I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
are not very good.
There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
actually take place.
The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
and try whoever is in there.

Any ideas?

--
Davey.

On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:

> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
> don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
> sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
> are not very good.
> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
> done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
> actually take place.
> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
> and try whoever is in there.
>
> Any ideas?

Possibly ask in a local social media group.

--
My posts are my copyright and if @diy_forums or Home Owners' Hub
wish to copy them they can pay me £1 a message.
Use the BIG mirror service in the UK: http://www.mirrorservice.org
*lightning surge protection* - a w_tom conductor

On 17/03/2024 in message <l5o42hF8j9vU3@mid.individual.net> Bob Eager wrote:

>On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:
>
>>I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
>>don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
>>sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
>>are not very good.
>>There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
>>done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
>>actually take place.
>>The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
>>and try whoever is in there.
>>
>>Any ideas?
>
>Possibly ask in a local social media group.

+1 to that.

I went via Checkatrde once and the chap said it would cost £95 to assess
the job which he would knock of the price if he got the work.

--
Jeff Gaines Dorset UK
The facts, although interesting, are irrelevant

On 17/03/2024 11:24, Davey wrote:
> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
> don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
> sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
> are not very good.
> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
> done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
> actually take place.
> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
> and try whoever is in there.
>
> Any ideas?
>

When I was still in the business of making medical devices, of use only
to medical professionals, my company was invited to list itself in
Checkatrade and, so far as I could see, there were no requirements to
provide any references.

--
Colin Bignell

On 17 Mar 2024 11:56:01 GMT
Bob Eager <news0009@eager.cx> wrote:

> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:
>
> > I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
> > don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader,
> > Check-a-Trade sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that
> > affirmation, they are not very good.
> > There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to
> > be done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
> > actually take place.
> > The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still
> > exists, and try whoever is in there.
> >
> > Any ideas?
>
> Possibly ask in a local social media group.
>
>
>

Thanks, but I don't do social media.
Luddites of the world unite!
--
Davey.

On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:

> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
> don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
> sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
> are not very good.
> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
> done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
> actually take place.
> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
> and try whoever is in there.
>
> Any ideas?

My advice is to steer clear of any site that takes money from the trader.
Because when things go wrong no one will listen to you. And you will find
your honest review "pending" until the site takes the traders side. Funny
that.

On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 13:28:50 +0000, Davey wrote:

> On 17 Mar 2024 11:56:01 GMT Bob Eager <news0009@eager.cx> wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:
>>
>> > I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
>> > don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
>> > sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
>> > are not very good.
>> > There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
>> > done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
>> > actually take place.
>> > The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
>> > and try whoever is in there.
>> >
>> > Any ideas?
>>
>> Possibly ask in a local social media group.
>>
>>
>>
>>
> Thanks, but I don't do social media.

You don't have to post and can hide your profile.

> Luddites of the world unite!

As long as it doesn't disadvantage you.

On 17/03/2024 11:24, Davey wrote:
> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
> don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
> sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
> are not very good.

The demand on good tradesmen is high with long lead times for those in
demand, especially for new customers.

> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
> done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
> actually take place.

Why?

> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
> and try whoever is in there.
>
> Any ideas?

DIY, there's loads of help here, typically from real experiences.

On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey <davey@example.invalid>
wrote:

>I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
>don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
>sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
>are not very good.
>There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
>done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
>actually take place.
>The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
>and try whoever is in there.
>
>Any ideas?

The people who scammed me a while back had a Checkatrade logo but
became untraceable once they'd got my money so I don't hold
Checkatrade in very high regard, I'm afraid.

We have a physical local directory of trades and services posted
through our letterbox every couple of months and I figure if someone
is advertising month after month, they are not fly by nighters and
probably giving a good service and local people will know them. I've
only used my directory once and the locksmith I contacted was first
rate, fair priced and I'd use him again. Is there anything like that
sort of leaflet in circulation around your way?

