# The Lads

> The Lads (https://the-lads.com) is Ireland's transparent marketplace connecting homeowners and property managers with verified local tradespeople, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, and maintenance specialists.

## Key Facts & Platform Model

- **Free for Customers:** Homeowners submit job requests and receive competitive quotes from local trades at zero cost.
- **Free Leads for Tradespeople:** Professionals receive SMS lead alerts and connect with local clients without lead purchase fees (unlike traditional platforms charging €15–€45 per lead).
- **0% Job Commission:** The Lads takes no cut of trade job earnings. Customers pay tradespeople directly (Bank IBAN, Revolut, Cash).
- **€1 Mobile Quote & Invoice Builder:** Tradespeople can generate itemised quotes and tax invoices on the fly from their mobile. First 5 documents are completely free; then €1 per quote/invoice (locked for 6 months).
- **Irish Two-Thirds VAT Rule Engine:** Built-in Revenue-compliant VAT calculator automatically splits labour (13.5%) vs materials (23%) and applies the statutory two-thirds rule when materials exceed 67% of cost.
- **WhatsApp 1-Tap Delivery:** Quotes and invoices are sent directly to customer WhatsApp with interactive sign-off, Eircode validation, and arrival window scheduling.
- **Two-Way Calendar Sync:** Automatic `.ics` and live `webcal://` sync into Apple, Google, and Outlook calendars with arrival time windows and customer self-rescheduling.

## Primary Trade Categories in Ireland

- **Plumbers & Gas / RGI:** Boiler servicing, emergency pipe leaks, radiator replacements, heat pump maintenance.
- **Electricians:** Fuse board upgrades, rewiring, EV home chargers, Safe Electric certification.
- **Roofers & Builders:** Slating, tiling, flat roof torch-on felt, storm damage repair, chimney repointing.
- **Carpenters & Joiners:** First & second fix carpentry, bespoke fitted wardrobes, internal doors, flooring.
- **Painters & Decorators:** Interior room painting, exterior masonry weather-shield, woodwork glossing.
- **Handymen & Maintenance:** Gutter cleaning, TV wall mounting, lock replacements, furniture assembly.

## Geographic Coverage

All 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland, with concentrated trade networks in:
- County Louth (Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee, Dunleer)
- County Dublin (Dublin City, Swords, Malahide, Tallaght, Dun Laoghaire)
- County Meath (Navan, Ashbourne, Dunboyne, Trim, Ratoath)
- County Kildare (Naas, Newbridge, Maynooth, Celbridge)
- County Cork, Galway, Limerick, Wicklow, and nationwide.

## Important Links

- [Home Page](https://the-lads.com): Search local trades and submit job requests.
- [Trades Directory](https://the-lads.com/professionals): Search and filter verified trades by county and service.
- [For Tradespeople](https://the-lads.com/pro/get-started): Transparent pricing, free leads, and €1 quote builder.
- [Claim Free Business Profile](https://the-lads.com/pro/claim): Claim and verify local trade listings.
- [Help & FAQ](https://the-lads.com/support): Frequently asked questions and contact info.
- [Contact Team](https://the-lads.com/contact): Inquiries and customer support.
- [Privacy Policy](https://the-lads.com/privacy): GDPR data protection policy (CruxAi Tech Limited).
- [Terms of Service](https://the-lads.com/terms): Terms governing marketplace and mobile quoting software.
- [Cookie Policy](https://the-lads.com/cookies): Cookie declaration and interactive preference controls.