You’ve posted your job, described it in detail, and waited patiently. But days go by and still no tradie quotes. What’s going on?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are struggling to find available tradies, especially for smaller or more complex jobs. But the problem isn’t always your job—and it’s definitely not personal.
Here’s why you might be hearing crickets and what you can do to increase your chances of getting a solid response.
Australia is facing an unprecedented tradie shortage. Between the post-COVID construction boom, natural disaster recovery work, and major state infrastructure projects like Victoria’s Big Build, the demand for qualified trades has exploded and supply hasn’t caught up.
Many tradespeople are working 12-hour days, juggling multiple jobs, and still struggling to meet deadlines. If you’re not getting quotes, chances are, they’re simply too busy.
What to do:
Be patient and flexible with your timelines. If your job isn’t urgent, say so—and tradies may fit you in between larger projects. Use a platform like ServiceSeeking to cast a wider net and get your job in front of more professionals.
For solo tradies or small teams, every job comes with overhead—site visits, quoting, admin time. If your job is very small (like a single tap repair) or overly complex (requiring multiple trades), they may skip it in favour of larger, more straightforward work.
What to do:
Don’t take it personally. Consider bundling smaller tasks into a single visit, or be upfront about flexible timelines. If your job involves multiple trades, make sure you’ve planned it clearly.
Quoting is unpaid work. A single quote can take an hour or more to prepare, and some tradies report doing dozens of quotes that never convert into paid jobs. It’s no wonder some prefer to skip jobs they suspect may not go ahead.
What to do:
Be clear that you’re ready to hire. Let them know if you’ve set a budget and are comparing only a few quotes. Tradies are far more likely to respond to serious enquiries.
It might sound unfair, but tradies do make gut decisions. If your job sounds tricky, urgent, or difficult to price without firm details, it may go to the bottom of the pile. And if they sense that payment could be a problem, they may walk away entirely.
What to do:
Be transparent, respectful, and responsive. If they ask for photos or information, send it through promptly. If you’re supplying parts or materials, clarify that too. A good, respectful tone goes a long way.
Many tradies have “bread and butter” clients who keep them busy all year round—builders, businesses, or long-term homeowners. These clients get priority. First-time residential customers, unfortunately, might be left waiting.
What to do:
Build a relationship with a reliable tradie and stick with them. Loyalty often leads to faster service down the track. And if you’re a new client, try to stand out by being organised, realistic, and respectful.
Certain times of the year, especially the lead-up to Christmas, are hectic. Everyone wants jobs done before the holidays. Tradies are stretched thin, and anything not urgent can be delayed or ignored.
What to do:
If it can wait, consider scheduling your job for January or February, when demand drops off. Or post your job well in advance and allow a longer window to secure the right person.
If your job post is vague—“need a plumber for a leak” or “something wrong with the roof”—it may not inspire confidence. Tradies don’t want to waste time chasing down the details.
What to do:
If you’re posting a job and hearing crickets, it might be worth reviewing your job listing. Be clear, be realistic, and include as much relevant detail as you can. If a tradie needs to chase you for more info, they’re more likely to skip over your listing entirely.
On ServiceSeeking, you can also message your best match directly—we show you the most suitable tradies for your job, so you don’t have to wait around.
The reality is, many tradies are still recovering from years of high pressure, rising costs, and staffing issues. Prices have gone up. Admin work has increased. And with some homeowners pushing back on costs, many tradies are choosing safer, more predictable jobs.
What to do:
Understand that good tradespeople are in high demand and charge accordingly. If you want reliable, professional service, it’s worth paying fairly for it. A platform like ServiceSeeking.com.au helps you compare quotes and find tradies who fit your job and budget.
If you’re not getting tradie quotes, you’re not alone. It’s a challenging time for both homeowners and professionals. But being realistic, respectful, and well-prepared can make a big difference.
Want to skip multiple phone calls and find available, vetted trades?
Post your job on ServiceSeeking.com.au and connect with local tradies ready to work—without the ghosting.