Nick

Davey <davey@example.invalid> wrote:
> On 17 Mar 2024 11:56:01 GMT
> Bob Eager <news0009@eager.cx> wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:
>>
>>> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
>>> don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader,
>>> Check-a-Trade sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that
>>> affirmation, they are not very good.
>>> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to
>>> be done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
>>> actually take place.
>>> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still
>>> exists, and try whoever is in there.
>>>
>>> Any ideas?
>>
>> Possibly ask in a local social media group.
>>
>>
>>
>
> Thanks, but I don't do social media.
> Luddites of the world unite!

Cutting off your nose to spite your face here! Seriously, this is one of
the times when social media can be handy.

Pick one at random, you may get lucky.

Tim

--
Please don't feed the trolls

On 17/03/2024 18:29, Tim+ wrote:

> Cutting off your nose to spite your face here! Seriously, this is one of
> the times when social media can be handy.

+1
It does help greatly if you subscribe to a group associated to the local
area and not just use the general national/worldwide readership.

--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:01:31 +0000
Nick Odell <nickodell49@yahoo.ca> wrote:

> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey <davey@example.invalid>
> wrote:
>
> >I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
> >don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
> >sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
> >are not very good.
> >There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
> >done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
> >actually take place.
> >The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
> >and try whoever is in there.
> >
> >Any ideas?
>
> The people who scammed me a while back had a Checkatrade logo but
> became untraceable once they'd got my money so I don't hold
> Checkatrade in very high regard, I'm afraid.
>
> We have a physical local directory of trades and services posted
> through our letterbox every couple of months and I figure if someone
> is advertising month after month, they are not fly by nighters and
> probably giving a good service and local people will know them. I've
> only used my directory once and the locksmith I contacted was first
> rate, fair priced and I'd use him again. Is there anything like that
> sort of leaflet in circulation around your way?
>
> Nick

That confirms my suspicions, for sure.
Thanks.
--
Davey.

On 17 Mar 2024 18:29:10 GMT
Tim+ <timdownieuk@yahoo.co.youkay> wrote:

> Davey <davey@example.invalid> wrote:
> > On 17 Mar 2024 11:56:01 GMT
> > Bob Eager <news0009@eager.cx> wrote:
> >
> >> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:
> >>
> >>> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a
> >>> flat. I don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader,
> >>> Check-a-Trade sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that
> >>> affirmation, they are not very good.
> >>> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to
> >>> be done without being there, I will only go there when the job
> >>> will actually take place.
> >>> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still
> >>> exists, and try whoever is in there.
> >>>
> >>> Any ideas?
> >>
> >> Possibly ask in a local social media group.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> > Thanks, but I don't do social media.
> > Luddites of the world unite!
>
> Cutting off your nose to spite your face here! Seriously, this is one
> of the times when social media can be handy.
>
> Pick one at random, you may get lucky.
>
> Tim
>

I asked BT's 'ThePhoneBook', and it came up with about a dozen Plumbers,
three of whom had a website. I have sent a Request for Quotation to
them. I reckon that it you don't have a website, you are not serious
about getting work.

--
Davey.

On 17/03/2024 23:32, Davey wrote:
> On 17 Mar 2024 18:29:10 GMT
> Tim+ <timdownieuk@yahoo.co.youkay> wrote:
>
>> Davey <davey@example.invalid> wrote:
>>> On 17 Mar 2024 11:56:01 GMT
>>> Bob Eager <news0009@eager.cx> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a
>>>>> flat. I don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader,
>>>>> Check-a-Trade sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that
>>>>> affirmation, they are not very good.
>>>>> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to
>>>>> be done without being there, I will only go there when the job
>>>>> will actually take place.
>>>>> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still
>>>>> exists, and try whoever is in there.
>>>>>
>>>>> Any ideas?
>>>>
>>>> Possibly ask in a local social media group.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks, but I don't do social media.
>>> Luddites of the world unite!
>>
>> Cutting off your nose to spite your face here! Seriously, this is one
>> of the times when social media can be handy.
>>
>> Pick one at random, you may get lucky.
>>
>> Tim
>>
>
> I asked BT's 'ThePhoneBook', and it came up with about a dozen Plumbers,
> three of whom had a website. I have sent a Request for Quotation to
> them. I reckon that it you don't have a website, you are not serious
> about getting work.

