Real-Time Bidding for Tradespeople, Explained (2026)
Real-time bidding has been used in finance and ad-tech for decades but only reached UK home services in the last few years. Here's a clear, no-jargon explainer of how it works, why it produces better prices, and where it has limits.
What 'real-time bidding' means in home services
Real-time bidding (RTB) in a home-services context means: a homeowner posts a job; verified local tradespeople receive an instant alert; multiple pros submit competing prices within minutes; the homeowner sees the bids appear live on one screen and picks. The whole flow typically takes minutes, not days.
AllSorted has no per-lead fee or commission. The first 50 eligible Cardiff Pros get six free calendar months from their relevant trade/area launch. Launch dates are unset; available leads and work are not guaranteed. A fixed subscription afterwards requires explicit opt-in, with price to be confirmed. See the Pro offer.
How RTB differs from quote requests
Traditional quote-request platforms (MyBuilder, Rated People, similar) work like this: post job → pros express interest → you shortlist → shortlisted pros pay a lead fee → they submit a detailed quote → you compare. Each step takes hours; total time to comparable quotes: 1–3 days.
RTB skips the shortlist and lead-fee step entirely. Pros either bid or don't. You see competing bids immediately, with no friction in between.
How RTB differs from lead-buying
Lead-buying platforms (Bark and similar) sell each homeowner request to multiple service providers, with each pro paying £15–£100+ per lead regardless of whether they win. The pros recover this cost in their pricing, so you pay 10–25% more on average.
RTB has no per-lead fee, so pros can bid genuinely competitively. Pros also self-select — they only bid if they want the job, which means you're not getting cold-quoted by pros recovering lead fees.
| Real-time bidding | Quote requests | Lead-buying | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to first quote | Not guaranteed | 1–3 days | Minutes (calls) |
| Number of quotes | 3–8 typical | 2–4 typical | 5–10 contacts |
| Per-lead fee | None | £5–£30+ shortlisted | £15–£100+ |
| Phone-call spam | No | Minimal | High |
| Pro self-selection | Strong | Moderate | Weak |
| Typical price | Lowest | Mid | Highest |
Why bidding produces lower prices
- A bidding model lets customers compare responses to a particular job. It does not by itself guarantee lower prices, more quotes or faster replies. Check current fees, local availability and the scope included in each quote.
- Visible competition. Pros can see how many others are bidding before committing — when there are 4+ competitors, bids tighten.
- Self-selection. Pros only bid on jobs they want, so they don't waste your time with high-margin protective quotes.
- Speed creates urgency. Live bidding compresses the timeframe — pros bid sharply because the homeowner might book soon.
Where RTB has limits
- Very niche specialisms — heritage stonemasons, listed building specialists, very specific brands. Bidding marketplaces depend on density of pros in a category; some specialisms still need traditional sourcing.
- Very large structural projects — full house extensions, complex commercial work. Often better to source via FMB or via referrals; bidding still works but extra due diligence is needed.
- Pre-purchase surveys — RICS surveyors and similar professional services don't suit live bidding well.
Why tradespeople like the model
AllSorted has no per-lead fee or commission. The first 50 eligible Cardiff Pros get six free calendar months from their relevant trade/area launch. Launch dates are unset; available leads and work are not guaranteed. A fixed subscription afterwards requires explicit opt-in, with price to be confirmed. See the Pro offer.
Bottom line
Real-time bidding has become the dominant model for everyday UK home services because the unit economics work better for both sides. Homeowners get faster, cheaper quotes; pros get lower-cost work without paying for dud leads. Quote-request platforms and lead-buying still have niches, but for plumbers, electricians, cleaners, gardeners, decorators and general builders — RTB is usually the most efficient option in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is real-time bidding for tradespeople?
Real-time bidding is a marketplace model where verified tradespeople submit competing prices for your job within minutes of posting. Multiple pros bid live on one screen; you compare prices, profiles and reviews, and book the one you want — without phone calls or shortlisting.
How is real-time bidding different from MyBuilder or Checkatrade?
A bidding model lets customers compare responses to a particular job. It does not by itself guarantee lower prices, more quotes or faster replies. Check current fees, local availability and the scope included in each quote.
Does real-time bidding produce lower prices?
A bidding model lets customers compare responses to a particular job. It does not by itself guarantee lower prices, more quotes or faster replies. Check current fees, local availability and the scope included in each quote.
Are tradespeople on real-time bidding marketplaces vetted?
On AllSorted, ID verification is optional and shown as a separate badge. Essential trade qualifications are required for relevant bids. Review the credentials relevant to your job and check official registers where appropriate.
What's the catch with real-time bidding?
Few — but it works best for everyday home services where pro density is high (plumbing, electrical, cleaning, decorating, general building). For very niche specialisms (heritage masons, RICS surveyors), traditional sourcing still has its place.
How does AllSorted make money if there are no lead fees?
AllSorted has no per-lead fee or commission. The first 50 eligible Cardiff Pros get six free calendar months from their relevant trade/area launch. Launch dates are unset; available leads and work are not guaranteed. A fixed subscription afterwards requires explicit opt-in, with price to be confirmed. See the Pro offer.
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 YOUR HOME
Explore AllSorted.
Customer app on iPhone. Cardiff launch dates are not yet set; service availability will vary.