Pay per lead vs a flat monthly fee: which is better for tradespeople?
There are two common ways to pay for local work: a fee each time you get a lead, or one flat price each month. Neither is right for every tradesperson. This guide sets out how each works so you can judge which suits your business.
How much do leads actually cost?
We compare what each site charges, and how to work out your cost per job won. See what leads actually cost on each site →
How pay per lead works
With pay per lead, you pay a fee for each lead or enquiry you buy, or for each quote you send, depending on the site. The cost can vary from one lead to the next. Many lead sites charge per lead or per quote, and the price can vary from job to job.
Pros and cons of pay per lead
- Pro: you only pay when a customer enquires.
- Pro: you can stop buying leads whenever you choose.
- Con: costs vary, so your spending can be hard to predict.
- Con: you can pay for leads that do not turn into work.
- Con: a popular job can be shared with other professionals, which adds competition.
How a flat monthly fee works
With a flat fee, you pay one price for your plan, monthly or yearly, and receive job alerts for the trades and area it covers. The price does not change with the number of leads you receive or the number of customers you contact.
Pros and cons of a flat monthly fee
- Pro: your cost is predictable, so it is easier to plan your budget.
- Pro: there is no fee for each enquiry, so you do not pay for leads that go nowhere.
- Con: you still pay in a quiet month, when fewer jobs come in.
- Con: it is a fixed commitment, even if you take on little work that month.
- Con: it only makes sense if the jobs you win cover the monthly cost.
Which suits you?
Think about how much work you need, how steady your diary is and how comfortable you are with variable costs. Pay per lead may suit a tradesperson who takes on a few jobs and wants to pay only for enquiries. A flat fee may suit a business that wants a predictable cost and expects a steady flow of work.
A simple way to compare is to add up what you would spend on leads in a typical month, then divide that by the number of jobs you win from them. For example, if a lead cost £10 and you won one job in five leads, each job would cost you £50 in lead fees. That is an illustration, not a real price. Then compare the result with the monthly or yearly price of the plan you are considering.
How Arkadia Connect fits in
Arkadia Connect uses a flat monthly or yearly price for job alerts, with no fee for each lead. Plans start from £19.99 a month for Starter, and you can cancel any time to stop renewals. Our For traders page sets out what each plan includes.
Use code FOUNDING50 at checkout for 50% off your first month on any monthly plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is pay per lead always more expensive?
Not always. It depends on what each lead costs, how many you buy and how many you win. Work out your own numbers before you decide.
Is a flat fee always better?
No. A flat fee only pays off if the jobs it brings you cover the monthly cost. In a quiet month it can feel expensive.
Can I try a flat fee plan first?
You can start on a monthly plan and cancel any time to stop renewals. The FOUNDING50 code gives 50% off your first month on any monthly plan.
Information checked October 2026 - prices change, so check each provider's current pricing.