Hi guys,
I use home improvement pages (also known as HiPages) for jobs I need done. I used to live in Metro Melbourne and I would post an ad and get flooded with texts or calls.
I now live in somewhat regional victoria (Warragul) and I find it very poor! I have only had job out of about 5 be successful and that was for a plumber! But I have posted some plastering jobs, electrical and cabling and had nothing!
Is it just me or is it not used in regional areas as much?
I loved HiPages in metro because it saved a lot of time and hassle! Always was pretty good on price.
I need to build up my local trades. Finally bought a house and now with some jobs that need to be done, I got a Plumber but need some other trades. I found even making enquiries via people's websites (which aren't the greatest) I don't get a response.
Glad I am not the only one with this problem!
Regional areas are captive market. They don't need to bid for jobs, they can ask whatever they want. Usually twice the price you will find in metro.
I have lived in a number of regional areas (not in Victoria) and the tradespeople are usually flat out. If they're already too busy to answer the phone or are turning away work, you're not going to see them looking for work on somewhere like HiPages.
HiPages etc work well when there are lots of tradies actively looking for work and competing against each other. It’s not going to work when there are limited tradies and they are already busy.
Unfortunately you’ll just need to find some local tradies your self. Word of mouth is probably the best option; can you ask for recommendations on a local Facebook group
This.
I also live in regional Vic, know Warragul well.
I tried HiPages several times and also only received 1 followup and that was someone wasting my time as they weren't licenced for the job..
Gave up in disgust and now whenever I need a tradie I rely on WOM or past experiences.