Why Tradespeople Are Leaving Checkatrade (And Where They're Going)

Checkatrade was once the undisputed king of trade platforms in the UK. For many, it was an essential tool for finding work and building a reputation. But in 2026, the tide is turning. A growing number of plumbers, electricians, builders, and other tradespeople are cancelling their expensive subscriptions and seeking out better alternatives.

So, what's behind this mass exodus?

The Top 3 Reasons Tradespeople Are Ditching Checkatrade

1. Skyrocketing Costs: The number one complaint against Checkatrade is its exorbitant cost. With annual fees that can climb to over £1,800 per year, many sole traders and small businesses are finding it impossible to justify the expense. The return on investment is simply no longer there.

2. A Flood of "Dead Leads": Many tradespeople report that the quality of leads from Checkatrade has plummeted. They are inundated with enquiries from price-shoppers and time-wasters, and are often competing with dozens of other tradespeople for the same job.

3. A Broken Model: The subscription model itself is outdated. In a world of on-demand services and low-cost platforms, paying a high fixed fee for a service that doesn't guarantee work is a bitter pill to swallow.

"I was paying a fortune to Checkatrade and getting nothing but tyre-kickers. I've had more genuine leads from my local Facebook group. It's a complete waste of money." - A former Checkatrade member

Where Are These Tradespeople Going?

The good news is that there are now several excellent alternatives to Checkatrade. While some are moving to pay-per-lead sites like MyBuilder and Rated People, many are looking for a more sustainable, long-term solution.

This is where FixFast.app comes in. FixFast is a new, disruptive platform that is built for tradespeople, by tradespeople. We've scrapped the subscription fees and the pay-per-lead model. Instead, we charge a single, one-time Founder's Fee of just £24.99 for lifetime access.

It's a simple, transparent, and fair system that is resonating with thousands of tradespeople across the UK.

If you're ready to join the movement and take back control of your business, become a FixFast Founder today. It's time to stop feeding the corporate machine and start investing in your own success.