\u201cTo be honest, this idea came probably four or five years ago,\u201d Ponjiger said. \u201cIn everyday interactions with fellow trades around Christchurch, it became clear homeowners were struggling to find reliable tradies, and tradies were being charged massive fees on other platforms.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said homeowners often relied solely on word of mouth, while tradespeople were forced to chase work through social media or paid directories.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout word of mouth, homeowners really did not know where to go,\u201d he said. \u201cAt the same time, tradies are in an environment where work is not always available, especially when the economy struggles a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Darko said Link My Trade was designed for both sides of the equation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was always a bit of both,\u201d he said. \u201cHomeowners need a reliable place to find trades, and tradies need a fair platform that does not push heavy fees onto them and then onto the customer.\u201d<\/p>\n
The app allows homeowners to post jobs directly, including urgent or emergency work, which notifies relevant trades in their area. Users can also search and browse trades by category and location.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe idea is homeowners can go on the platform in two ways,\u201d Darko said. \u201cThey can post a job and tradies nearby will be notified, or they can browse trades, find someone, and contact them directly for a quote.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the platform would include more than 35 trade categories.<\/p>\n
Darko said transparency was a key part of the app\u2019s design and that trades would present their businesses rather than personal profiles.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are heavily encouraging transparency,\u201d he said. \u201cTrades will present their business, their workmanship, and how they operate. If they want work through the platform, they will need to maintain good standards.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said over time the platform would help homeowners feel confident they were choosing legitimate New Zealand based businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cHomeowners can be sure they are dealing with real businesses that can provide proper quotes, proper invoicing, and have insurance in place,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Link My Trade has launched initially in Canterbury, with plans to expand nationwide.<\/p>\n