It can also suggest the quality of your work and cost are such you don't
have to go looking for work.

On Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:32:28 +1100, Davey <davey@example.invalid> wrote:

> On 17 Mar 2024 18:29:10 GMT
> Tim+ <timdownieuk@yahoo.co.youkay> wrote:
>
>> Davey <davey@example.invalid> wrote:
>> > On 17 Mar 2024 11:56:01 GMT
>> > Bob Eager <news0009@eager.cx> wrote:
>> >
>> >> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:
>> >>
>> >>> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a
>> >>> flat. I don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader,
>> >>> Check-a-Trade sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that
>> >>> affirmation, they are not very good.
>> >>> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to
>> >>> be done without being there, I will only go there when the job
>> >>> will actually take place.
>> >>> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still
>> >>> exists, and try whoever is in there.
>> >>>
>> >>> Any ideas?
>> >>
>> >> Possibly ask in a local social media group.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> > Thanks, but I don't do social media.
>> > Luddites of the world unite!
>>
>> Cutting off your nose to spite your face here! Seriously, this is one
>> of the times when social media can be handy.
>>
>> Pick one at random, you may get lucky.
>>
>> Tim
>>
>
> I asked BT's 'ThePhoneBook', and it came up with about a dozen Plumbers,
> three of whom had a website. I have sent a Request for Quotation to
> them. I reckon that it you don't have a website, you are not serious
> about getting work.

I don't buy that last. More likely you are a good plumber that gets plenty
of work without one.

On 17/03/2024 23:32, Davey wrote:
> On 17 Mar 2024 18:29:10 GMT
> Tim+ <timdownieuk@yahoo.co.youkay> wrote:
>
>> Davey <davey@example.invalid> wrote:
>>> On 17 Mar 2024 11:56:01 GMT
>>> Bob Eager <news0009@eager.cx> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a
>>>>> flat. I don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader,
>>>>> Check-a-Trade sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that
>>>>> affirmation, they are not very good.
>>>>> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to
>>>>> be done without being there, I will only go there when the job
>>>>> will actually take place.
>>>>> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still
>>>>> exists, and try whoever is in there.
>>>>>
>>>>> Any ideas?
>>>>
>>>> Possibly ask in a local social media group.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks, but I don't do social media.
>>> Luddites of the world unite!
>>
>> Cutting off your nose to spite your face here! Seriously, this is one
>> of the times when social media can be handy.
>>
>> Pick one at random, you may get lucky.
>>
>> Tim
>>
>
> I asked BT's 'ThePhoneBook', and it came up with about a dozen Plumbers,
> three of whom had a website. I have sent a Request for Quotation to
> them. I reckon that it you don't have a website, you are not serious
> about getting work.
>

Many would say they don't need a website, they can't cope with the work
they get via Facebook, web sites are expensive, they never shows up in
google searches without advertising etc etc. Many requiring tradesmen
just ask on Facebook or the local WhatsApp group.

The last tradesman I employed was a decorator, and I found him from a
pavement board. I then looked him up on Facebook, asked on a few groups,
got ok responses, got a quote and employed him.

Still had to wait, big backlog of work....

.... so its a sellers market, most tradesmen I know are turning away work...

