MyBuilder Leads Cost Too Much? Here's How to Spend Less and Get More

For many UK tradespeople, MyBuilder is a well-known platform for finding work. But as lead costs continue to rise while lead quality becomes increasingly questionable, more and more tradesmen are asking: Are MyBuilder leads worth the cost? If you're tired of paying high fees with disappointing returns, you're not alone.

In this guide, we'll break down the true cost of MyBuilder leads, how their credit-based model works, and alternatives options for cheaper, higher-converting trade leads.

How Much Do MyBuilder Leads Really Cost?

MyBuilder operates on a credit-based model that some tradespeople find increasingly expensive:

• No monthly subscription - Unlike some platforms, MyBuilder doesn't charge a monthly fee
• Pay-per-contact costs - You purchase credits (typically £1.50-£2.50 each) to express interest in jobs
• Variable job costs - Expressing interest in jobs costs between 3-35+ credits depending on job type and value

For example, a bathroom renovation job might cost you 20-30 credits (£30-£75) just to make contact with the homeowner, while a small repair might cost 3-5 credits (£4.50-£12.50). But here's what makes it problematic:

• You pay for leads whether you win the job or not
• Each job typically receives multiple expressions of interest from other tradespeople
• Many homeowners shortlist multiple tradespeople, creating immediate price competition
• You're paying just for the opportunity to quote, not for an actual job
• The platform encourages homeowners to compare multiple quotes, often driving prices down

For many trades, this means you could quickly spend £300-£800+ monthly on leads, with disappointing conversion rates.

The Problem with Shared Leads

MyBuilder's business model, like many lead generation platforms, relies on creating competition between tradespeople:

• Each job posting typically attracts multiple interested tradespeople
• Homeowners are encouraged to shortlist multiple tradespeople
• This creates immediate price competition and a race to the bottom
• Many homeowners choose based primarily on price, not quality or expertise
• You're essentially paying to enter a competitive bidding situation

This system works well for MyBuilder (they collect fees from multiple tradespeople for the same job) but creates diminishing returns for tradespeople who find themselves constantly undercutting their own rates just to win work.

Alternatives to MyBuilder

If you're looking for more affordable and effective ways to generate business, consider these alternatives:

1. HomebuyerLeads.co.uk

This platform provides exclusive leads from recent homebuyers who are actively looking to improve their new properties:

• You receive exclusive access to homeowner data - no competing with other tradespeople
• Recent homebuyers typically spend 2x more than average homeowners on home improvements in their first year
• Targeted by location, property type, and purchase date
• No bidding wars or competition
• Fixed, predictable costs with higher conversion rates

2. Google Business Profile + Local SEO

Investing in your online presence can generate free, organic leads:

• Set up and optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)
• Actively collect and respond to customer reviews
• Optimize your website for local search terms
• Create content that answers common customer questions

While this takes time to build, it creates a sustainable flow of leads without ongoing per-lead costs.

3. Referral Networks

Building relationships with complementary trades can create a steady stream of referrals:

• Partner with related but non-competing trades (plumbers referring electricians, etc.)
• Offer referral incentives to past customers
• Join local business networking groups

MyBuilder vs HomebuyerLeads: Quick Comparison

Feature	MyBuilder	HomebuyerLeads
Cost Structure	Credit-based system, pay per contact	Pay only for leads, no credit system
Lead Exclusivity	Competitive with 5-15 other tradespeople	100% exclusive to you
Customer Intent	Mixed; many comparing multiple quotes	High intent; recent homebuyers ready to improve
Price Competition	High (multiple quotes compared)	None (you're the only tradesperson)
Lead Quality	Variable; often price-sensitive	High quality; homeowners with renovation budgets
Predictability	Unpredictable costs and conversion rates	Fixed costs with higher conversion potential

Final Thoughts: Get More, Spend Less

While MyBuilder has helped many tradespeople find work over the years, their credit-based system and competitive lead model are pushing many businesses to seek alternatives.

By focusing on exclusive leads from platforms like HomebuyerLeads.co.uk, building your online presence, and developing referral networks, you can create a more sustainable business model with higher margins and less price competition.

The most successful tradespeople are moving away from competitive lead platforms and toward marketing channels where they can showcase their quality and expertise rather than competing solely on price.