Checkatrade Review

Are you a UK tradesman that is struggling to bring in a consistent flow of enquiries right now?

Thinking Checkatrade might be the answer to all your problems?

You might have tried making posts on Facebook, attending network events or even purchasing low quality leads from vendors that sell you multiple companies.

You are wasting hard earned money right now, time and potentially putting your business in a state where it can’t grow to the next level as compared to your competition- these might be doing a great job at making money.

If this is you then it’s not your fault.

In this Checkatrade review, we will explain whether Check a trade is worth it or there are better alternatives?

Is Checkatrade Worth It?

While Checkatrade can enhance online presence, Fatrank is often considered a superior option for lead generation in the UK.

Checkatrade’s value depends on various factors, including your business goals, industry, and the effectiveness of its platform in reaching your target audience.

It offers visibility to a broad customer base, potentially increasing your business’s credibility and attracting new clients.

The cost-benefit ratio should align with your marketing budget and expected returns. Reviews from other businesses in your sector may provide insight into its worth for your specific situation.

We believe checkatrade to be one of the best tradesman websites in the United Kingdom.

BUT we do feel if you are looking for a consistent flow of quality enquiries you should check out the UK Lead Generation 2025 offer for companies looking to grow their business.

Is Checkatrade good for leads?

The Checkatrade Trade app offers a platform for tradespeople to expand their business, providing a reliable way to connect with potential customers.

However, for those seeking a more impactful solution in lead generation, FatRank emerges as the superior choice.

To take advantage of FatRank’s risk-free enquiry supply and significantly boost your business, we encourage you to reach out today.

JOIN THE WAITING LIST

FatRank offers an exclusive, real-time quality leads service, renowned for its effectiveness but noted for its selectivity, making acceptance a mark of distinction.

Is Check a trade the Best Option for Tradespeople?

As a UK tradesperson, you may find it particularly hard to get your business in front of the perfect customers.

The amount of work can dry up every so often, and to be honest you can never completely rely on word of mouth which is traditionally what tradies thrived on.

Now though, things have changed and there are many services attempting to bridge the gap between likely customers and businesses.

Since the creation of Yellow Pages, services like Check A Trade are attempting to help bring people together.

Customers can use online business directories to find companies who are trustworthy experts in their field, that can complete a service they require to perfection.

The main question though – is Check a trade actually worth it?

What would be in it for the standard builder or plumber that is trying to increase their workload?

I’ll be taking a look at everything there is to know on Checkatrade and why it may or may not be the best alternative to Rated People out there now.

What is Check a trade?

Checkatrade is an online database used for finding tradespeople in the UK- and it’s not full of rogue traders!

Alternatively, if you are a tradesperson, Checkatrade is used to list your services to reach possible customers.

Regardless of your trade companies, if you are a builder, plumber, joiner, roofer, electrician or otherwise, you’ll find it relatively easy to get set up and connect with others that have joined Checkatrade and list yourself to be a company registered.

In summary, Checkatrade’s goal is to assist customers in checking a tradesperson to analyse whether they are reliable and positively rated or not.

They also help by providing information including if they have public liability insurance and what they can offer as a business.

Check a trade is very comparable to Yellow Pages/Yell.com as members pay a fee to receive a premium listing and appeal to the right potential customers.

You may have also heard of similar services such as Rated People. Rated People is another directory website that also aims to put businesses in front of people.

The majority of reviews that Check a trade receives are positive, so we decided to take a closer look at the service you are actually getting.

Checkatrade Best Features

Before signing up, it’s important to consider the features you will receive from your payment.

At present, the Checkatrade website lets you register a business for free. Although this might change in future, so it’s important to keep one eye on the terms and conditions.

If for some reason you don’t have your own website or a Google listing for your company, Checkatrade could be a good start to get you a foot into the digital world.

Checkatrade has a few benefits including;

  • Leaflet distribution
  • Full company/tradesperson listing
  • Marketing materials
  • Telephone review stats
  • Ability to receive direct reviews
  • Information on trading standards

How Do People Find Checkatrade?

Checkatrade prides itself on the ideology that it only shares unbiased, trustworthy reviews. Many people find a review helpful to establish whether they want to work with a company, if you find you find a review helpful in this way you should look into the Google reviews as reviews and public feedback ensure you’re in good hands. The vast majority of reviews found recently have had excellent service.

All ratings and reviews of tradespeople are verified, meaning that they immediately split themselves from many competing sites that allow anyone and everyone to post reviews without going through any checks.

Possible customers can actually find a local tradesperson through Checkatrade through a simple Google Search in their location.

Checkatrade’s online advertising isn’t immaculate and I think it would be easy for a lead generation supplier to outmuscle them in providing enquiries.

