Question 1

Who can use TradeFlo+?

Accepted Answer

Australian tradies and homeowners doing residential work. Launched Melbourne-first; rolling out across Victoria, then the rest of Australia.

Question 2

Do I need to download an app?

Accepted Answer

There's a mobile app for tradies (iOS + Android). Homeowners can use either the mobile app or the web product — both work fully on a phone browser.

Question 3

How long does signup take?

Accepted Answer

Five minutes for tradies (Stripe Connect Standard onboarding takes the longest). Two minutes for homeowners.

Question 4

How long is a quote valid?

Accepted Answer

30 days from when the tradie sends it. After that the tradie can resend or revise.

Question 5

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

3% capped at A$149 total platform fee per job, split between the homeowner funding charge and the tradie's first payout. No subscription.

Question 6

Who holds the money?

Accepted Answer

Payment processing is handled through Stripe when card payment is required. Full-job upfront funding is confirmed before work starts, then TradeFlo+ tracks milestone releases after approval and dispute-window checks. TradeFlo+ is a payment platform, not a bank, builder, insurer, legal adviser, or building contract.

Question 7

Are fees GST inclusive?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Australian fees are quoted GST inclusive. You get a tax invoice on every charge.

Question 8

What about Stripe's processing fee?

Accepted Answer

Stripe processing, dispute, and chargeback provider costs are absorbed by TradeFlo+ under the current fee model; they are not added as a separate homeowner charge or contractor deduction.

Question 9

Are platform fees refundable?

Accepted Answer

If a homeowner cancels before any milestone has released, the platform fee is refunded with the funded principal. Once a milestone has released, the fee is non-refundable.

Question 10

How long do I have to raise a dispute?

Accepted Answer

48 hours from the moment the tradie marks a milestone as submitted.

Question 11

What happens during a dispute?

Accepted Answer

Funds for that milestone pause. Both parties upload evidence — photos, messages, plans. TradeFlo+ runs a structured review on a fixed timeline. Decision is logged in the audit trail.

Question 12

What if a dispute can't be resolved on the platform?

Accepted Answer

The Building & Plumbing Commission (which absorbed DBDRV's dispute-resolution function on 1 July 2025) and ultimately VCAT remain available. We hand over the full audit trail.

Question 13

How long do disputes typically take?

Accepted Answer

Most resolve inside a week on platform. Compare with VCAT, which typically runs 14 months to 3 years.

Question 14

Do I need to be a registered builder?

Accepted Answer

You need whatever registration or licence Victorian law requires for the work and contract value. TradeFlo+ doesn't replace that. For builders, the BPC's public register is the source of truth.

Question 15

How fast do I get paid after approval?

Accepted Answer

Stripe Connect typically lands funds in your account within 1 business day after a milestone is released.

Question 16

How many milestones can I have on one job?

Accepted Answer

Up to 20.

Question 17

Can I issue variations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Add a variation in the app, the homeowner approves and funds it before the work starts. Same milestone process from there.

Question 18

Is TradeFlo+ legal under Victorian law?

Accepted Answer

TradeFlo+ is designed to work alongside applicable contract, regulator, insurance, and consumer-law requirements; those obligations remain separate. For regulated building work, keep using the required contract and insurance documents.

Question 19

Does TradeFlo+ replace my contract?

Accepted Answer

No. Your tradie should still issue the required building contract where one is required. TradeFlo+ is the payment infrastructure underneath it.

Question 20

Does TradeFlo+ replace Domestic Building Insurance?

Accepted Answer

No. DBI is a separate, legally required policy for domestic builds of $16,000 or more. You need both for big jobs.

Question 21

What if TradeFlo+ shuts down?

Accepted Answer

Funded job balances are not presented as TradeFlo+ operating revenue. Provider and legal processes would govern unreleased funds.

Question 22

How do I close my account?

Accepted Answer

Email support. We'll close it once any open jobs are settled. Audit-log records are retained as required by Australian record-keeping rules.

Question 23

Where can I export my data?

Accepted Answer

Full transaction history is exportable as CSV from the account dashboard. Audit logs available on request.

Question 24

How do I contact support?

Accepted Answer

Email support@tradefloplus.com. Melbourne-based business hours, with on-call cover for active disputes.

Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Money & fees

Disputes

Trades & builders

Homeowners

Account

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