AllSorted vs MyBuilder: Real-Time Bidding vs Quote Requests
MyBuilder pioneered the 'post your job, get quotes' model in the UK. AllSorted has rebuilt that model around live bidding — pros compete in real time rather than cold-quoting. Here's how both stack up in 2026.
AllSorted vs MyBuilder at a glance
| AllSorted | MyBuilder | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Real-time bidding | Quote requests + shortlist |
| Time to first quote | 5–30 minutes | 1–3 days typical |
| Pro fees | No fixed lead fee | Pay-per-lead (£5–£30+) once shortlisted |
| Quotes per job | 3–8 live bids | 2–4 shortlisted pros typically |
| Vetting | ID, insurance, qualifications, address | ID, insurance, qualifications, address |
| Reviews | Verified, photo required | Verified, photo optional |
| Best for | Speed, multiple bids, fair pricing | Established profiles with deep review history |
How MyBuilder works
MyBuilder is one of the UK's longest-running tradesperson platforms. As a homeowner you post a job, interested tradespeople express interest, and you shortlist (typically 3) pros to give detailed quotes. The shortlisted tradespeople pay a per-lead fee to MyBuilder once you shortlist them — fees typically range £5–£30+ depending on job value and location.
MyBuilder's strengths: well-vetted pros, mature review system, good UK trade coverage. Its main weakness is the cold-quote model — pros aren't seeing what competitors are pricing, so they tend to quote cautiously (i.e. high) to protect their margin.
How AllSorted works
AllSorted is a real-time bidding marketplace. You post a job, verified pros nearby bid live with their price, and you compare bids on one screen as they appear. There's no shortlist step — pros either bid or they don't, and you can book directly from a bid you like.
Crucially, pros don't pay a fee per lead. There's no penalty for placing a bid and not winning — which means more pros bid more often, and competition stays sharper. Pros pay only when a job is successfully booked and completed (a small platform fee, not a flat lead price).
Speed: getting quotes vs getting bids
MyBuilder typically takes 1–3 days to deliver useful quotes. The flow is: post → expressions of interest → shortlist → quote → reply. Each step adds time.
AllSorted skips the shortlist step entirely. Verified pros see your job and either bid or don't. Most popular trades (plumbers, cleaners, electricians, locksmiths) deliver first bids within 10–15 minutes; full pricing comparisons are usually possible within an hour.
Vetting: how thorough is each?
Both platforms verify photo ID, address, public liability insurance and trade-specific certifications (Gas Safe, NICEIC, OFTEC, F-Gas etc.). MyBuilder has a long-established vetting process and a track record. AllSorted re-runs credential checks on every bid placed — so if a pro's insurance has expired, they can't bid until it's renewed.
Reviews and trust
MyBuilder has a deeper review history per pro because of how long it's been operating. AllSorted requires photos with most reviews and verifies via the booking record — so the reviews are harder to fake but newer pros may have fewer.
If you want maximum review depth on a major project (£5,000+), it's reasonable to cross-check the same pro on both platforms.
What it means for the price you pay
On a typical 3-quote scenario, the per-lead model on MyBuilder usually shows up as 8–15% higher final quotes versus AllSorted's bidding model. The gap widens on smaller, lower-margin jobs where the lead fee is a bigger % of the job total.
On a £150 cleaning job, a £15 lead fee is 10% of the job. On a £4,000 boiler swap, it's 0.4%. So you'll see less price difference on big jobs, more on small ones.
Which should you use?
- Use AllSorted for small-to-mid jobs where speed matters, recurring services (cleaners, gardeners), and any job where you want 5+ competing prices fast.
- Use MyBuilder for very large structural projects where you want long review histories on each pro, and you're comfortable waiting 2–3 days for considered quotes.
- Use both when the project is large enough to justify the time, and you want to triangulate fair pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Is AllSorted better than MyBuilder?
AllSorted is faster (minutes vs days for first quotes), produces more competing bids per job (typically 3–8 vs 2–4), and avoids per-lead fees that pros bake into their prices. MyBuilder has deeper historical review data per pro because it's been operating longer.
How much does MyBuilder cost?
MyBuilder is free for homeowners. Tradespeople pay a per-lead fee of typically £5–£30+ each time they're shortlisted for a job, regardless of whether they win the work. Those fees are usually built into the quotes pros provide.
How does AllSorted make money?
AllSorted charges a small platform fee on completed bookings — only when a job is successfully booked, not per lead. Homeowners pay nothing for posting jobs or comparing bids.
Are MyBuilder reviews trustworthy?
Yes — MyBuilder reviews are linked to verified completed jobs and the platform actively moderates fake reviews. AllSorted reviews are similarly verified but additionally require photos for most categories, which makes them harder to fabricate.
Can I get an emergency tradesperson on MyBuilder?
MyBuilder isn't well-suited to emergencies because the shortlist-then-quote flow takes 1–3 days. For emergency plumbing, electrical or locksmith work, AllSorted's real-time bidding produces same-hour responses from available local pros.
What happens if I have a problem with a pro?
Both platforms have customer support and dispute resolution processes. Both also have insurance / guarantee schemes for jobs booked through them. Always read the specific terms on each platform before booking high-value work.
About the author
AllSorted Editorial Team
Home services research & UK trades industry analysis
The AllSorted Editorial Team works with verified UK tradespeople, plumbers, electricians and home services professionals to publish accurate, up-to-date guidance for British homeowners. Editorial standards are reviewed against guidance from the Federation of Master Builders, NICEIC, Gas Safe Register and Trading Standards.