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TradeMatch vs Rated People · 2026
Rated People Reviews 2026: Is Rated People Still Reliable?
Rated People is a long-standing UK pay-per-lead trades platform. Independent traffic data shows the site has lost ~52% of its monthly visits over the last 24 months, and reviewers ask: are Rated People reviews still reliable, do tradespeople still respond quickly, and is the credit-cost model fair in 2026? Here's the comparison.
TradeMatch 2024Rated People 20055 quotes per jobEscrow included
Updated May 2026 · By TradeMatch Editorial Team
The Headline Difference
Rated People sells leads. TradeMatch sells outcomes.
Rated People charges tradespeople none plus £10–£30 per lead — and those costs end up in your quote. TradeMatch only takes a fee on confirmed work.
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At a Glance
TradeMatch vs Rated People — Feature Table
| Feature | TradeMatch | Rated People |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2024 | 2005 |
| Free for homeowners | Yes | Yes |
| Quote comparison | Up to 5 quotes | Up to 3 |
| Escrow payments | Yes | No |
| Background checks | Yes | Yes |
| Trade categories | 48 | 30–40 |
| Dispute resolution | Yes | No |
For Homeowners
How It Works for the Customer
TradeMatch
Post once · Compare five quotes
Post your job free. Receive up to 5 quotes from vetted professionals. Compare reviews and pricing, then hire with escrow-protected payments held until you sign off.
Rated People
Receive direct quotes
Free to post a job. Up to 3 tradespeople buy access to the lead and contact you with a quote.
For Tradespeople
How the Platforms Charge Trades
TradeMatch
No subs · No lead fees
Free profile and free quoting. Only pay a small commission once a job is confirmed and underway. Lower overheads mean lower quotes for homeowners.
Rated People
None · £10–£30 per lead
Credit-based pay-per-lead — tradespeople buy credits to access leads. Credit costs vary by job size and category, often £10–£30 per lead.
Why Switch
Why Choose TradeMatch Over Rated People
- Active, growing member base — leads do not sit unanswered
- Pay-on-win model means tradespeople respond quickly to leads they intend to take
- Escrow-protected payments for every job
- Verified-completion reviews not stale legacy stars
- TradeMatch Score (4-factor) replaces a single review average
Honest Look
Rated People — Strengths and Weaknesses
What Rated People Does Well
- Reviews tied to platform-posted jobs
- Long-running brand with established homeowner base
- No subscription fee for tradespeople
- Public star ratings visible on every profile
Where Rated People Falls Short
- Traffic declining ~52% in 24 months — fewer active members in your area
- Credit costs paid even when the lead does not convert
- Slower response rates than peak years — many leads expire unanswered
- No payment protection or escrow
Cost Comparison
Pricing — TradeMatch vs Rated People
| Cost Item | TradeMatch | Rated People |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for homeowners | Free | Free |
| Monthly subscription | None | None |
| Lead/credit costs | None | £10–£30 per lead |
| Payment model | Pay on confirmed work | Pay for leads or subscription |
| Payment protection | Escrow ✓ | ✗ |
Our Verdict
So which one wins?
Rated People's review system was sound in its prime but declining platform traffic means review counts and member responsiveness are both falling. If you want a 2026-reliable review surface tied to active members and protected payments, TradeMatch is the natural Rated People alternative — verified reviews, escrow safety, no stale-listing problem.
Answers
Rated People vs TradeMatch — FAQ
Is TradeMatch better than Rated People?
TradeMatch offers escrow-protected payments, up to 5 competing quotes, rigorous background checks and verified reviews — features that Rated People does not fully match. The best choice depends on your priorities, but TradeMatch offers the most complete package for UK homeowners.
Can I use both TradeMatch and Rated People?
Yes — many homeowners use multiple platforms to compare options. Many tradespeople are listed on both TradeMatch and Rated People. Using TradeMatch alongside Rated People gives you more quotes to compare and payment protection through escrow.
Is TradeMatch free for homeowners?
Yes — posting a job, receiving quotes and reading reviews is completely free on TradeMatch. You only pay the tradesperson for the work itself, and payments are protected through our escrow system.
Are Rated People reviews trustworthy?
Rated People collects reviews from homeowners after jobs are completed. On TradeMatch, reviews are verified — only homeowners who have completed a job through the platform can leave a review. This prevents fake or incentivised reviews and gives you reliable information when choosing a tradesperson.
How much does Rated People cost for tradespeople?
Credit-based pay-per-lead — tradespeople buy credits to access leads. Credit costs vary by job size and category, often £10–£30 per lead. On TradeMatch, there are no subscription fees or credit costs — tradespeople create a free profile and only pay a small commission when they secure confirmed work. This means lower overheads for tradespeople and more competitive quotes for homeowners.
What happens if something goes wrong with a Rated People job?
Rated People has limited dispute resolution options and no built-in payment protection. TradeMatch holds your payment in escrow until you confirm the work is complete. If there is a dispute, our dedicated resolution team mediates to ensure a fair outcome — your money stays protected throughout.
Is Rated People available across the UK?
Rated People has coverage across the UK, though availability varies by area and trade. TradeMatch covers all 48 trade categories across 200 UK cities, with active professionals in every major region. Post a job free to see how many quotes you receive in your area.
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Get Real Quotes on TradeMatch
Up to 5 quotes from vetted UK tradespeople. Escrow protection on every payment. Verified reviews from real, completed jobs.
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