2-minute read
Last year we revealed that a third of Brits wouldn’t let a tradesperson use their toilet or offer them a drink. Now, research suggests the public’s suspicion is targeted at some trades more than others.
Beyond the day job, tradies have a lot to contend with. There are some things you’d rather do without – whether it’s tool theft, a dizzying rise in fuel prices, or even homeowners who don’t trust you.
But new research from consumer group Which? reveals that some trades need to work extra hard to overcome the public’s fears. It also names the tradespeople who homeowners trust the most.
A survey of 1461 Which? members revealed that 38 per cent don’t trust builders or roofers when employing them for the first time.
The survey also uncovered people’s biggest fears when hiring a tradesperson. The top worry? Not turning up on time, which was chosen by just over six in ten people (62 per cent).
The other anxieties were poor workmanship (55 per cent) and being ripped off (46 per cent). There are a lot of misconceptions out there about tradespeople, so it's extra important that you do what you can to reduce these fears when meeting new customers, particularly if you want to secure repeat business.
At the other end of the scale, electricians are overwhelmingly trusted, with 80 per cent of people saying they have confidence in the sparkies they call.
Just below electricians in the consumer group’s net trust table are central heating engineers and plumbers (who incidentally have high levels of satisfaction in life).
Trade | Net trust |
---|---|
Electricians | 80 per cent |
Central heating engineers | 75 per cent |
Plumbers | 73 per cent |
Carpenters | 72 per cent |
Decorators | 70 per cent |
Plasterers | 68 per cent |
Glaziers | 65 per cent |
Mechanics | 64 per cent |
Tilers | 61 per cent |
Kitchen fitters | 58 per cent |
Builders | 53 per cent |
Drain and sewer services | 50 per cent |
Roofers | 48 per cent |
There are simple things all tradies can do to put the public’s mind at ease.
What’s more, there’s a big opportunity for tradespeople to win more clients than their competition, simply by taking steps to build and maintain a great reputation in the long-term.
Our top tips:
Let us know your experiences with homeowners below.
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