Can Customers Trust Trade Directories to Find a Trusted Tradesperson? 

Online trade directories claim to make it easier to find a “trusted” tradesperson — but can customers really rely on them? 

After all, not every site checks qualifications as strictly as you might expect. 

If you’re studying Law Lesson 17, you’ll already know how due diligence and verification form part of professional responsibility. Here, we take a closer look at how reliable these directories are — and what every homeowner should know before hiring through them. 

The rise of online trade directories 

With the Yellow Pages long gone, millions of homeowners now turn to digital directories to find tradespeople. Big names such as Checkatrade, Rated People, TrustATrader, MyBuilder, and Local Heroes dominate the market — connecting tradespeople with new clients every day. 

But do these platforms actually vet their members properly? A BBC investigation revealed serious gaps in verification processes, exposing how easy it can be for rogue traders to slip through. 

When things go wrong 

Recent surveys show that 87% of homeowners fear hiring a tradesperson. Cases of fake qualifications, misuse of scheme logos, and unverified reviews continue to appear in the press. 

In one BBC case, a homeowner in Scotland paid £28,000 for an extension booked through a popular directory. The work was so poor it cost her another £9,000 to fix — and the trader had already disappeared from the platform. 

This isn’t unusual. Research suggests one in ten jobs goes wrong, costing an average of £3,200 to correct. 

How trustworthy are these directories? 

Trade directories profit from public trust — yet their vetting standards vary dramatically. 

Checkatrade is often seen as the most reliable, requiring references, insurance checks, and even a face-to-face consultation. But their terms and conditions clearly state that site information “may be out of date,” meaning expired memberships can remain visible until the next annual review. 

Rated People, meanwhile, relies on credit and fraud screening but does not require any in-person interview. During a BBC test, a fake tradesperson was able to register without qualifications — and even buy electrical job leads after showing only a Part P Building Regulations certificate, which does not prove electrical competence. 

Local Heroes, operated by British Gas, claims to verify qualifications but also states that it “cannot prove all documentation supplied.” This includes key items like insurance policies and qualification certificates. 

Finally, MyBuilder was shown to approve fake profiles using invented credentials and falsified insurance documents. Although they report rejecting 40% of applicants, those who slip t hrough can still appear credible to customers. 

The one platform that came out best during both BBC and industry investigations was Which? Trusted Traders — the only directory that requires a face-to-face assessment by Trading Standards professionals, document verification, and yearly reassessment. 

Finding a truly trusted tradesperson 

While directories can help you find options quickly, you should never rely on them alone. Before hiring: 

• Verify scheme memberships (Gas Safe, NICEIC, or other Competent Person Schemes). 

• Ask for references from recent customers. 

• Check business insurance and ID in person. 

• Avoid full upfront payments. 

Recommendations remain the safest method. A referral from someone who’s already used a tradesperson provides far more certainty than an anonymous online review. 

For electrical work, always search via the official Registered Competent Person Scheme, which automatically updates when qualifications or memberships lapse. 

If you’re thinking about becoming a qualified professional yourself, our electrician training programmes teach you how to meet industry standards and build trust with clients. You can also explore our communication module to improve customer confidence and professionalism. 

At Elec Training, we believe transparency, qualifications, and verified competence are what truly define a trusted tradesperson. 

Are online trade directories like Checkatrade and Rated People fully reliable? 

Online trade directories like Checkatrade and Rated People are useful for discovering local tradespeople but are not fully reliable on their own, as they rely on self-reported information, paid memberships, and user reviews that can be manipulated or incomplete. Checkatrade, for instance, vets members through up to 12 checks (e.g., trading history, insurance, reviews), but a 2025 Tradesman Saver review notes that while it has strong brand power, some tradespeople report poor-quality leads or unresponsive customers. Rated People, which operates on a lead-bidding model, has faced criticism for allowing unqualified trades to join, with Reddit users in 2024 sharing stories of scams or substandard work. Trustpilot ratings show Checkatrade at 4.2/5 (71,000 reviews) for reliability, but complaints about fake reviews persist. Elec Training recommends using directories as a starting point but always verifying independently for electrical work to ensure safety. 

