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

Full Article

For tradespeople in the UK, MyBuilder is a well-known name in the lead generation space. The platform offers a unique bidding-style model that appeals to many — but not everyone sees consistent results, and the cost of securing jobs can feel unpredictable.

In this guide, we outline how MyBuilder works, share insights from public trade commentary, and explore lower-risk alternatives for generating new business.

How MyBuilder Works

MyBuilder connects homeowners posting job requests with relevant tradespeople. Unlike traditional pay-per-lead platforms, MyBuilder works on a "pay if shortlisted" basis:

• You express interest in a posted job
• The homeowner reviews applicants
• If you're shortlisted (i.e., the homeowner shows interest), you're charged a fee to receive their details

While this model offers more control than platforms that charge upfront per lead, there's still no guarantee of a reply, job, or income — and the charges can add up quickly if you're shortlisted often but win few jobs.

What Tradespeople Are Saying

ToolTalk, a review site for trade professionals, has a number of reviews from tradespeople who seem to be facing similar issues - poor lead quality:

"I’ve had countless jobs where I can get no answer from the supposedly client no matter how many times I ring, then eventually after a few weeks the number goes deadline."

Key Takeaways from Public Commentary

Summarising insights from the reviews on ToolTalk and broader feedback:

• Lead quality is poor: Numerous reports of low-quality leads and no response from the homeowner
• Drives prices down: Trades frustrated that homeowners just shop around for the cheapest quote
• Not ideal as a sole lead source: Even proponents suggest using it alongside other outreach

Alternatives to Consider

If you're looking to reduce uncertainty and take more control over how you find new jobs, consider diversifying:

🏡 1. Targeted Outreach to New Homeowners

HomebuyerLeads.co.uk provides exclusive access to recent property buyers in your chosen postcode areas — a group that often invests heavily in home improvements.

Benefits include:

• No bidding or competition
• Fixed costs per area
• High-converting audience (homeowners mid-renovation)
• Custom letter templates and direct outreach options

🌐 2. Local SEO and Google Business Presence

A fully optimised Google Business Profile and strong review strategy can bring in free, high-intent local leads without needing to pay per contact.

🤝 3. Word-of-Mouth and Network Building

Estate agents, letting agencies, and even other trades are often open to referral arrangements. These partnerships cost nothing and deliver warm, high-quality leads.

MyBuilder vs Alternatives: Snapshot Comparison

Feature	MyBuilder	HomebuyerLeads.co.uk
Lead Type	Shortlist-based shared leads	Exclusive homeowner contact data
Cost Model	Pay if shortlisted	Flat rate per postcode
Competition	High – bidding with other trades	None – you're the only contact
Conversion Certainty	Variable; no job guarantee	High-intent homeowners

Final Thoughts

MyBuilder has helped many tradespeople win work — particularly those who can quote fast, work flexibly, and compete on price. But if you're finding the shortlist charges hard to manage or the competition unsustainable, you're not alone.

As the Tradesman Saver article suggests, MyBuilder can be part of your toolkit — but it's rarely the full solution. Exploring exclusive, proactive outreach methods may offer more predictability, control, and ROI.