Find.
Contact.
Done.

Most tradies stay on the free tier, that’s the deal, it’s genuinely free. Some upgrade to Base ($54/mo) for a masked SMS dashboard so they can reply faster, Core ($84/mo) for the verified-ABN badge and auto-review SMS, or higher tiers for multi-suburb coverage and team inboxes. That subscription revenue runs the platform. We never take a cut of the work, only the tradie’s optional subscription.

Because that’s how directory rankings get rigged. The whole point of HelpSorted is that the sparkie two streets over shows up next to the big franchise. Listings sort by suburb relevance and customer rating. Paid tiers can buy a "Featured" badge for top placement in their suburb plus category, but the badge is always visible so you can see when ranking is influenced. Full disclosure at /paid-placement-disclosure.

Yes. Most reviews come from customers who contacted the tradie through HelpSorted, those carry a "Verified customer" badge. Tradies can reply to a review but can’t delete one. If a review is defamatory or obviously fake, you can flag it and we review against Australian Consumer Law guidelines within 7 business days. We don’t unilaterally remove negative reviews, that’s how trust dies. Full policy on the Review Disclosure page.

Free-tier listings: when you submit a callback request, we pass your message and a contact number to that one business so they can call you back. You can also reach them via their website or socials, listed on the page. Paid-tier listings (Base and above): your message routes through our masked HelpSorted SMS number. The business sees a masked number, not your real one. Two-way SMS, your phone stays out of their database unless you choose to share it.

Either way: your enquiry only goes to the one business you picked. We do not sell, broadcast, or resell your details. Inbound messages auto-delete after 90 days.

ABN Verified: we cross-checked the ABN against the Australian Business Register in real time. The business is real and active. Insured: the provider has self-declared they hold public liability or equivalent cover (we may ask for proof at random). Featured: the provider pays for a higher tier and gets top placement in their suburb plus category, with the badge always visible. Full ranking disclosure at /paid-placement-disclosure.

Honest answer: HelpSorted is a directory, not a vetting service. We don’t background-check or licence-verify every tradie listed (that would mean charging them and you more). What we do: surface real reviews from real jobs, show verified ABN badges where the business has been checked against the ABR, publish reply-time stats, and let you contact the business so you can do your own due diligence.

What to check before hiring anyone: ask for their ABN, search the QBCC licence register (builders, plumbers, electricians in QLD), ask for two references, get the quote in writing. True on any platform, including ours.

Try the provider directly first, most issues resolve there. If not, email hello@helpsorted.com.au and we’ll mediate where we can. For trade-specific complaints (faulty plumbing, dodgy electrical, unlicensed work) escalate to the relevant licensing body: QBCC in QLD, Service NSW, VBA in VIC. Full escalation paths on the Disputes page.

There isn’t one for the free tier. You list, you get found, customer requests come to your listed email and dashboard, you call them back, you keep all the money. The free tier is the product, most tradies on HelpSorted will never upgrade and that’s fine. Paid tiers ($54 to $299/mo) add convenience: masked SMS number, auto-reply templates, verified-ABN badge surfacing, multi-suburb reach, team inboxes, your own website on the top tier. They don’t unlock visibility. You’re visible on the directory regardless.