BackOnTools vs Airtasker
Airtasker takes 15–20% of every job you complete. On a $2,000 job that's $300–$400 gone before you've bought a single fitting. BackOnTools charges a flat monthly fee — keep every dollar you earn.
The commission maths
How much Airtasker actually costs a tradie doing solid volume.
Based on Airtasker's published 15–20% service fee range.
Feature by feature
| Feature | BackOnTools | Airtasker |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat monthly fee | 15–20% commission per job |
| Pay commission on every job? | Never | Yes — on every completed job |
| Blind bidding | ✓ Competitors can't see your price | ✗ All offers visible — race to bottom |
| Customer quality filter | ✓ $20 refundable deposit | ✗ Anyone can post, no skin in the game |
| ABN verification | ✓ Every tradie verified | Optional / self-declared |
| License verification | ✓ Reviewed by BackOnTools team | ✗ Not required |
| Insurance verification | ✓ Certificate reviewed | ✗ Not required |
| Max tradies bidding per job | 5 (capped) | Unlimited — often 10–20+ |
| AI receptionist add-on | ✓ Available from $79/mo | ✗ Not available |
| Dispute resolution | Direct contact unlocked when you win | Airtasker mediates — can side with customer |
| Long-term contract | No — cancel any time | No contract, but commission locks you in |
| Service area | Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane | Australia-wide |
When Airtasker still makes sense
Airtasker has broader coverage and a massive user base. If you're doing very low-volume handyman tasks under $200 and want maximum exposure before you have a reputation, it can work. But once you're doing regular trade jobs — plumbing, electrical, carpentry — the commission compounds fast and the blind bidding format protects nobody.
BackOnTools is built for licensed, insured tradies who want quality leads — not a bidding war where the cheapest quote wins.
Stop paying commission. Start keeping your margin.
Flat monthly fee. Blind bidding. Verified customers who actually want the work done.
Join BackOnTools →No lock-in. Cancel any time.