Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Tradies Nation
For Customers
How do I get connected with a tradie?
Choose your service (like plumbing, electrical, carpentry) and your suburb. Fill out the job request form with your details and what you need done. We'll receive your request and connect you with a verified local tradie in your area.
How do I know if a tradie is good?
Every tradie in our network is verified. We check their trade license, insurance coverage, and references before accepting them. When we connect you with a tradie, you can ask for recent work examples and speak to past customers. We also encourage you to use our vetting checklist for extra peace of mind.
Is it free to use Tradies Nation?
Yes, completely free for customers. There are no hidden fees, no membership costs, and no obligations. We don't charge you to connect with tradies.
Do I have to hire the first tradie you connect me with?
Not at all. We recommend getting multiple quotes before making a decision. There's no obligation to hire anyone we connect you with.
What should I ask before hiring a tradie?
Key questions: Are you licensed for this work? Do you have current insurance? Can you provide references from recent jobs? What's included in your quote? What's your timeline? Do you guarantee your work? Can I see examples of similar jobs you've completed?
How much should I expect to pay?
Pricing varies by service, location, and job complexity. Check our blog for service-specific pricing guides by city. Always get written quotes from multiple tradies to compare. Be wary of quotes that seem too cheap - they often indicate corners being cut.
Should I get multiple quotes?
Yes, we recommend getting at least 3 quotes for any significant work. This helps you understand fair market rates and gives you options. Make sure quotes are detailed and itemized so you can compare accurately.
How much deposit should I pay upfront?
For small jobs (under $1,000), no deposit should be required. For larger jobs, 10-20% is standard, maximum 50% for custom materials. Never pay the full amount upfront. Any tradie asking for 100% payment before starting work is a red flag.
What if the work isn't up to standard?
First, raise concerns directly with the tradie - most issues can be resolved through communication. If that doesn't work, contact us at complaints@tradies.jack1001.ai. We'll help mediate. You also have rights under Australian Consumer Law if work is not performed with due care and skill.
Are all tradies insured?
Yes, we verify that every tradie has current public liability insurance before accepting them into our network. However, you should still confirm their insurance is current when you engage them, especially for larger jobs.
Do I need a written contract?
For any job over $500, yes. For jobs over $5,000 in most states, it's legally required. The contract should include: scope of work, materials, timeline, payment terms, and any warranties. Don't start work without a signed agreement.
For Tradies
How do I join Tradies Nation?
Fill out our application form on the For Tradies page. We'll review your license, insurance, and references. If approved, you'll be accepted into our verified network for your service areas. The whole process typically takes 1-3 business days.
What does it cost to join?
Joining is free. No upfront costs. You pay 10% up to a maximum of $300 per completed job, and only after the customer pays you. $500 job = $50 fee. $5,000+ job = $300 fee (capped). No gambling on leads, no commission on quotes.
What do you check before approving my application?
We verify your trade license with the relevant state authority, check your insurance coverage is current and adequate, call your references, and review examples of your recent work. This usually takes 3-5 business days.
Can I offer multiple services?
Yes, if you're licensed for multiple trades. Each service must have a valid license and insurance coverage. For example, if you're licensed for both electrical and plumbing, you can offer both.
How many suburbs can I cover?
As many as you can realistically service. Be honest about your coverage area - saying you service suburbs you can't actually reach leads to poor customer experience and may result in removal from the platform.
What do you charge?
We charge 10% up to a maximum of $300 per completed job. You pay AFTER the customer pays you. Not upfront. Not on quotes. After successful job completion. $500 job = $50 fee. $2,000 job = $200 fee. $5,000+ job = $300 fee (capped). You set your own prices with customers.
Can I choose which jobs to take?
Yes, absolutely. You're an independent business owner. When we connect you with a customer, you decide whether to quote on the job or decline it. There's no obligation to take every connection.
How do I update my details?
Email getwork@tradies.jack1001.ai with any changes to your contact details, service areas, or business information. We'll update your details within 24 hours.
What if I get a complaint?
We'll contact you to hear your side. Most complaints are miscommunications that can be resolved. If a complaint is serious or there's a pattern of issues, we may remove you from our network. We take quality seriously.
About The Platform
How is Tradies Nation different from other platforms?
We connect customers with verified tradies - you don't browse or search. You submit a job request, we connect you with a local professional. Tradies pay success fees (10% up to $300 max) only after jobs complete and they get paid. No upfront gambling on leads. No corporate markup inflating prices.
What areas do you cover?
We cover 1,462 suburbs across all Australian states and territories - NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT, and ACT. Coverage includes major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra) and regional areas.
What services are available?
We cover 30 different trade services: Bathroom Renovation, Carpentry, Commercial Electrical, Concreting, Decks, Demolition, Electrical, Emergency Plumbing, Fencing, Gas Fitting, Gutter Cleaning, Handyman, Heritage Carpentry, Kitchen Renovation, Landscaping, Lawn & Garden, Outdoor Living, Painting, Pergolas, Plastering, Plumbing, Pool Maintenance, Pressure Washing, Renovations, Retaining Walls, Roofing, Security Systems, Solar Installation, Tiling, and Waterproofing.
How do you verify tradies?
We check trade licenses with state licensing authorities, verify insurance policies are current, call references from recent customers, review work examples, and check for any complaints history. See our Vetting Process page for full details.
Do you have a mobile app?
Not currently. Our website is mobile-optimized and works great on phones and tablets. You can access all features through your mobile browser.
Can I leave reviews?
We're developing a review system. For now, if you have feedback about a tradie (positive or negative), email us at support@tradies.jack1001.ai and we'll keep it on file.
Common Issues
A tradie didn't respond to my enquiry
Tradies are independent contractors and may be busy with current work. If you don't hear back within 48 hours, try contacting other tradies in your area. If a tradie consistently doesn't respond, let us know.
I'm not happy with the work completed
First, discuss the issue directly with the tradie. Most professionals will fix issues when brought to their attention. If that doesn't resolve it, contact complaints@tradies.jack1001.ai with details and we'll help mediate.
A tradie asked for cash payment only
This is a red flag. Professional tradies offer multiple payment methods. Cash-only requests may indicate tax avoidance or unlicensed work. We don't condone this practice - report it to complaints@tradies.jack1001.ai.
The quote seems very high/very low
Get multiple quotes to establish fair market rates. Very high quotes may include unnecessary work or premium pricing. Very low quotes may indicate corners being cut, unlicensed work, or hidden costs to come. Trust your instincts.