In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, a low trade quote might sound like a stroke of good luck. But what if it’s really a red flag? 

Across Perth, skilled and experienced tradies are increasingly seeing their clients fall victim to unethical business practices. Now the professionals are warning against the perils of the underpriced quote.  

Under-Qualified Tradies Flooding the Market

Tradies are expensive—and for good reason. Trade work requires specific, tailored skillsets, with important safety and quality regulations at play to protect workers and consumers alike. 

Unfortunately, many unscrupulous players are taking advantage of desperate homeowners keen to score a budget deal. Under-qualified tradies are flooding the market with abnormally low-cost estimates. 

The result?

Experienced tradies are struggling to book the jobs they’re best at, and consumers are falling victim to predatory business practices and employing inexperienced tradespeople who just aren’t up to the job. 

Cutting Costs on Products and Promises

So, where are these low-priced tradies really cutting costs?

Experienced members of the industry say that the issue goes beyond the risk of unqualified, and often unsafe, labourers at work. 

Many under-charging tradies are cutting costs on the products and equipment they use, in addition to cutting out the extra preparation and follow-up work needed to ensure a job well done. 

“We’re seeing an influx of low-quality brand choices and poor finishes, with results deteriorating quickly,” says a spokesperson for AJ Cochrane & Sons, the most experienced painters in Perth. “When consumers are convinced to go with the cheapest option, they’re at risk of major repair and redo costs in the near future.”

A False Sense of Security for Consumers

For consumers, it’s never been so important to be vigilant. Sure, a low estimate sounds like a silver lining, but is it really just a storm cloud?

The best tradies are warning the public to stay alert and ask questions. 

“If it sounds too cheap, it probably is, so you need to find out where they’re planning on saving that money,” explains the city’s leading painting professionals, AJ Cochrane & Sons.

By requesting itemised quotes and examining estimates with a critical eye, consumers can protect themselves from costly future issues, whether they’re booking a painter, a plumber, an electrician, or something else. 

Better yet, by keeping an eye out for scams and predatory offers, Perth clients aren’t just looking after their own experts. They’ll also help to reduce the volume of unqualified tradies in the marketplace, saving good business for good professionals.