The tap is dripping. Has been for three weeks. There's a bowl under it now, which officially isn't a fix, but feels like one.
So you start searching. And it turns out there are quite a few places to find a tradesperson. A plumber for that tap. An electrician for a fault. Or several quotes for new window frames, insulation or a renovation.
On Werkspot you post a job and compare the tradespeople who respond. On Trustoo you look up local companies and ask a few of them for a price. Solvari is built mainly for larger home improvement and sustainability projects. And on Zoofy you pick the job and the time slot, see the rate up front, and an available tradesperson is found for you.
Four platforms. Four ways of working. Which one suits you comes down to one question: how much do you still want to do yourself after you've filled in your job?
We asked around 450 Zoofy customers what they look for when choosing a tradesperson. Craftsmanship comes first, by a wide margin. Then a fixed, clear price up front, confidence that someone reliable turns up, and how quickly it's arranged. Price alone doesn't win.
So below we don't just compare on money, but on the questions you're already asking yourself. Will I get someone who can do it? Do I know the cost in advance? And who do I call if something goes wrong?
The four platforms in short
Zoofy
Book the job and have it arranged. You choose the job, see the applicable rate in advance and say when you'd like help. Zoofy finds a suitable tradesperson. Afterwards, you pay through Zoofy.
Best for: everyday jobs, maintenance, installation and urgent repairs, when you want to arrange as little as possible yourself.
Werkspot
Compare tradespeople. You post a job for free. Tradespeople respond with a proposal and sometimes a price indication. You compare profiles, reviews and proposals, and choose.
Best for: people who want to line up several tradespeople themselves.
Trustoo
Compare local companies. You search for companies nearby, check reviews and scores, and choose which ones to ask for a quote.
Best for: people who first want to see which local companies are well rated.
Solvari
Quotes for renovating and going green. You describe your project and are matched with specialised companies. Then you compare quotes, prices and terms yourself.
Best for: larger home improvements, renovations and sustainability projects.
1. How do you know a good tradesperson will turn up?
This is probably the most important question. And the hardest.
You call a tradesperson precisely because you can't judge how the job should be done. Which means you can't really judge whether it was done well, either. You only find out later. When the tap drips again.
All four platforms do something about reliability. The difference is how strict the door is, and who ultimately makes the choice: you, or the platform. In a large network where any tradesperson can join as long as they pay for the contact, much of that checking lands on you.
Zoofy: vetted and matched
Zoofy works with a selection of around 2,000 tradespeople we know well and keep tracking. Before anyone can work through Zoofy, they're checked. And you can only join if you're properly insured. After that, we keep an eye on performance and customer ratings.
For every job, Zoofy also checks whether the tradesperson holds the certificates that particular job requires. A gas job doesn't go to someone without the right papers. You don't have to work that out yourself. Zoofy finds a suitable, available tradesperson for your job.
Strong point: a smaller, known network, checked per job for certificates and insurance. The selection has already been done for you.
Werkspot: checked, you choose
Werkspot verifies things like identity and company details, and certain certificates where relevant. The network is large: a tradesperson can become active as soon as they pay for the contact. After that, you decide who it will be, based on profiles, reviews and proposals. Whether someone has the right certificates and insurance for your specific job is something you check yourself.
Strong point: a lot of control over who comes into your home, but also a lot of responsibility on you.
Trustoo: compare by score
Trustoo ranks local companies based on online reviews, experience, quality marks and other available information. You choose which companies to approach. Whether a company has the required certificates and insurance for your job is something you ask about yourself.
Strong point: a quick view of well-rated companies in your area; the rest you check yourself.
Solvari: compare specialists
Solvari works with specialists and verifies things like company details and track record. Then you assess the companies and their quotes yourself, including whether they hold the right certificates and insurance for your project.
Strong point: comparing specialised companies for larger projects.
What suits you?
Want to decide in detail who comes, and check certificates and insurance yourself? → Werkspot, Trustoo or Solvari.
