Lead-buying sites for tradespeople: work out the real cost
Compare lead fees with subscription costs, calculate cost per won job and explore the Cardiff founding Pro offer.
What are lead-buying sites?
A lead-buying service charges you for access to a potential customer. Paying for a lead does not mean you will win the job. Check whether the lead is shared, what the fee covers and the provider’s refund conditions.
Calculate the cost per booked job
Divide total lead spend by the number of jobs won. For an illustrative £40 lead fee and one booking from four leads, acquisition costs £160 per booked job. On a £300 job with £60 materials and travel, that leaves £80 before labour, other overheads and tax. These are example inputs, not industry averages.
Shared versus exclusive leads
A shared lead can go to several professionals. An exclusive lead is offered to one professional under the provider’s conditions. Neither promises a booking. Ask how duplicates, unreachable contacts and cancellations are handled.
Measure your own results
Record each enquiry, the fee, quoting time, outcome and final margin. Compare similar jobs over a useful period. A low-cost lead can still be expensive if it rarely turns into profitable work.
How AllSorted’s offer differs
AllSorted has no per-lead fee and no commission. The first 50 eligible Cardiff Pros receive six free calendar months from their actual relevant trade/area launch, with unlimited access to available relevant leads. Launch dates are unset. Leads, jobs and earnings are not guaranteed. A fixed subscription afterwards requires explicit opt-in; the price is unconfirmed. Read the founding offer conditions.
Test a new channel without abandoning what works
Keep track of work from referrals, repeat customers and each paid service separately. Test a new channel alongside existing work. Make renewal decisions from your own results and the contract terms.
When paying for leads can make sense
A paid source can be worthwhile when the jobs you win cover lead spend, labour and overheads with a sensible margin. Include quoting time and failed leads. Review the results before committing to a long contract.
Frequently asked questions
Does AllSorted charge commission?
No per-lead fee or commission. The founding offer gives the first 50 eligible Cardiff Pros six free calendar months from the relevant trade/area launch. Paid continuation requires explicit opt-in to a fixed subscription; price is unconfirmed.
Does a completed profile guarantee work?
No. The offer covers available relevant leads. Launch dates are not set, and lead volume, bookings and earnings are not guaranteed.
About the author
AllSorted Editorial Team
Home services research & UK trades industry analysis
Practical guidance from AllSorted for customers and home service professionals. Check current local prices, provider terms and relevant official registers before making a decision.
FOR CARDIFF PROS
Build your Cardiff Pro profile.
First 50 eligible Cardiff Pros: six free calendar months from your relevant trade/area launch. Available leads only; no guaranteed jobs. Paid continuation requires opt-in.
Read eligibility and offer conditions →