If you clean homes, take photographs, train clients, walk dogs, cut hair or fix things, the hardest part of the job usually isn't the job — it's being found. Here's an honest look at where UK service providers advertise in 2026, what each platform really costs, and how to decide.
The main options at a glance
| Platform | How it works | What it costs you |
|---|---|---|
| Bark | You buy credits to respond to leads | Pay per lead, whether or not you win the job |
| TaskRabbit | Marketplace for tasks and odd jobs | Commission on each job; limited categories and cities |
| Checkatrade / Rated People | Directories for trades | Monthly membership and/or lead fees |
| Facebook groups & Marketplace | Free posts in local groups | Free, but no payments, no reviews, lots of no-shows |
| Nextdoor | Recommendations between neighbours | Free, but you depend on word of mouth |
| Rentify | List your service with photos, prices and time slots; customers book and pay by card | Free to list — you only pay a small fee when you actually get paid |
The problem with paying for leads
Lead-generation sites charge you when someone might hire you. On a bad week you can spend £50–£100 on credits and win nothing. The maths only works if your closing rate is high and your job value is large.
A marketplace flips that: your listing is your advert, it works around the clock, and you pay only when money actually reaches you.
The problem with free groups
Facebook and Nextdoor cost nothing, and for word-of-mouth trades they do bring work. But everything happens in DMs: no upfront payment, no protection if a customer vanishes, no reviews that travel with you, and you start from zero in every new group.
Where Rentify fits
Rentify is a UK marketplace for renting items and booking local services — which means people come to it ready to spend, not just to browse.
- Free to list. Create your service page with photos, packages and prices in minutes. No membership, no credits.
- Card-backed bookings. Customers pay by card through Stripe when they book, so no chasing invoices and far fewer no-shows.
- Reviews that compound. Every completed booking can earn a review that makes the next booking easier to win.
- Your calendar, your rules. Set your available time slots; bookings arrive only when you can actually work.
- Two audiences in one. Someone renting a carpet cleaner sees local cleaning services next to it. Someone hiring a marquee sees DJs and caterers.
List your service on Rentify — it takes about ten minutes.
Which platform is right for you?
- Established trade with big-ticket jobs (builders, plumbers): a trade directory plus word of mouth may justify the fees.
- Everyday services (cleaning, photography, beauty, PT, tutoring, pet care): a free listing with card payments and reviews — Rentify or similar — beats paying per lead.
- Just starting out: start free. Rentify plus a few local Facebook groups costs nothing and lets you build reviews before you spend a penny on marketing.
There's no rule saying you can only be in one place. The smart move is to be everywhere free, and pay only for what provably brings work.
Common questions
Is it really free to list my service on Rentify?
Yes. Creating a listing costs nothing and there's no subscription. A small platform fee comes out only when a customer pays you for a booking.
What services can I offer on Rentify?
Photography, cleaning, personal training, hair and beauty, catering and private chefs, DJs and entertainment, gardening, tutoring, pet care, removals and more. If it's a legal local service, there's likely a category for it.
How do I get paid?
Customers pay by card when they book. The money is held securely by Stripe and paid out to your bank account after the service is delivered.
Do I need to be a registered business?
No — sole traders and side-hustlers are welcome. Just remember income from services is taxable; see our guide to tax on extra income in the UK.
How do I stand out from other providers?
Great photos, a clear description of what's included, honest pricing, and quick replies. Our guide on photos that get you booked applies to services too.