Want a suitable, vetted tradesperson arranged for you? → Zoofy.
2. Do you know the cost in advance?
Everyone thinks price matters. But what really matters is when you know it.
Seeing a rate up front is different from posting a request and waiting to hear what companies think. One you know before booking. The other you know after a few days, a few emails and a phone call.
Zoofy: rate visible up front
For regular jobs, you see the applicable rate before you book. That can be a fixed price, an hourly rate, a price per square metre or a guide price. Materials, parking or necessary extra work may be added, but any extra work is discussed with you first. So you don't discover afterwards that "a small job" was a flexible term.
Strong point: you know where you stand early on.
Werkspot: price follows the responses
You describe the job first. Tradespeople respond and give a price indication where possible. The final price is agreed directly with the tradesperson you choose.
Strong point: several tradespeople can come back with different proposals.
Trustoo: several quotes
You select companies and ask them for a price. Then you put the proposals side by side.
Strong point: comparing local companies and prices.
Solvari: price through quotes
You describe your project and receive quotes from specialists. You compare price, scope and terms.
Strong point: useful when the price depends heavily on your home or situation.
What suits you?
Want price certainty up front? → Zoofy.
Want to compare several prices? → Werkspot, Trustoo or Solvari.
3. Compare quotes or book straight away?
Not every job deserves a quoting process.
For a new bathroom or an insulation project, it makes sense to talk to a few companies. For a dripping tap, it's mostly a lot of emailing for an hour's work.
Zoofy: book straight away
For common jobs, you don't wait for quotes. You choose the job, see the rate and enter the time slot you want.
Is it a bigger job? Then you simply ask for a quote in the description. The tradesperson comes round to look at the job and works out a quote. That quote is first checked by Zoofy, so the price is in line with what's usual. You do pay the hourly rate for that visit. A quote costs a tradesperson time, and we don't quietly charge that time somewhere else. Only fair.
Strong point: from job to booking in a few steps. And if you do want a quote, it's checked and free of hidden costs.
Werkspot: different proposals
Tradespeople respond with a proposal. You decide who's interesting and who you want to talk to further.
Strong point: a choice between several tradespeople.
Trustoo: request several companies
You choose which companies you'd like a quote from.
Strong point: comparing several providers in a structured way.
Solvari: built around quotes
Comparing several quotes is the core of Solvari. That suits insulation, window frames, solar panels, heat pumps, roofing and larger renovations.
Strong point: comparing solutions and prices for larger investments.
What suits you?
Small, clear job? → Booking straight away is usually easier.
Large or complex job? → Comparing several quotes really pays off.
4. How quickly do you actually have an appointment?
Getting a response isn't the same as having an appointment.
That sounds like a detail. It's the difference between "someone responded" and "someone's coming Tuesday". The first feels like progress. The second is.
Zoofy: pick your time slot straight away
During the request, you choose when you'd like help. As soon as a tradesperson accepts the job, the appointment is set. The platform is also set up for urgent jobs.
Strong point: scheduling is built into the booking from the start.
Werkspot: responses first, then scheduling
You post a job and wait for responses. Then you compare tradespeople, pick someone, discuss the price and agree a schedule.
Strong point: freedom of choice, but more steps between request and appointment.
Trustoo: talk to companies first
Companies respond to your request. Then you discuss directly when someone is available.
Strong point: comparing the availability of several companies.
Solvari: scheduling after the quoting process
Information is exchanged and quotes come in first. Then you agree the schedule with the company you've chosen.
Strong point: suits work that needs more preparation anyway.
What suits you?
Want someone arranged quickly? → Zoofy.
Happy to talk to a few companies first? → Werkspot, Trustoo or Solvari.
5. How much do you want to arrange yourself?
This may well be the biggest difference.
Some platforms help you find a tradesperson. After that, you're on your own again: calling, comparing, agreeing, paying. Other platforms take a bigger part of that journey off your hands.
