How to hire local services: a practical guide for any country

Hiring someone local should be simple, but it often is not. Prices vary, credentials are hard to check and everyone is busy. This guide covers the steps that work for almost any service, anywhere.

1. Write a clear brief

The better your description, the better your quotes. Include:

• What needs doing, with measurements or photos where they help
• Where: the suburb or neighbourhood (never your full address in a public post)
• When: a date range, and whether you are flexible
• Budget: a range is fine and saves everyone time
• Access: parking, stairs, pets, keys

On getlocal you can post this as a job, or send it as an enquiry straight to a worker's profile.

2. Get two or three quotes

One quote tells you very little. Three show you the going rate. Ask each person to price the same brief, and ask what is not included: materials, call-out fees, rubbish removal, travel and tax.

3. Check who you are hiring

• Read reviews from completed jobs, and look at how the worker replied to criticism
• For regulated trades (electrical, gas, plumbing, building) check the licence with the official register in your country or state
• Ask whether they carry public liability insurance for anything that could damage property
• Look for a verified badge, which on getlocal means we have confirmed the person's identity

4. Agree the details in writing

A short message thread is enough for small jobs: price, what is included, start date and how changes are handled. For larger jobs ask for a written quote or contract. Keep the conversation in getlocal chat so there is a record.

5. Pay safely

• Never pay the full amount up front for a large job; a deposit for materials is normal, the balance on completion
• Prefer traceable payments (bank transfer to a business account, card) over cash or gift cards
• Be wary of last-minute changes to bank details, a common invoice scam

After the job

Leave an honest review. It helps good workers get more jobs and helps your neighbours choose well.