£800+ to Join Trustatrader!

[Nicebloke]

I rang Trustatrader today to enquire about joining them, and was a bit surprised that it is about £830 a year and despite how confident they are that I will get lots of work, they don't allow you to sign up for less than a year to give it a trial run (not that confident then).

I guess it's worth it if you get lots of work, but with so many other such trade advertising companies going (checkatrader, which trader, rated trader etc), it's hard to know who to join (if any)?

Has anyone got any experience of of the trade advertising companies, and if so which ones are worth a try?

 

[Dave OCD]

I'm very lucky I suppose, only advertising ever was £230 for some van signing, that was only because people kept telling me it was a good idea. Every single job I get is via recommendation, even then I have to turn some work down due to being too busy but a good problem to have I guess.

 

[Des 56]

I'm very lucky I suppose, only advertising ever was £230 for some van signing, that was only because people kept telling me it was a good idea. Every single job I get is via recommendation, even then I have to turn some work down due to being too busy but a good problem to have I guess.

No,I don't think you were lucky,its probably because the work you have done has been of sufficient standard that word of mouth recommendations has kept the need for advertising to almost zero

Now,the above should be food for thought for those who pay through the nose for services that others never require

 

[Colin33]

I can beat that...total cost of advertising for any of the work i have done,since i first began accepting paid work,in 1974 at age ten...zero

I think I can beat that, I've never advertised since I started paid work over 30 years ago, not even a sign written vehicle, and once I found 50 Pence on top of an old CU I was replacing and I was allowed to keep it...

 

[PEG]

...you were lucky...ower dad would thrash us t' sleep wi' 'is belt...

 

[Colin33]

...you were lucky...ower dad would thrash us t' sleep wi' 'is belt...

Luxury.

 

[PEG]

You're on it,Colin Who stole the "like" button?

 

[Dave OCD]

Unless you're ambitious and want to employ people to have a larger business I can't see the need for going on any of these lists. All you have to do is quote fairly for the work requested, be friendly and polite,do a high quality job and always clean up thoroughly and you'll never be short of work.

 

[Colin33]

You're on it,Colin Who stole the "like" button?

Anyway Peg, what have outfits like Trustatrader ever done for us eh??

 

[PEG]

Let us all,understand what "Trustatrader",and all similar entities,before and since,are about.
It is a business,whose model and reason,is as old as trade itself.

The pyramid nature of these set-ups,is born out,by tracking their longevity and income stream,over any years that they last.

The benefit of presented work,is promised to the tradesman.
The promise of cheapest quote and vetting,is the alleged benefit,to the customer.

In truth,every body cannot win,and as it is the customers choice,the only losers will be on the opposing side. As in pyramid models,it is the people running,not the people using,who stand to win regularly.

I do not doubt there are a few winners,but to ensure the profits and continued operation of these schemes,and schemes they are,there has to be a commensurately greater number of losers,and they will be those who have put something in,to lose.

There are numerous studies,thesis titles and F.E projects on advertising based businesses,and it is not an accident,that the authors of some of the more incisive and understanding tomes,become directors of similar successful businesses,in the same vein.

 

[electric will]

come on people, please don't use these types of websites, all they are is a parasite.
They do nothing, while your out working and making money for them.

 

[electric will]

I like PEG's post

 

[Paul228]

never spent a penny on advertising...but if you are self employed, you can offset the cost against your tax.

 

[Marvo]

Surely that kind of advertising is a very indiscriminate shotgun approach and unlikely to get you quality customers. Also sounds hellish expensive, I'd be looking at more focussed advertising