Zoofy: as much as possible in one process
You do the first three steps. Zoofy does the rest: finding the tradesperson, checking their papers, arranging the terms, sending the invoice and still being there after the job if you need us. No calling, no comparing, no negotiating. This is how Zoofy works.
Strong point: three steps for you. The rest is on Zoofy.
Werkspot: a lot to decide yourself
Every step is one you take. And every step can stall: no responses, someone who doesn't call back, a price that turns out different after all.
Strong point: a lot of control. But also a lot of work.
Trustoo: compare, then arrange it yourself
The overview is nice. After that, you're still the one calling, comparing and agreeing.
Strong point: a clear comparison of local providers. The rest you arrange yourself.
Solvari: request, compare, choose
For a major renovation, that process makes sense. You want to put time into it. For a small job, it's mostly a lot.
Strong point: suited to complex projects where comparing pays off.
What suits you?
Want to compare and negotiate yourself? → Werkspot, Trustoo or Solvari.
Mainly want the job taken care of? → Zoofy.
6. Do you want to decide which tradesperson comes?
More choice isn't automatically better. It depends on your preference, and on the size of the job.
But "the platform chooses" doesn't mean you have no say. That differs per platform too.
Zoofy: the platform matches, you stay in control
For a standard booking, you choose the job, the time slot and the rate shown. Then Zoofy finds a suitable tradesperson. Once found, you get information about who's coming. Doesn't feel right, for instance because the communication isn't pleasant? Then you can cancel for free and have the job re-requested with other tradespeople in the Zoofy network. Zoofy searches and matches again.
Strong point: no selection process of your own, but always a way out if it doesn't click.
Werkspot: maximum choice
You look at the proposals and profiles of tradespeople and decide for yourself who it will be.
Strong point: full control over who does the job.
Trustoo: select companies yourself
You get an overview of companies and decide who to approach.
Strong point: building your own shortlist.
Solvari: assess the quote and company yourself
You judge for yourself which quote and which company best fit your project.
Strong point: control over larger financial decisions.
What suits you?
For a €150 job, you probably don't need to interview four tradespeople. Then it's nice to have someone found for you, as long as you can switch if it doesn't click.
For a €25,000 renovation, you probably do want to choose yourself.
7. Who sets the terms of the appointment?
An appointment is more than a date and a price. What happens with extra work? What if the tradesperson doesn't show up? When do you pay, and what if the work isn't right?
On most platforms, those answers are in the tradesperson's terms. Per tradesperson, that is. And you usually don't read them until you need them.
Zoofy: one set of terms, in your interest
With Zoofy, you don't make separate arrangements with each tradesperson. Zoofy gives you the best terms for the appointment with the tradesperson, and they apply to every tradesperson in the network. Extra work is discussed in advance, you pay afterwards, and the platform stays involved if something isn't right. That's the service you get from Zoofy.
Strong point: no small print to read per tradesperson.
Werkspot: the tradesperson's terms
You enter into an agreement with the tradesperson you choose. Their terms apply. They differ per tradesperson, so you check them again for every job.
Strong point: you can negotiate yourself, if you want to and are able to.
Trustoo: the company's terms
After the introduction, you make your own arrangements with the company. That company's terms lead.
Strong point: tailored arrangements, but different for each company.
Solvari: terms per quote
Every quote comes with its own terms: deposit, instalments, guarantee, handover. You compare those yourself, alongside the price.
Strong point: for large projects, it pays to line those terms up carefully.
What suits you?
Want to set the terms yourself and agree them with the tradesperson? → Werkspot, Trustoo or Solvari.
Want the terms already sorted before you book? → Zoofy.
8. How and when do you pay?
The total price is one thing. When you pay, who you pay, and what happens if the work isn't right, that's what determines how much risk you carry.
Zoofy: afterwards, through the platform
After the job, you receive the invoice via Zoofy. You pay Zoofy, not the tradesperson directly. The amount is then not paid out to the tradesperson immediately.
Strong point: payment stays within the same environment as the booking.
