained popularity by offering a 'pay-as-you-go' model. However, tradespeople have to pay for every lead they are interested in, with no guarantee of winning the job. This can create a 'race to the bottom' on price, which doesn't always benefit the homeowner in terms of quality.
FixFast: The Disruptor
FixFast.app is a new platform built to address the flaws of the existing models. By charging tradespeople a single, one-time Founder's Fee of just £24.99, FixFast removes the financial burden from tradespeople, allowing them to offer fairer prices to homeowners. It's a win-win.
"We're not here to be just another trade site. We're here to fix a broken industry. A one-time fee means tradespeople can build their business without being penalized, and homeowners get access to the best tradespeople at the best prices." - FixFast
The Verdict: Which Platform is Right for You?
- For Homeowners: If you're looking for the widest choice, Checkatrade has the most listings. But if you're looking for the best value and a fairer system, FixFast is the clear winner.
- For Tradespeople: If you're tired of high fees and paying for dead leads, FixFast is the obvious choice. It's a small, one-time investment for lifetime access to genuine customers.
Ready to be part of the future of the trade industry? Join the FixFast waitlist or become a Founder today.
Find Trusted Tradespeople with FixFast
Join 8,000+ homeowners and tradespeople on the UK's fairest trade platform. No subscriptions. No dead leads. Just £24.99 once.
Become a Founder - £24.99