How to Get Trade Leads on Bark

Full Article

For tradespeople exploring new ways to win work, Bark.com presents itself as an online marketplace connecting professionals with customers looking for services — from builders to plumbers to personal trainers.

This article breaks down how Bark works, how to make the most of it, and what tradespeople are saying publicly about the platform.

How Bark Works

Bark uses a credit-based, pay-per-lead model. Here's the basic process:

• A homeowner submits a job request through Bark's website.
• Bark notifies matching tradespeople in that category and area.
• If you want to contact the customer, you spend credits to unlock their details.
• There is no guarantee the lead will respond — or hire.
• You are typically one of several professionals contacting the same customer.

Tips to Improve Your Results on Bark

Success on Bark seems to vary, but the following actions may improve your outcome:

Use Filters Aggressively

Bark allows you to set preferences by job type, budget, and location. This helps reduce wasted credit spend on mismatched enquiries.

Budget Your Spend

Leads vary in price. Setting a weekly or monthly limit can help you stay profitable — especially if response rates are inconsistent.

Follow Up Promptly

Many customers post jobs and move quickly. Reach out with a clear message and, if possible, a direct quote.

Gather Reviews

After any successful job, ask for a review on your Bark profile to build trust and help future conversion.

What Some Tradespeople Say Online

Public opinions of Bark are mixed. Some users say it helps them find new work. Others express frustration — especially around responsiveness and cost control.

On Reddit, a thread titled "Bark.com is a scam?" contains several critical comments from trades using the service:

"Most of the leads don’t answer the phone, don’t respond to messages, or have already hired someone else"

"Bark has a few decent leads but many of them were illegitimate."

It's worth noting that while these opinions raise legitimate concerns, forums like Reddit represent anecdotal experiences — not verified data. Outcomes can vary significantly depending on your location, service type, and how you use the platform.

Should You Use Bark?

That depends on your business model and how comfortable you are with risk-based spending.

Bark may be useful if:

• You're just starting out and want quick access to potential customers.
• You have the time and budget to test and filter leads.
• You're in a category with consistent demand and low competition.

It may be less useful if:

• You need guaranteed ROI on every pound spent.
• You want exclusive leads or higher conversion certainty.
• You operate in a niche market where customer education is key.

Alternatives to Explore

Regardless of how you use Bark, it's wise to diversify. Other ways to generate leads include:

• Direct homeowner outreach – e.g. via platforms like HomebuyerLeads that offer access to recent property buyers.
• Google Business Profile – Free and effective if optimized well.
• Facebook groups – Local recommendation pages often turn into job opportunities.
• Networking with related trades – Referral partnerships are still powerful.

Final Thoughts

Bark is one option among many. While it might work well for some, others find it difficult to control costs or convert leads consistently. If you test the platform, set clear boundaries: track spend, response rates, and actual revenue generated.