Dave

On 18/03/2024 00:04, David Wade wrote:
> On 17/03/2024 23:32, Davey wrote:
>> On 17 Mar 2024 18:29:10 GMT
>> Tim+ <timdownieuk@yahoo.co.youkay> wrote:
>>
>>> Davey <davey@example.invalid> wrote:
>>>> On 17 Mar 2024 11:56:01 GMT
>>>> Bob Eager <news0009@eager.cx> wrote:
>>>>> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:
>>>>>> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a
>>>>>> flat. I don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader,
>>>>>> Check-a-Trade sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that
>>>>>> affirmation, they are not very good.
>>>>>> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to
>>>>>> be done without being there, I will only go there when the job
>>>>>> will actually take place.
>>>>>> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still
>>>>>> exists, and try whoever is in there.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Any ideas?
>>>>>
>>>>> Possibly ask in a local social media group.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thanks, but I don't do social media.
>>>> Luddites of the world unite!
>>>
>>> Cutting off your nose to spite your face here! Seriously, this is one
>>> of the times when social media can be handy.
>>>
>>> Pick one at random, you may get lucky.
>>>
>>> Tim
>>>
>>
>> I asked BT's 'ThePhoneBook', and it came up with about a dozen Plumbers,
>> three of whom had a website. I have sent a Request for Quotation to
>> them. I reckon that it you don't have a website, you are not serious
>> about getting work.
>>
>
> Many would say they don't need a website, they can't cope with the work
> they get via Facebook, web sites are expensive, they never shows up in
> google searches without advertising etc etc. Many requiring tradesmen
> just ask on Facebook or the local WhatsApp group.
>
> The last tradesman I employed was a decorator, and I found him from a
> pavement board. I then looked him up on Facebook, asked on a few groups,
> got ok responses, got a quote and employed him.
>
> Still had to wait, big backlog of work....

I don't normally employ any tradesmen, as I do pretty well everything
myself. One of the two I have used was a pointing company, as the bricks
at the front of our house are heavily textured and easy to leave
permanently disfigured. We kept seeing a company's vans around the area
and saw the results of their work at each location. When we decided to
use the company, we had to wait more than 6 months for slot.

The next-door neighbours commented that they wish they'd used the same
company.

On 17/03/2024 11:24, Davey wrote:
> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
> don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
> sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
> are not very good.
> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
> done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
> actually take place.
> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
> and try whoever is in there.
>
> Any ideas?

Phone the property management department of a local lettings agent -
they might let you have the details of one of their preferred suppliers.

--
Cheers,

John.

/=================================================================\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\=================================================================/

On 17/03/2024 12:10, Colin Bignell wrote:
> On 17/03/2024 11:24, Davey wrote:
>> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
>> don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
>> sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
>> are not very good.
>> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
>> done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
>> actually take place.
>> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
>> and try whoever is in there.
>>
>> Any ideas?
>>
>
> When I was still in the business of making medical devices, of use only
> to medical professionals, my company was invited to list itself in
> Checkatrade and, so far as I could see, there were no requirements to
> provide any references.
>

Many of these websites are simply cash generators, you can get negative
feedback removed - for a sum of money.

Another cash generator was the Guild of Master Craftsmen - again no
references required. At one time you saw their stickers on almost every
tradesman's van - but I can't recall seeing one for a long time.

On 18/03/2024 00:04, David Wade wrote:

>
> ... so its a sellers market, most tradesmen I know are turning away work...
>

The past few tradesmen that I've employed on recommendation had enough
work that I had to wait 6 to 8 weeks before they could fit me in.

--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

On 17/03/2024 23:28, Davey wrote:
> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:01:31 +0000
> Nick Odell <nickodell49@yahoo.ca> wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey <davey@example.invalid>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
>>> don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
>>> sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
>>> are not very good.
>>> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
>>> done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
>>> actually take place.
>>> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
>>> and try whoever is in there.
>>>
>>> Any ideas?
>>
>> The people who scammed me a while back had a Checkatrade logo but
>> became untraceable once they'd got my money so I don't hold
>> Checkatrade in very high regard, I'm afraid.
>>
>> We have a physical local directory of trades and services posted
>> through our letterbox every couple of months and I figure if someone
>> is advertising month after month, they are not fly by nighters and
>> probably giving a good service and local people will know them. I've
>> only used my directory once and the locksmith I contacted was first
>> rate, fair priced and I'd use him again. Is there anything like that
>> sort of leaflet in circulation around your way?
>>
>> Nick
>
> That confirms my suspicions, for sure.
> Thanks.

