Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce
A RECURRING concern from trades-people in Bayside and Redlands is that their industry is often undervalued.
While customers readily accept higher fees from other professionals, trades are often held to a different standard.
The reality is that running a trade business involves significant costs – rising material prices, equipment, vehicle costs with maintenance and fuel, insurance, licensing, and ongoing compliance requirements.
On top of that, tradespeople continually invest in upskilling to keep pace with industry changes and maintain high standards.
The pressure doesn’t stop at costs.
Trades businesses face challenges from high wages driven by the rising cost of living.
Peak demand periods add further stress, as many customers wait until the last minute to book and then express frustration when longer wait times are unavoidable.
To manage their workload, many businesses are forced to close bookings early or introduce call-out fees to protect their time and ensure serious inquiries.
Another ongoing issue is the presence of unregulated “cowboy” operators who offer low-cost services without proper qualifications or oversight.
These operators undercut legitimate businesses and often leave customers with poor-quality work that needs to be redone.
A localised challenge is getting tradespeople over to the islands like Stradbroke and SIMBI too, where barge costs and travel time can be significant factors.
There’s also the need for mainland trades to be willing to take on these jobs, despite the added logistical issues.
How can we better support our tradespeople?
First, we must advocate for fair pricing, recognising that fees account for not only labour but also overheads and years of specialised training.
Educating consumers on how to identify reputable operators and avoid unregulated ones is equally important.
Trade groups can play a key role in amplifying the industry’s voice, pushing for stronger regulation and broader community support.
Clear, open communication between tradespeople and customers can help set proper expectations and minimise frustration on both sides.
Additionally, raising issues and engaging with local members of Parliament can help initiate important conversations.
Local Chambers of Commerce also offer valuable resources and can advocate for the industry’s needs.
Trades are essential to our community, and it’s important for everyone to take a step back and recognise the
challenges they face.
Every industry benefits from understanding and support, and the trades are no exception.
