How to write a job post tradies can respond to

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.

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.

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.

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.

Review responses and keep records

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

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.

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Do not publish an access code, exact location of spare keys, personal telephone number, bank details, identity documents or an image that exposes sensitive paperwork.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.

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