Ratedpeople On our terms.

[StuSpiers]

Been thinking about this one for a while.

What would be the general consensus for a website similar to rated people/my hammer but on our terms.

The core idea of these websites is good, but unforntunatly they are run by people that don't understand/want to understand trades people and they want to make money out of us.

My thoughts were to setup a similar site based on a Co-Op of trades people who all part owned the site

Prices for jobs would be set by the website (not by the client) there would have to be a cut taken for upkeep of the site, but this would be the bare minimum.

Trade membership would be vetted on city & guilds quals, insurance etc.

Clients would be 'rated' aswell as trades, bad payers time waster etc.

These are ideas only I wouldn't have the know how to set this up but just want to see what the response would be?

 

[IQ Electrical]

Been thinking about this one for a while.

What would be the general consensus for a website similar to rated people/my hammer but on our terms.

The core idea of these websites is good, but unforntunatly they are run by people that don't understand/want to understand trades people and they want to make money out of us.

My thoughts were to setup a similar site based on a Co-Op of trades people who all part owned the site

Prices for jobs would be set by the website (not by the client) there would have to be a cut taken for upkeep of the site, but this would be the bare minimum.

Trade membership would be vetted on city & guilds quals, insurance etc.

Clients would be 'rated' aswell as trades, bad payers time waster etc.

These are ideas only I wouldn't have the know how to set this up but just want to see what the response would be?

Anyone can set up as an 'electrician' on RatedPeople so you're right about the accreditations bit.
The problem won't be the know-how of setting it up, it'll be raising the capital to compete-they're doing radio, TV ads, massive Google Adwords costs etc etc.

 

[Rockingit]

^^^ what he said

 

[StuSpiers]

That's what dragons den is for isn't it?

Lol

yes would need serious investment which is a stumbling block

 

[nick182]

Its so easy to by-pass rated people. I have won a lot of jobs simply by looking on their website and "thinking outside the box" to get work.. I have never called or have spoken to anyone from rated people.. All i need is the customers postcode and wallah.. ill leaflet drop that entire street.

works well

 

[HandySparks]

Its so easy to by-pass rated people. I have won a lot of jobs simply by looking on their website and "thinking outside the box" to get work.. I have never called or have spoken to anyone from rated people.. All i need is the customers postcode and wallah.. ill leaflet drop that entire street.

works well

Hi Nick, I've not used Rated People. It looks like there's an ongoing membership fee as well as a fee for each lead. Do you manage to avoid both of these? Do tell!

 

[Amp David]

If the flyers work then its probably worth the 40 quid plus vat a quarter to stay as a paid member, then you can keep on finding the job and posting the flyers.

 

[1shortcircuit]

Rated People have been visiting tradespeople recently for feedback on how they can improve their services. I know this because I was one that they visited.

Two representatives visited me at my home, one asked questions and the other documented every idea I suggested.

Obviously as I am Part P approved I mentioned that it would be nice if they had somewhere on their website explaining what Part P means for the client ordering the work. I also added amongst other ideas that a check box should be included where it gives the client the opportunity of listing more in depth information to give electricians a clearer picture of the installation ie RCD switches present etc etc.

I use Rated People but not on the scale that I used to because my other adverts have been working better for me. I am now very selective and try only for the work that seems realistic and close to home.

Another idea I mentioned was it would be nice to be able to see who is winning the jobs that I go for. I welcome competition but like many of you I'm not interested in competing with people who are not prepared to jump through the same hoops as the rest of us.

There are far too many members on their posting crap jobs, with very vague details with more often than not unrealistic budget selection.

It's a good idea but as Rated People are aware, it needs improving on the behalf of the tradespeople.

 

[oldtimer]

Sorry to shoot you down here but in this new era of requiring more honesty in business then the business model for Rated people and Service Magic just does not work why because they are acting as a middle man and the customer is getting savvy enough to realise that it does not pay because they get a lower quality job why because these business models are sales driven plus all they are doing is promoting their brand via TV and Google adds so who pays well the tradesman and the customer pays.

Also the reason why they came to see you was not because they wanted to improve the service nope in my view they know they have problems because revenue is not keeping up with cash flow to sum it up one of them will go bust soon in this saturated market

 

[1shortcircuit]

Sorry to shoot you down here but in this new era of requiring more honesty in business then the business model for Rated people and Service Magic just does not work why because they are acting as a middle man and the customer is getting savvy enough to realise that it does not pay because they get a lower quality job why because these business models are sales driven plus all they are doing is promoting their brand via TV and Google adds so who pays well the tradesman and the customer pays.

Also the reason why they came to see you was not because they wanted to improve the service nope in my view they know they have problems because revenue is not keeping up with cash flow to sum it up one of them will go bust soon in this saturated market

Sorry to shoot me down???

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Some it will work for, others it will not. A tradesperson will never become a millionaire using such sites but it is good to help fill in gaps that may appear in the diary. Perhaps they and similar businesses will go to the wall? Who's to know?

I do believe though that they do in fact want to improve the service. They listened to every word I had to say and paid me for my time and I don't just mean a 50 quid bung. One hour of my time provided me with a days earnings without me even leaving my home