Is MyBuilder worth it for a sole trader?

It depends on how often you win what you quote for. MyBuilder has no subscription but charges you through non-refundable credits each time a homeowner shortlists you, whether or not you get the job. Tradelynx charges nothing to receive work: no lead fees, no shortlist fees, no commission. Our comparison states each model factually, with sources and dates.

By Mike Fellows, Founder, Tradelynx · IT and service management backgroundPublished 17 September 2026Last reviewed 17 September 2026

A free MyBuilder alternative for tradespeople

MyBuilder is free to join and charges per lead: you express interest for free and pay only when a homeowner shortlists you. Tradelynx works differently: it’s free for tradespeople, routes one job to one verified trader, and takes no commission on jobs. Card processing is passed through at cost.

Join free: no lead fees

Tradelynx vs MyBuilder, side by side

How Tradelynx and MyBuilder compare, as of August 2026. MyBuilder details from MyBuilder for trades; check their site for current terms.
	Tradelynx	MyBuilder
Model	A workflow, not a directory or a lead auction. One job is routed to one verified trader at a time.	Free to join, pay-per-lead. You express interest in jobs free; you're charged when a customer shortlists you.
Fees	Nothing to pay to receive jobs: no membership, no per-lead charges, no commission on jobs. Card payment processing is passed through at cost.	No subscription. You buy credits in advance; a fee is deducted each time you're shortlisted, and it's non-refundable whether or not you go on to win the job.
Your lead	One job goes to one trader. Your lead is never sold to several tradespeople to compete over.	Several tradespeople are shortlisted for the same job, so you can pay to be shortlisted and still not win the work.
Your books	Tradelynx Pro includes your books, for £15 per month including any VAT that applies, free until we're HMRC-recognised plus three months: MTD-ready records with VAT worked out. It does not file to HMRC yet; you file from the export until recognition.	Not part of the product: accounting software is a separate purchase, usually quoted ex-VAT.

Where MyBuilder might be the better fit

If you prefer no monthly commitment and only paying when a customer actively shortlists you, MyBuilder's pay-if-shortlisted model may suit.

MyBuilder alternative: FAQs

Is there a free alternative to MyBuilder?

Yes. Tradelynx is free for tradespeople and charges no lead fees at all, and takes no commission on your jobs.

Do you pay for leads on MyBuilder?

On MyBuilder you're charged when a homeowner shortlists you, via non-refundable credits, even if you don't win the job (as of August 2026). On Tradelynx there are no lead or shortlist fees.

What's the difference between Tradelynx and MyBuilder?

Both are free to join. MyBuilder shortlists several tradespeople per job and charges you when you're shortlisted; Tradelynx routes one job to one trader and takes no commission.

Free for tradespeople. No commission on jobs.

No membership, no per-lead charges, and no subscription needed to receive jobs. One job, one verified trader. Your lead is never sold to several tradespeople to compete over.

Join Tradelynx free

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