Looking for a Checkatrade alternative?
Checkatrade is a well-known UK trades directory. Arkadia Connect is a newer, lower-cost option for tradespeople across the UK who want local job alerts for a flat monthly price, with no fee for each enquiry.
What Checkatrade is
Checkatrade is a well-known UK trades directory. Tradespeople pay a membership to be listed, and the directory vets the businesses it lists. Many customers know the name, and for some firms a membership is a good fit.
How the costs compare
Third-party guides published in 2026 put typical Checkatrade membership at roughly £1,000 to £1,500 a year or more, depending on trade and area. The figures come from bestbuilders.co.uk, "Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Rated People" (July 2026).
| Checkatrade | Arkadia Connect | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Membership to be listed and vetted | Flat monthly or yearly plan |
| Typical cost | Roughly £1,000 to £1,500+ a year, per 2026 third-party guides | From £19.99 a month for job alerts (Starter) |
| Charged per enquiry | No | No |
| Cancelling | Check the membership terms | Cancel any time to stop monthly renewals |
| Quotes, invoices and card payments | Check their current features | Included in the app |
| Where we operate | Check their current coverage | Open to traders across the UK |
Arkadia Connect prices are the plan prices on our For traders page. Costs change, so check each provider before you decide.
Why some tradespeople choose Arkadia Connect
Arkadia Connect charges one flat monthly price for job alerts, starting at £19.99 a month on Starter. You can cancel any time. There is no fee for each lead, so you do not pay more when an enquiry goes nowhere.
Once a customer gets in touch, the work can stay in the same app:
- Send quotes and see whether customers have viewed or accepted them.
- Turn an accepted quote into an invoice and record payments as they come in.
- Take card payments from customers, once online payments are set up in your settings.
- Message customers and keep job photos and documents together.
Be clear about what Arkadia Connect is
Arkadia Connect is new, and open to traders across the UK. We are not a like-for-like replacement for an established directory with a long track record and a national profile. What we offer is a lower-cost way to add local job alerts to the work you already get, so you can try it alongside your current channels.
Who might prefer each option
- Arkadia Connect may suit sole traders and small firms across the UK who want local job alerts at a predictable monthly cost.
- Arkadia Connect may suit tradespeople who want quotes, invoices and payments in one place.
- A Checkatrade membership may suit firms that want the name recognition of an established directory.
Compare the costs, terms and coverage of each before you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Does Checkatrade charge per enquiry?
No. Checkatrade membership is a fee to be listed and vetted, and it is not charged per enquiry. Check Checkatrade for its current terms.
Is Arkadia Connect a replacement for Checkatrade?
Not like-for-like. Arkadia Connect is new, and open to traders across the UK. Many tradespeople use several ways to find work, and Arkadia Connect is one lower-cost option to add to that mix.
How do I cancel?
Monthly plans renew automatically each month. You can cancel any time to stop renewals.
Sources
Information checked October 2026 - prices change, so check each provider's current pricing.
Ready to try Arkadia Connect?
Use code FOUNDING50 at checkout for 50% off your first month on any monthly plan.