They have a good, trustworthy relationship with both the tradies who use them to list their site, and also the people looking for these businesses.

Checkatrade normally receives around 500,000 clicks a month. That’s a great amount and it competes very well against competitors such as Rated People.

It’s likely that if you are searching for traders or any related services, you will come across Checkatrade.

How Much Does a Checkatrade Listing Cost?

A Checkatrade listing is free for the most part. But there is a method of receiving more profile features and job support through a premium membership fee.

Depending on the level of membership you choose, the fee you pay may increase. Members can expect to pay from £69.99 plus VAT to £119.99 plus VAT for the upper-tier membership.

Other directory websites’ prices may vary, but I think Checkatrade definitely offers the best value when looking at the quality of posts you get and the reach of your advertisement listing.

Over the last few years, I’ve seen quite a bit of discussion on Checkatrade’s prices, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see it change again. Keep an eye on what people have to say about their service too, many people that joined Checkatrade membership have stated that they have a reasonable price.

How much is checkatrade a year?

Checkatrade costs on average £600 per year.

The £600annual subscription is cheaper than themonthly subscription of £60 a month.

There are additional costs to be listed in the Checkatrade publications and leaflets, which will bring the costs of your subscription closer to £1000.

How much is checkatrade per month?

The average costs of checkatrade is £30 +vat per month.

The £30 +VAT per month is for approved membership on the most basic plan.

Most members can expect to pay £69.99 plus VAT per month for the checkatrade standard package.

Should I Join If I Have Enough Work Right Now?

I think you should definitely join Checkatrade regardless of your work situation. Their free listings can only help a business and have no way of diminishing your service.

In fact, adding your website to directories will only help you in establishing your service. You will still receive reviews through word of mouth that can help lead to jobs in the long run.

If you are stacked out at present, I don’t think you should spend money on a premium listing. However, in the future, if work ever drops off it could definitely be worth a look into.

As a tradesman, it’s important to keep your flow of work constant. To do this you’ll either need to promote your business online or use some form of lead generation that can help you to gain enough reviews and make money.

We offer an extremely trustworthy lead gen service in which we can provide constant leads on a no-win-no-fee basis.

How Does Checkatrade Work?

Checkatrade rightly operates a very strict policy in regards to vetting possible members.

They will run an in-depth background check to make sure that you are fully suited for the listing and will conduct an interview.

One of Checkatrade’s main selling points is that they can confidently say that they give unbiased opinions and that no tradespeople are unfairly preferred to others.

In summary, if you can’t prove to Checkatrade that you are trustworthy and reliable, you won’t get the chance to prove that to Checkatrade’s customers.

What Does the Background Check Involve?

Background checks at Checkatrade include the following;

  • Proof of public liability insurance
  • A full credit check
  • Full proof of trading address
  • A full photo ID
  • Five references
  • Proof of legal right to operate your business
  • Proof of your qualification

Checkatrade requires you to formally agree to their code of conduct and you must also complete a full interview. On top of this, you can expect a full background check into your corporate or trading history.

If you lack any of the above, don’t even try to sign up with the site. You will more than likely see your application rejected immediately and that will not look good.

If you are unsure on whether you would like to join and still wish to know more about Checkatrade’s membership controls that are in place, I would definitely recommend getting in touch with them directly.

Many people dislike Checkatrade’s in-depth background checks but in my opinion, any qualified company or tradesperson with nothing to hide has many reasons to submit all their information.

Is it Easy to Leave Checkatrade?

I think it’s quite easy to leave Checkatrade as a trader.

If you want to terminate your contract and remove any listings or posts on their advertisement board, you must give the company some warning.

You will be locked into the 12-month contract term if you decide to set up as a full member with advertisement posts and reviews.

On their terms and conditions, Checkatrade state that you will be required to provide written notice if you wish to leave. Different cases may require different notice periods as there are a few reasons why a tradesperson may want to leave.

Is Checkatrade Reliable?

Checkatrade was created in 1998 and since then, they have received many awards. These awards have been earned through what both customers and tradespeople have had to say over the years.

In 2018, Checkatrade won the Online Trade Directory of the year. This apparently boosted the brand and put it way ahead of other directories.

If you own a business or are looking for a company for a service, Checkatrade can ensure reliability and trust due to its intensive background checks.

Can They Get Fake Reviews?

Through unhappy customer reviews, some people claim that Checkatrade’s review system is unfair.

Checkatrade receives good support in this area as their process for allowing reviews and ratings from customers are just as thorough as the checks that they complete for companies and tradespeople.