Werkspot: arrangements with the tradesperson
Werkspot puts you in touch. How you pay, when, and whether a deposit is needed, you agree with the tradesperson yourself.
Strong point: flexible, but the terms differ per tradesperson.
Trustoo: arrangements with the company
Payment runs directly between you and the company you've chosen.
Strong point: you make arrangements that fit the job.
Solvari: directly with the specialist
For larger projects, a company often works with a deposit, instalments and a final payment on handover. Solvari advises checking the payment terms carefully.
Strong point: suits project-based work.
What suits you?
Want to pay afterwards through the platform? → Zoofy.
Want to agree payment terms with the company yourself? → Werkspot, Trustoo or Solvari.
9. What if something goes wrong?
You only think about this once it's already gone wrong. Which is a shame, because by then the answer is a lot less fun to find out. How this works at Zoofy is covered in Zoofy: reviews, complaints and reliability.
Zoofy: the platform stays involved
The tradesperson is primarily responsible for the quality of the work. But Zoofy remains part of the process and provides support. For suitable jobs, an additional guarantee package can also be used, under which repairs can be arranged subject to conditions.
Strong point: an extra layer between you and the tradesperson.
Werkspot: agreement with the tradesperson
Werkspot helps you find someone, but the agreement is between you and the tradesperson. So a problem is first resolved with that tradesperson.
Strong point: a direct relationship, but less central handling.
Trustoo: agreement with the company
Trustoo handles the introduction and comparison. Responsibility for the work lies with the company you choose.
Strong point: you choose yourself, but the platform doesn't carry out the work.
Solvari: agreement with the specialist
Here too, you enter into the agreement with the chosen company yourself. If there are problems, that company is your first point of contact.
Strong point: fits the classic quote-and-contractor relationship.
What suits you?
Always ask this question: who helps me if the tradesperson and I don't agree?
That's the difference between a platform that gets you a name and a platform that stays involved.
10. Is the platform free?
Free sounds good. But a platform is never free. Someone always pays. The only question is how, and who passes it on in the end.
On most platforms, the tradesperson buys your contact details for a fixed amount per request. On Zoofy, the tradesperson pays a small amount for a monthly or yearly subscription. Either way, those are costs for the tradesperson, and they build them into their price. So they end up with you anyway.
The same goes for quotes. Preparing a quote takes time, and that time is in the price. A "free quote" doesn't exist. You just don't pay for it separately.
Zoofy: subscription for the tradesperson, service fee after the job
Tradespeople pay a small amount per month or per year to work through Zoofy. They don't buy individual leads. For you: after a completed booking, a service fee is charged. In return, Zoofy stays involved in the booking, the matching, the rate structure, the terms, the payment and the support.
Strong point: you see what you pay, and you know what you get for it.
Werkspot: free to post, tradesperson buys your details
Posting a job costs you nothing. Tradespeople pay a fixed amount to receive your contact details. Those costs end up in the price they charge you.
Strong point: low threshold, but the bill still reaches you indirectly.
Trustoo: free to search, companies pay per lead
Searching for companies and requesting proposals is free. The affiliated companies pay for your request and pass that on in their rates.
Strong point: comparing without separate platform fees, but not without costs.
Solvari: free request, paid for by the specialist
Requesting quotes usually costs you nothing. The affiliated professionals pay for the request. For large projects, that amount is small compared to the job, but it's in the quote.
Strong point: easily receive several proposals, with the costs built into the price.
What suits you?
Don't ask: "Is the platform free?" The answer is always no.
Ask instead: "What does the platform still do for me after the match, and what do I ultimately pay for that?"
11. Can you rebook a good tradesperson later?
A good first experience changes what you want. Once you've had someone who works neatly, arrives on time and gets it right first time, you don't want to compare that person with three strangers again.
The same customer survey shows that almost two in three Zoofy customers would rather just book a tradesperson they liked again.
Zoofy: rebook through the platform
You can rebook a tradesperson you've used before as a favourite, as long as they're available.
Strong point: the trust from the previous job stays within the platform.
