What to Look for in a Tradesperson: Lessons From the Flyers
- Lisa Marie Hindle
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Hello everyone — it’s been a while since my last blog update! We’ve been busy here at Upcycle Interiors, but I wanted to share something that came through my letterbox recently which really got me thinking: flyers.
You may have seen some of our flyers around — we’ve got one for our waste recycling and upcycling service, one covering our core handyman and renovation services, and most recently, our new sash window restoration flyer.
But alongside ours, I’ve also received a pile of flyers from other local companies. Out of curiosity, I started looking at them — not to criticise, but to learn. What works well? What looks trustworthy? And, importantly, what are the red flags you should spot before hiring a tradesperson?
So, here are a few insights.
Flyer Red Flags to Watch Out For
1. Companies That Don’t Add Up
One flyer I received made the business look like a large, reputable company. Established in 1983, smart branding, professional look. But when I checked on Companies House, I found something worrying: the company had actually been set up in 2023, wound up in August 2025, and dissolved. In other words, it doesn’t even exist anymore.
That’s a huge red flag. A dissolved company shouldn’t be advertising for work, and it raises questions about accountability.
2. Spelling Mistakes & Typos
Everyone makes mistakes, but on a flyer? That’s your shop window! If a business can’t take the care to proofread their advertising, will they take care with your home? One flyer I saw had “proprietor” spelled incorrectly and three typos in just two paragraphs. Small details, big alarm bells.
3. Weak Online Presence
Always Google the company name. If you can’t find them easily — or if they only have one bad review — that’s a problem. Some businesses rely on paid directory websites, but these don’t carry the same trust as genuine reviews on Google.
Other giveaways:
Only stock photos on their website (instead of real project photos)
Inconsistent branding or different logos across platforms
Using only a Gmail address instead of a domain email (not always bad, but odd for a company claiming decades of experience)
4. No Clear Identity
One flyer didn’t even have a proper business name. Just a vague description. When I tried Googling it, nothing came up. If you don’t know who you’re hiring, how can you trust them?
Worse still, the flyer had no address, no company number, no clear area covered. Just a phone number — one of which was an 0800 number with no local link. That feels far too “fly-by-night” for my liking.
A Good Example
Not all the flyers were bad. One in particular really stood out as professional and trustworthy. It had:
A clear company name
VAT and company registration numbers
An address and local phone number
A website and professional email
Established date that matched Companies House records
It even used a handwritten-style design which grabbed attention. Everything checked out, and while it turned out to be a much larger, nationwide company (which isn’t my personal preference), the presentation was excellent and built instant trust.
Why This Matters
Checking out a tradesperson before letting them into your home takes just five minutes — but it could save you a huge amount of stress. Look for:
Company registration (if limited)
Consistent branding
Clear, accurate contact details
Genuine project photos
Verified reviews
Trust is built on the little details. If something doesn’t add up, think twice.
Final Thoughts
Here at Upcycle Interiors, we put a lot of effort into being transparent. You’ll find us on Companies House, you can see hundreds of photos of our work, and our flyers and website all carry the same details because we know consistency builds confidence.
So, the next time a flyer drops through your door, take five minutes to check it out before picking up the phone. It’s the simplest way to protect your home and your money.
👉 Looking for a tradesperson you can trust in Weymouth, Portland, or Dorchester?Get in touch with us at Upcycle Interiors Ltd today.
Call us on 01305 584459, drop us an email at sales@upcycleinteiors.co.uk, or fill in our contact form here. We’d love to help.
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