Because of this, it is highly unlikely that you will stumble upon a fake review on job posts, however, there can be occasional tradesmen fake negative reviews. Checkatrade stands apart from competitor directory sites due to its highly intensive application process.

What do Checkatrade’s Customers Say?

Checkatrade has a brilliant reputation on Trustpilot, which I believe to be the most reliable source of business feedback. Ranking at a solid 4.7 out of 5 with over 12,000 different verified ratings and reviews, I believe the number speak for themselves and make Checkatrade a trustworthy choice.

If you want that added confidence before choosing to sign up, I’d definitely suggest taking a look through the feedback to find out that this is a site that will be able to pull in paying customers that recommend checkatrade.

Although it’s great that Checkatrade has a very positive review percentage, you also should be thinking about what tradespeople think of Checkatrade.

What are the tradesman Checkatrade reviews saying?

The reviews from tradesmen are more balanced than customer reviews. Tradespeople generally give Checkatrade favourable ratings with an average of 3 out of 5 stars- so, normally is is more positive than a negative reviews.

It’s worth taking these reviews with a pinch of salt as the score only truly represents fewer than 200 unique reviews. This is also relevant to customer reviews too.

Many trusted tradespeople have had good reviews with a positive experience from a real customer to prove they’re good tradesmen and not cowboy builders.

Is Check a trade here to stay?

Even during COVID-19, Checktrade’s customer search volume and customer interest in Checkatrade has been constant and the company themselves have gone a long way to ensure that they remain relevant.

I think it’s pretty clear that Checkatrade will be here for the long run. They have a clear audience and will be serving plenty of customers and tradespeople for a long time.

Checkatrade Alternatives

There are many ways out there to get a job or promote your business. Although Checkatrade happens to be one of the UK’s biggest sites head to when they want to leave feedback, there are many alternatives that also offer a similar service.

Check out our dedicated article for all sites like checkatrade.com to find out which alternatives could be an option.

Checkatrade may have been around for longer; however, it’s definitely worth comparing with some of the more popular players in the game.

Checkatrade vs Bark

The main difference between Checkatrade and Bark is they cater to different needs.

Checkatrade specialises in connecting customers with vetted tradespeople, emphasising reliability and quality in home services.

Bark focuses on a broader range of services, from professional to domestic help, offering a versatile platform for both service providers and seekers to connect.

Your choice depends on the specific services you offer and the type of customers you aim to attract.

Checkatrade vs Yell

The main difference between Checkatrade and Yell is they offer distinct platforms for business exposure.

Checkatrade specialises in vetting tradespeople, building trust among customers seeking home improvement services.

Yell offers a comprehensive directory across various industries, enhancing online visibility and catering to a broader audience.

The best choice hinges on your business niche and target customer base.

Checkatrade vs FatRank

Checkatrade is a long-established trade directory that helps you build trust through verified listings, reviews, and vetting. Due to this trust factor, it performs well in local search and can lead to long-term business growth, particularly in high-demand areas.

Checkatrade charges a monthly fee regardless of whether you receive any leads. That means your costs are fixed, even if your return is uncertain. As a result, many new or cautious tradespeople hesitate to make a commitment.

Fatrank takes a different approach. You only pay for valid enquiries, with no upfront costs or contracts. Because it removes the financial risk, it’s ideal for tradespeople who want lead generation without commitment or overhead.

FeatureCheckatradeFatrank
Trust & Branding✅ Strong consumer trust✅ Growing reputation
Lead Cost Model❌ Monthly fee (fixed)✅ Pay per converted Lead
Upfront Risk❌ Always pay, leads or not✅ No cost until You Convert
Verification Process✅ Yes✅ Pre-qualified through Fatrank
Ideal ForEstablished trades in competitive areasAny Business Looking to Scale

If you want to build trust and achieve SEO value over time, Checkatrade is a great platform. However, if you’re looking for a risk-free way to start generating leads immediately, Fatrank is the better option.

Checkatrade vs Rated People

I have mentioned Rated People a few times in this review. They are established as one of the biggest competitors for Checkatrade.

Rated People is significantly different from Checkatrade, based solely on their checks. You can only leave a review after completing a job.

The membership and premium fees work very differently on Rated People. You can pay for leads as needed, and the monthly pricing system also appeals to a much broader market.

I believe the two services are quite different from one another. They both employ various methods to promote tradespeople to potential customers.

Checkatrade vs My Builder

My Builder uses a unique matching system, making it different to both Checkatrade and Rated People entirely.

You can list a specific job on the site and receive interest via responses and replies from registered users. You can leave reviews and opinions on services privately, but you can view all details of a service.

Checkatrade vs Trustatrader

Trustatrader is another direct competitor to Checkatrade, following a similar structure to Rated People.

