I want to warn other traders about my experience with Checkatrade. I was told over the phone I could try their service for one month to see if I liked it. At no point was I informed of a 12-month commitment, and I never signed any agreement. They now insist I’m in a year-long contract I never agreed to and have been sending repeated emails demanding payment for a so-called “membership.” In my opinion, this is misleading and unethical. Checkatrade claims they record all calls, yet have been unable or unwilling to provide the recording of my initial sign-up call, which would clearly show I was told it was only a one-month trial. From my experience, they appear to enrol traders without proper consent, then pressure them into paying for lengthy memberships. They also do not seem to verify qualifications, meaning anyone can join as long as they pay – which I believe puts the public at risk. From reading other reviews, it’s clear I’m not alone — many other traders have reported being signed up without full consent, later paying hundreds of pounds a month without receiving any jobs in return. If you’re a hardworking trader, be very cautious. Based on my experience, I would not recommend them.