How do most trade directories verify a tradesperson’s qualifications? 

Most trade directories verify qualifications through a combination of self-declaration, document uploads (e.g., certificates, insurance), and basic checks like Companies House searches or references, but the depth varies—Checkatrade requires up to 12 checks including trading history and public liability insurance, while Rated People focuses on reviews and basic ID. However, they often don’t conduct full independent audits like government schemes (e.g., NICEIC), relying on user feedback for ongoing vetting. In 2025, platforms like Trusted Tradesman emphasize SEO-optimized profiles with qualifications, but a Tradesman Saver analysis highlights that verification is not uniform, with some sites accepting minimal proof. Elec Training stresses that directories are supplements, not substitutes, for official checks like the Electrical Competent Person Register. 

Which trade directory has the strictest vetting process in the UK? 

Checkatrade has one of the strictest vetting processes in the UK, requiring up to 12 checks including face-to-face interviews, five customer references, qualification verification, public liability insurance, and background checks, with a 668 rogue trader rejections in H1 2024. Local schemes like Edinburgh Trusted Trader (Trading Standards-backed) are even more rigorous, mandating mandatory checks on trading history and commitment to fair practices, but nationally, Checkatrade leads for comprehensiveness. Elec Training praises its thoroughness for electrical pros, though independent verification is still advised. 

Can unqualified or fake tradespeople register on trade directories? 

Yes, unqualified or fake tradespeople can register on some directories, as many rely on self-declaration and basic uploads rather than full audits—Checkatrade rejects ~668 rogues semi-annually but still sees fakes slip through, while Rated People has been criticized for poor lead quality and unqualified joiners. A 2024 Reddit thread highlighted scams via Rated People, and Checkatrade’s process, while stricter, isn’t foolproof without ongoing checks. Elec Training warns that directories like these aren’t substitutes for official schemes like NICEIC. 

What are the risks of hiring solely through an online directory? 

Risks include encountering unqualified trades (e.g., poor workmanship leading to £1,000-£5,000 repairs), fake reviews (manipulated by 20% of listings), high lead costs passed to consumers (e.g., £20-£50/job), and scams like non-delivery (36,000 complaints in 2024 per Citizens Advice). Sole reliance can result in unsafe electrical work (1,000+ incidents/year). Elec Training urges cross-verification with official registers. 

How can customers verify a tradesperson’s credentials independently? 

Customers can verify independently via the Electrical Competent Person Register (electricalcompetentperson.co.uk) for CPS status, NICEIC’s “Find a Contractor” tool, or Gas Safe Register for gas work—free, official searches confirm qualifications, insurance, and reviews. Request ID cards and references on-site. Elec Training promotes these tools for safe hires. 

Why are personal recommendations often safer than online reviews? 

Personal recommendations are safer because they come from trusted networks (e.g., friends/family), reducing fake review risks (20% manipulated online) and providing direct accountability—84% of c onsumers trust them as much as reviews, but word-of-mouth leads to 70% higher satisfaction vs. directories. They allow pre-vetting. Elec Training encourages combining both for robust selection. 

What warning signs should homeowners look for before hiring a tradesperson? 

Warning signs include pressure tactics (e.g., “sign now” deals, 62% red flag), no written quote (55% concern), unverified credentials (e.g., no NICEIC ID), cash-only payments (46% scam risk), vague timelines (38%), and poor reviews (under 4 stars). Elec Training lists these for client education. 

Are electrical qualifications checked by all online directories? 

No, not all directories check electrical qualifications—Checkatrade verifies via up to 12 checks including certs, but Rated People relies on self-declaration and reviews, allowing u nqualified joiners. Government registers like NICEIC do rigorous checks. Elec Training urges using official tools for electrical work. 

What’s the best way to find a genuinely trusted and accredited electrician? 

The best way is the Electrical Competent Person Register (electricalcompetentperson.co.uk) for CPS-registered pros, or NICEIC’s “Find a Contractor” tool for verified electricians with quals, insurance, and reviews—free and official. Combine with personal recommendations. Elec Training endorses this for safe, accredited hires.