Trustatrader follows a more exclusive system regarding job listings and profile listings. Although there are a significant number of tradies on Trustatrader, it has a competitive limit on the number of registrants per area.

Traders may be placed on a list and asked to wait before they can begin posting services and jobs, or start accepting new jobs.

What is a Trade Directory?

A trade directory is an online platform that connects consumers with local service providers such as plumbers, electricians, and builders. These directories serve as trusted intermediaries, helping customers feel more confident in their hiring decisions.

Checkatrade is one of the most well-known trade directories in the UK due to its focus on verification and consumer reviews.

While directories like Checkatrade often require subscription fees, Fatrank offers a no-risk solution where suppliers only pay for converted enquiries, making it a more intelligent choice for businesses who want performance-based results.

A Brief History of Checkatrade

Checkatrade was founded in 1998 in response to growing concerns about rogue traders. Because the industry lacked a reliable way to verify service providers,

Checkatrade quickly established itself as a trusted name among homeowners seeking reputable tradespeople. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation through television campaigns and partnerships with leading brands.

Although Checkatrade has become synonymous with trust in UK home services, its monthly cost can be a barrier for some trades.

Using Checkatrade as a Consumer

Consumers turn to Checkatrade when they want to find vetted, reviewed tradespeople in their local area. Because the platform includes background checks, insurance verification, and customer reviews, it provides a sense of security that many unregulated sites lack.

As a result, users often see Checkatrade as a safe first stop when booking home services. But from the supplier’s perspective, Checkatrade’s monthly fees may feel risky, especially in competitive areas.

Fatrank removes that uncertainty by offering a pay-per-conversion model, so you only invest in what delivers real value.

Checkatrade’s Vetting Process

Checkatrade requires tradespeople to pass a range of checks including public liability insurance, criminal record checks (DBS), and customer references. Because of this rigorous vetting, customers are more likely to trust businesses listed on the platform. This builds confidence and can lead to more work for verified members. Still, not all businesses want to commit to monthly fees for visibility.

Real Experiences from Checkatrade Tradespeople

Some tradespeople have significantly grown their businesses thanks to Checkatrade, especially in areas with high demand and limited competition.

Because the platform delivers trust at first glance, consumers are more likely to pick Checkatrade-approved suppliers.

However, others have reported mixed results, including generating low-quality leads or struggling to stand out.

Fatrank removes this gamble by only charging for enquiries that turn into orders, allowing trades to focus on results without worrying about ongoing subscription fees.

Checkatrade SEO Tips

A well-optimised Checkatrade profile can help your business rank higher for local search terms like “plumber in Birmingham” or “electrician near me.” Because Checkatrade has high domain authority, your listing often appears on page one of Google.

To maximise this, include relevant keywords, clear service descriptions, and regularly updated customer reviews. However, remember that SEO takes time and consistent effort.

Checkatrade and Local SEO Benefits

Being listed on Checkatrade can indirectly boost your local SEO because Google often ranks their pages highly for “service + location” searches. As a result, even tradespeople without their websites can still appear prominently in local search results.

Standing out on Checkatrade can be difficult without premium placement. That’s why many businesses use Fatrank in tandem to secure leads directly while building visibility over time.

Common Complaints About Checkatrade

Common criticisms of Checkatrade include rising monthly fees, saturated categories, and limited control over lead quality. Because tradespeople are charged whether or not they receive enquiries, some view the model as a financial risk.

Fatrank eliminates this concern with a performance-based approach: you only pay when you convert the enquiry into an order, and there’s no long-term commitment. This makes it a safer bet for businesses seeking predictable and measurable results.

Final Thoughts

Checkatrade is voted one of the best tradesman websites in the UK.

But for your investment, you might be better outsourcing the work to a specialist lead generation agency in the UK.

Checkatrade is beneficial for businesses aiming to grow online, particularly those in the trades sector, offering a platform for visibility and trust among potential customers.

However, for companies looking beyond traditional advertising and seeking to leverage advanced digital marketing strategies, exploring options like FatRank is advisable.

FatRank specialises in delivering real-time, high-quality leads, providing a more targeted approach to online growth and customer acquisition.

Checkatrade FAQ

Is Checkatrade good for new tradespeople?

Yes, especially if you’re starting in an area with little competition. Because Checkatrade builds trust quickly, it can help establish your reputation fast.

Are there cheaper or less risky alternatives to Checkatrade?

Yes, Fatrank is an excellent alternative because it doesn’t charge you unless someone enquires about your service. That means no upfront investment and no wasted fees.

How does Checkatrade help with SEO?

Checkatrade’s strong domain authority helps your business appear in search results for local terms, which enhances the reach and engagement of your website. 

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