Thinking of signing up to Checkatrade to get more trade leads in 2025? You're not alone.
Checkatrade is one of the most recognised names in the UK for connecting tradespeople with homeowners. But what do real users think? Is the service actually worth the money? Or are there better alternatives?
We've scoured public reviews, forums, and social media to give you a realistic look at what tradespeople are saying about Checkatrade in 2025 — and what you need to consider before joining.
📈 What Checkatrade Promises
Checkatrade markets itself as a trusted platform for homeowners to find vetted trades. For tradespeople, it promises:
- More local leads
- A trusted profile with reviews
- Ongoing work through visibility
- An edge over the competition
The idea is simple: pay a subscription, get listed, and wait for the phone to ring.
📢 What Real Trades Are Saying in 2025
We analysed hundreds of Checkatrade reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and forums. Here's what trades are saying:
💬 Positive Reviews
Some trades do see results, especially in:
- Areas with little competition
- When they're quick to respond
- With solid reviews built up over time
"Been with Checkatrade for 3 years now. It took a few months to get going but now I get 3 to 5 leads a week. It's helped fill gaps between referrals." – Electrical contractor, Kent
"We've used it to build credibility, even if not all leads are amazing." – Builder, Yorkshire
⚠️ Negative Reviews
But many reviews point to the same issues:
1. Lead Quality is Hit and Miss
"Half the enquiries I get are timewasters or people looking for the cheapest price."
"Lots of people just ghost you after you reply."
2. You Compete With Too Many Trades
"Customers are contacted by 5 companies at once. You have to win on price or be first."
3. High Costs With No Guarantees
"£370 a month for what? A couple of messages a week if I'm lucky."
4. Hard to Cancel
"They make it difficult to get out of the contract. It rolls over unless you cancel in time."
🔍 Trustpilot vs Reality
Checkatrade has a 'Great' rating on Trustpilot, but many of the reviews are from homeowners rather than trades. Dig into the 1-star reviews and you'll find:
- Complaints about poor return on investment
- Inconsistent lead volumes
- Issues with subscription contracts
So while the Checkatrade reviews look decent on the surface, the deeper reality for tradespeople is more mixed.
🧰 Pros and Cons of Using Checkatrade
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Recognised name | Shared leads with lots of trades |
| Can build trust with homeowners | Expensive monthly costs |
| Review system helps long-term | Some leads are low quality or non-responsive |
| Visibility in Google for certain searches | Contracts can be hard to cancel |
| Good for busy areas with few trades | ROI can be unpredictable |
🧠 Should You Use Checkatrade in 2025?
The answer depends on:
- Your location: Some postcodes are saturated
- Your trade: Some categories do better than others
- Your response time: You must follow up fast
- Your budget: It's a gamble without guarantees
For many small businesses and sole traders, it can be a costly experiment. You may win a few jobs, or you may spend hundreds every month with nothing to show for it.
🆕 What Are the Alternatives in 2025?
More tradespeople are exploring direct-to-customer lead generation options that offer more control and less competition. These include:
🟢 Google Business Profile
Free and powerful for local visibility. Make sure yours is fully set up.
🟢 Property Data Platforms like HomeBuyerLeads
These services let you:
- Target people who have just bought a home
- Contact them directly before other trades
- Filter by EPC rating or location
- Avoid shared, recycled leads
This is becoming a go-to for trades looking for high-intent, exclusive leads without having to compete on speed or price.
🧾 Final Word: What the Reviews Really Say
Checkatrade is not a scam — it's a real platform with real trades using it.
But reviews show a pattern: inconsistent results, expensive pricing, and a lack of lead exclusivity.
If you're considering it, read more than just the homepage. Search "Checkatrade reviews 2025", look on Reddit, Facebook, and independent forums. See what people in your trade and area are saying.
And before you sign up, compare it with alternatives that offer more control and better targeting.
💡 Want to Try Something Different?
At HomeBuyerLeads, we give you access to exclusive leads based on recent UK house sales. No shared platforms. No cold traffic. Just homeowners looking to make upgrades.
See how many properties are in your postcode:
See how many local, recently purchased properties you could get your business in front of every month. Get started for free
