Start with verification, not reviews
Reviews are useful, but verification is foundational. Before you read a single review, check whether the platform identity-verified the pro and what 'verified' actually means there. On Knockr, every specialist has completed a government-ID check tied to a live selfie. That's the floor — not the ceiling.
For regulated trades — plumbing, gas fitting, HVAC, pest management and locksmithing — check that the profile shows the relevant trade licence and insurance, and look for the Licence Verified badge. This means a Knockr team member has manually reviewed the document against the relevant Australian register.
Keep the trail in one place
Run all communication through the booking platform's in-app chat. Don't move to SMS, WhatsApp or personal email before the appointment. If something later needs to be reviewed, having every message in one timestamped place makes resolution faster — both for you and for the platform's support team.
The same applies to payment. Pay the deposit through the platform, not directly to the pro's bank account before the work happens. The escrow model exists for a reason: your funds are held until the job is done.
Share the booking with someone
Most booking apps include a share function — Knockr does too. Send the booking summary (name of the pro, photo, time, address) to a friend or family member before the appointment. It takes 10 seconds and is the single highest-value safety step you can take. Many regular clients do this for every booking, not just the first one with a new pro.
Set the space, then trust your gut
Prepare a clear, well-lit space before the pro arrives. Good lighting is genuinely a safety thing — for the pro doing their work, and for you knowing what's going on. If a pro asks to dim lights significantly beyond what's needed for the service, or insists on closed doors when you'd rather they stayed open, treat that as a signal.
If something feels off — at any point — end the booking. Your safety always overrides the appointment. Knockr's support team treats this as the most serious type of report and investigates within one business day.
"I always send my partner the booking when I have a new tradie coming over. It's not because I expect anything to go wrong — it's because doing it makes me actually relax during the appointment."
— Emma S., Knockr customer, Newtown NSW
Frequently asked
Can I report a pro after a booking?
Yes — every booking on Knockr has a Report button accessible from the booking page after completion. Reports are investigated within one business day. You can also email [email protected].
What if a pro doesn't show up?
If a confirmed pro doesn't arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled time and isn't responsive in the chat, you can cancel from the booking page and your deposit is refunded in full. Repeat no-shows result in the pro being removed from the platform.
Is it safe to book at night?
Most Knockr specialists offer bookings until around 8–9pm in capital cities. Apply the same safety practices — share the booking, use in-app chat, set up a well-lit space. Many regular clients book evenings with no issues at all.