Frequently Asked Questions

Skillspotter is a UK-based platform that connects you with skilled local service providers — from barbers and beauticians to plumbers, electricians, and cleaners. Simply search for the service you need, browse available providers in your area, check their profiles and reviews, and book and pay securely through our app or website.

We cover a wide range of services including barbering and hairdressing, beauty treatments and makeup, cleaning (domestic and commercial), plumbing, electrical work, and much more. We're constantly adding new service categories — if you don't see what you need today, check back soon or let us know via our feedback form.

Just enter your postcode or town into the search bar and select the service you need. Skillspotter will show you a list of available providers in your area, along with their ratings, reviews, pricing, and availability. You can filter results by distance, price, and rating to find the right match for you.

Once you've found a provider you like, select your preferred date and time from their available slots and confirm your booking. Payment is taken securely through the Skillspotter platform at the time of booking. You'll receive a confirmation by email and in-app notification with all the details of your appointment.

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, and Apple Pay. All payments are encrypted and processed securely. Your card details are never stored on our platform.

Yes. You can cancel or reschedule a booking through the app or website up to 24 hours before your appointment at no charge. Cancellations made within 24 hours may be subject to a cancellation fee, depending on the provider's policy, which will be shown clearly on their profile before you book.

Your satisfaction matters to us. If you have an issue with a service, please raise a complaint through our Resolution Centre within 48 hours of your appointment. Our team will review the case and work with both you and the provider to reach a fair outcome. In eligible cases, a partial or full refund may be issued.

While we strongly encourage all providers to hold appropriate insurance for their trade, requirements vary by service type. Providers are asked to declare their insurance status on their profile. For higher-risk services such as plumbing and electrical work, we recommend checking a provider's credentials and insurance directly before booking.

Absolutely. We take data privacy seriously and comply fully with UK GDPR regulations. Your personal information is encrypted, never sold to third parties, and only shared with the service provider to the extent necessary to fulfil your booking. Please read our full Privacy Policy for more details.

Anyone based in the UK who offers a legitimate service can sign up on Skillspotter. Whether you're a sole trader, freelancer, or small business, you're welcome to create a profile and start listing your services. You'll self-verify your details during sign-up, and we ask that all information provided is accurate and up to date.

Click 'Join as a Provider' on our homepage or app. You'll be guided through a simple sign-up process where you'll enter your personal and business details, describe your services, set your pricing, upload photos of your work, and choose your availability. Your profile will be live and visible to customers as soon as you complete sign-up.

Signing up and creating your profile is completely free. Skillspotter works on a commission basis — we take a small percentage of each booking you receive through the platform. This means no upfront costs and no monthly fees. You only pay when you earn. Full commission details are available in our Provider Terms and Conditions.

When a customer bookings and pays through Skillspotter, the payment is held securely until the service is completed. Once the job is done, your earnings (minus our commission) are transferred directly to your registered UK bank account. Payouts are processed on a weekly basis and you can track all your earnings through your provider dashboard.

Yes, you have full control. You set your own service prices, define your working hours, and manage your availability calendar through your dashboard. You can update these at any time, block out holidays, or pause your profile if you need a break — all without affecting your account standing.

A complete, professional profile with clear photos, accurate descriptions, and competitive pricing will help you stand out. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews is one of the most effective ways to build trust and attract new clients. Skillspotter also runs promotional features and social media spotlights for top-rated providers.

If a customer cancels with more than 24 hours notice, no cancellation fee applies. If they cancel within 24 hours of the appointment, you may be entitled to a cancellation fee as set in your profile policy. Skillspotter will handle the communication and any applicable payment on your behalf.

Yes. When setting up your profile you can specify the areas you cover, whether that's a single town, a county, or multiple regions across the UK. Customers searching in any of your listed areas will be able to find and book you.

Skillspotter is built specifically for the UK market and focuses on everyday local services that people genuinely need — not just home improvements, but also personal care, beauty, and lifestyle services. We make it simple for anyone to book with confidence, and equally simple for providers to run their business without the hassle. No complicated setup, no unnecessary fees.

Yes! Skillspotter is available across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Whether you're in central London or a smaller town, our goal is to connect you with skilled people in your local area. Coverage will continue to grow as more providers join the platform.

Yes! The Skillspotter app is available on both iOS and Android. You can search for services, manage bookings, communicate with providers or customers, and handle payments — all from your phone. Download it free from the App Store or Google Play.

Our support team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm GMT. You can reach us via live chat on the app or website, by emailing hello@skillspotter.co.uk, or through the Help Centre where you'll find answers to common questions. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day.

We rely on a transparent review system where customers can rate and review every provider after their appointment. Providers with consistently low ratings or complaints are flagged for review and may be removed from the platform. We also encourage providers to display relevant certifications, qualifications, and insurance on their profiles so customers can make informed decisions.

Your safety is our top priority. If you ever feel unsafe or have a serious complaint about a provider or customer, please contact us immediately via our emergency support line or through the 'Report a Concern' button in the app. Serious matters are escalated to our Trust and Safety team and, where appropriate, to the relevant authorities.

Yes. Both customers and providers can report inappropriate behaviour through the platform. Simply go to the relevant profile or booking and tap 'Report'. Our Trust and Safety team reviews all reports promptly and takes appropriate action, which may include warnings, suspensions, or permanent removal from the platform.

Currently, providers self-verify when signing up. However, we strongly encourage providers in regulated trades (such as electrical work, which requires Gas Safe or NICEIC registration) to display their certifications on their profile. We are actively working on an enhanced verification programme, including optional background checks, which will be rolled out later this year.