If you're concerned about Checkatrade, this might be a better option for
you:
<https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/>

--

Jeff

John Rumm wrote:

> On 17/03/2024 11:24, Davey wrote:
>> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
>> don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
>> sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
>
> Phone the property management department of a local lettings agent -
> they might let you have the details of one of their preferred suppliers.
>

A much better idea then any checkatrade or flyer through the door
of all the good tradesmen i know none have a website.

--

John Rumm <see.my.signature@nowhere.null> wrote:
> On 17/03/2024 11:24, Davey wrote:
> > I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a flat. I
> > don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader, Check-a-Trade
> > sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that affirmation, they
> > are not very good.
> > There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to be
> > done without being there, I will only go there when the job will
> > actually take place.
> > The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still exists,
> > and try whoever is in there.
> >
> > Any ideas?
>
> Phone the property management department of a local lettings agent -
> they might let you have the details of one of their preferred suppliers.

Depends. They could directly employ maintenance people.

Knowing the ineptitude of my last lettings agent (I could write a book...
let's just it would feature guns) and the way they cheapskated every single
job (hiring the cheapest workers who bodged it and scarpered, if they showed
up at all) I would immediately run a mile from any of the trades they
employed.

Of the 'trader' sites, I heard Which? Trusted Trader was better in terms of
actually vetting tradespeople, but I have not enough data to comment myself.
(only experience was I once got a flat roofer from there to quote. He was
more interested in banging out a standard quote than listening to what I
actually asked him to quote for)

Theo

On Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:13:51 +0000, SteveW <steve@walker-family.me.uk>
wrote:

>On 18/03/2024 00:04, David Wade wrote:
>> On 17/03/2024 23:32, Davey wrote:
>>> On 17 Mar 2024 18:29:10 GMT
>>> Tim+ <timdownieuk@yahoo.co.youkay> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Davey <davey@example.invalid> wrote:
>>>>> On 17 Mar 2024 11:56:01 GMT
>>>>> Bob Eager <news0009@eager.cx> wrote:
>>>>>> On Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:24:05 +0000, Davey wrote:
>>>>>>> I need to engage a plumber in a distant town, for a job in a
>>>>>>> flat. I don't know any traders there. Are these Trusted Trader,
>>>>>>> Check-a-Trade sites any good? I wonder whether, if they need that
>>>>>>> affirmation, they are not very good.
>>>>>>> There is no chance of asking neighbours, as I am arranging this to
>>>>>>> be done without being there, I will only go there when the job
>>>>>>> will actually take place.
>>>>>>> The alternative is to just use the Phone Book, while it still
>>>>>>> exists, and try whoever is in there.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Any ideas?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Possibly ask in a local social media group.
>>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks, but I don't do social media.
>>>>> Luddites of the world unite!
>>>>
>>>> Cutting off your nose to spite your face here! Seriously, this is one
>>>> of the times when social media can be handy.
>>>>
>>>> Pick one at random, you may get lucky.
>>>>
>>>> Tim
>>>
>>> I asked BT's 'ThePhoneBook', and it came up with about a dozen Plumbers,
>>> three of whom had a website. I have sent a Request for Quotation to
>>> them. I reckon that it you don't have a website, you are not serious
>>> about getting work.
>>
>> Many would say they don't need a website, they can't cope with the work
>> they get via Facebook, web sites are expensive, they never shows up in
>> google searches without advertising etc etc. Many requiring tradesmen
>> just ask on Facebook or the local WhatsApp group.
>>
>> The last tradesman I employed was a decorator, and I found him from a
>> pavement board. I then looked him up on Facebook, asked on a few groups,
>> got ok responses, got a quote and employed him.
>>
>> Still had to wait, big backlog of work....
>
>I don't normally employ any tradesmen, as I do pretty well everything
>myself.
>
I will broker a deal between you and OP for 10% commission :-)