Werkspot: approach them directly again
Found a good tradesperson? You can approach them yourself again later.
Strong point: a direct relationship with the tradesperson.
Trustoo: call the same company again
After the first request, you're in direct contact with the company, so you can simply call them again later.
Strong point: a simple, direct repeat relationship.
Solvari: continue with the chosen specialist
After the introduction, what mainly develops is a direct relationship with the chosen company.
Strong point: suited to follow-up work within larger home projects.
Everything side by side
For those who'd rather scan than read.
| Zoofy | Werkspot | Trustoo | Solvari | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who chooses the tradesperson? | The platform matches | You, from responses | You, from an overview | You, from quotes |
| Certificates and insurance | Checked per job by Zoofy | Check yourself | Check yourself | Check yourself |
| Price known | Before booking | After responses | After quotes | After quotes |
| Quotes needed? | Usually not; available on request, checked by Zoofy, at the hourly rate | Compare proposals | Compare quotes | Core of the model |
| Appointment | You pick the slot when booking | After choosing and discussing | After contacting the company | After the quoting process |
| Terms of the appointment | One set, via Zoofy | Per tradesperson | Per company | Per quote |
| Payment | Afterwards, via Zoofy | Yourself, with the tradesperson | Yourself, with the company | Yourself, with the specialist |
| If something goes wrong | Platform stays involved | With the tradesperson | With the company | With the company |
| How the platform earns | Tradesperson subscription + service fee after the job | Tradesperson buys your details | Company pays per lead | Specialist pays per request |
| Best for | Everyday jobs, maintenance, urgent repairs | Comparing tradespeople yourself | Comparing local companies | Renovating and going green |
Which platform suits which situation?
Choose Zoofy if…
…you mainly want the job taken care of. You want to see the rate up front, get someone quickly, skip waiting for quotes, pick a time slot straight away, pay afterwards through the platform, arrange as little as possible yourself, and like knowing there's support and a guarantee behind it.
Typical jobs: plumber, electrician, handyman, installation, assembly, faults and maintenance.
Choose Werkspot if…
…you want to decide for yourself which tradesperson you pick. You want to compare tradespeople, line up reviews and proposals, discuss the price yourself and agree the schedule and terms yourself.
Typical situation: you know what needs doing, but want to assess several tradespeople first.
Choose Trustoo if…
…you want to compare local companies. You want to see who's well rated first, approach several providers, build your own shortlist and receive several quotes.
Typical situation: you want to know which companies in your area have a good reputation.
Choose Solvari if…
…you're considering a larger investment in your home. Insulation, window frames, solar panels, a heat pump, the roof, a dormer or a larger renovation. Then you want to see several solutions and quotes before spending thousands of euros.
Typical situation: a larger home improvement or sustainability project.
So: which home services platform is the best?
There isn't one that's automatically the best for every job. Sorry.
The real difference is what you still want to do yourself after you've put your job online.
Want to compare tradespeople, collect quotes, discuss prices, call companies and arrange the schedule yourself? Then Werkspot, Trustoo and Solvari fit that model well.
Would you rather see the rate up front, pick a time slot, have a suitable tradesperson found, have the job done and then pay through the platform? Then Zoofy is set up for exactly that.
Ask yourself these eight questions
- How important is it that the platform selects the tradesperson for me?
- Do I want to know the rate in advance, or compare several quotes instead?
- How quickly do I want an actual appointment?
- How much time do I want to spend searching and calling myself?
- Do I want to choose my tradesperson myself?
- Do I want to agree the terms with the tradesperson myself, or do I want them already sorted?
- Do I want to pay the tradesperson directly, or rather through a platform?
- Who do I want to be able to turn to if something isn't right?
Answer those questions and you'll usually see quickly which type of platform fits. Werkspot, Trustoo and Solvari help you find and compare tradespeople. Zoofy is built to take care of the job for you, from booking to payment, as much as possible.
And that tap? Still dripping. The bowl's still there too.