The Decline of Which and Its Impact on Tradesmen Recommendations

Consumer review platforms have long been a trusted source for finding reliable tradesmen. Among these, Which has held a prominent position in the UK, offering advice and recommendations to millions. Recently, however, Which’s reputation has taken a hit, raising concerns about the reliability of its reviews and the impact on tradesmen recommendations. This shift has even led established businesses like S1 Builders Norfolk to end their affiliation with Which. This post explores what happened, what it means for consumers, and how to find trustworthy tradesmen today.

!Eye-level view of a tradesman working on a house exterior with tools

What Is Which and Why It Mattered

Which is a UK-based consumer advice organization that has been around since 1957. It provides product reviews, service ratings, and recommendations to help consumers make informed decisions. Over the years, Which expanded into reviewing tradesmen and local service providers, becoming a go-to platform for homeowners seeking trustworthy professionals for home repairs, renovations, and maintenance.

The appeal of Which lies in its perceived independence and thorough testing process. Consumers trusted Which to vet tradesmen carefully, ensuring quality and reliability. For tradesmen, being listed and positively reviewed on Which was a mark of credibility that could boost business.

Why S1 Builders Norfolk Ended Their Affiliation

Recently, S1 Builders Norfolk, a reputable construction and renovation company, publicly announced they were ending their partnership with Which. The decision followed a series of negative experiences related to reviews and feedback on the platform.

S1 Builders Norfolk cited several issues:

• Unfair or inaccurate reviews: Some reviews on Which did not reflect the actual quality of their work, sometimes appearing exaggerated or misleading.

• Lack of response mechanisms: The platform offered limited ways for tradesmen to address or dispute negative reviews.

• Declining trust in moderation: Concerns grew that Which’s moderation and verification processes were not robust enough to prevent fake or biased reviews.

  
  

This move by a well-known tradesman signals a broader problem with the platform’s reliability and fairness.

What This Means for Consumers

Consumers rely heavily on online reviews to choose tradesmen, often trusting these platforms more than personal recommendations. The decline in Which’s reputation raises several concerns:

• Risk of misleading information: If reviews are inaccurate or manipulated, consumers may hire tradesmen who do not meet expectations.

• Reduced confidence in review platforms: When a trusted platform falters, consumers may feel unsure about where to turn for reliable advice.

• Potential financial and emotional costs: Hiring the wrong tradesman can lead to poor workmanship, delays, and extra expenses.

  
  

Consumers must be cautious and critical when using any review platform, including Which.

How to Find Reliable Tradesmen Today

Given the challenges with Which and similar platforms, here are practical tips to find trustworthy tradesmen:

• Ask for personal recommendations

Friends, family, and neighbors who have recently had work done can provide honest feedback and direct contacts.

• Check multiple review sources

Don’t rely on a single platform. Look at reviews on Google, Trustpilot, local Facebook groups, and trade-specific sites like Checkatrade or Rated People.

• Verify credentials and insurance

Confirm that the tradesman is registered with relevant trade bodies and holds proper insurance.

• Request detailed quotes and contracts

A clear, written agreement helps avoid misunderstandings about scope, costs, and timelines.

• Interview tradesmen directly

Ask about experience, previous projects, and request references you can contact.

• Visit past job sites if possible

Seeing completed work firsthand can give a better sense of quality.

• Be wary of extremely low prices

If a quote seems too good to be true, it might indicate cutting corners or poor materials.

Share Your Experiences

Review platforms are only as good as the community that supports them. If you have used Which or other review sites to find tradesmen, your experiences matter. Have you encountered misleading reviews or unfair feedback? Do you trust these platforms, or do you prefer personal recommendations? Sharing your stories helps others navigate this complex landscape.

The decline in Which’s reputation highlights the need for consumers to be vigilant and proactive when choosing tradesmen. While review platforms can be useful, they are not foolproof. Combining multiple sources of information and trusting personal networks remains the best way to find skilled and reliable tradesmen.