TradieToday

PRACTICAL CHECKLIST

How to write a job post tradies can respond to

Build an editable trade-job brief with guided prompts, then copy it or review it in the job form. Includes examples and a practical writing checklist.

PREPARE BEFORE YOU POST

Turn your notes into a clear job brief.

Describe what you can see, choose the work you want, then review an editable draft. No account is needed to prepare it.

Read the writing checklist

The builder needs JavaScript. The writing checklist below still works: record the issue, desired outcome, known details, suburb, budget and timing in your own notes.

Prepare and review your job brief

Preparing the builder…

Keep exact addresses, entry codes, phone numbers, emails and payment details out of the public brief. Notes are saved only in this tab; closing it normally removes them. Nothing is submitted to TradieToday from this builder.

1. Describe the work

Useful details for handyman

  • Which household item needs attention?
  • How many items are affected?
  • What material or fixing is visible?

Describe observations, not a diagnosis. Do not inspect anything that feels unsafe.

Timing is a request, not a confirmed appointment. For immediate danger, use emergency assistance rather than waiting for a marketplace reply.

2. Review your brief

Your draft will appear here.

Start with a specific title and what you can observe. The builder combines your notes; it does not diagnose the issue, invent measurements or suggest a price.

  • Leave uncertain details as questions.
  • Check that a provider can understand the scope.
  • Review your draft before you share it.

Have photos ready for your conversation

An overview, a close-up and a visible model label can help explain the work. Keep faces, house numbers and private paperwork out of the pictures. Only take photos from a safe position.

Photos are not uploaded by this builder.

01

Lead with the outcome you want

Use a concise title like 'Repair leaking mixer tap in kitchen' rather than 'Help needed'. Describe observable symptoms instead of assuming a diagnosis.

02

Give enough context without oversharing

Include suburb, rough measurements, materials and access constraints. Add photos when available, excluding faces, house numbers, passwords and personal paperwork.

03

Choose the right trade

Plumbing and electrical work often require licensed professionals. If you're unsure, state the issue clearly so you can verify credentials before commissioning regulated work.

04

State a budget and timeframe

Provide a genuine estimate, noting whether timing is flexible or urgent. A posted budget does not guarantee a fixed quote or available worker.

05

Review responses and keep records

Clarify inclusions, materials, fees and credentials with respondents. Verify identity and qualifications independently before agreeing to any paid work.

06

Worked example: from vague to useful

Vague: “Need plumber ASAP”. This gives no information about the fixture, symptom, location or access. A tradie cannot assess likely parts, urgency or travel from that message.

Useful: “Kitchen mixer tap drips continuously after being turned off. No leak is visible under the sink. The unit is in Preston, with weekday afternoon access. Please advise the cost of an inspection, possible replacement parts and whether any certification is needed.” This describes observations without guessing the diagnosis or publishing the exact unit address.

07

What not to put in your public job description

Do not publish an access code, exact location of spare keys, personal telephone number, bank details, identity documents or an image that exposes sensitive paperwork. Discuss access and contact details through an appropriate verified channel after confirming who you are dealing with.

08

Before pressing Post

Review the category, description, location, budget and timeframe. If registration is unavailable, no job can be submitted; prepare the description and return when the website confirms account creation is operational. A submitted job needs an actual confirmation, not just a sign-in redirect.

  • Title describes the result, not just “help”
  • Description covers observations and scope
  • Suburb and access window are accurate
  • Budget is an estimate, not a guaranteed price
  • No sensitive contact or payment details are exposed

Official information and further reading

Regulatory requirements can change. Check the relevant Victorian authority before arranging regulated work.