Every removals operator faces this question eventually: should I keep paying for Getamover, Bark, or Checkatrade leads, or should I spend that money running my own Google Ads?
If Bark is one of the channels you rely on, it is worth reading how to win more removals jobs from Bark alongside this guide. The lead source matters, but the conversion process matters more.
The honest answer: it depends on where your business is, how well you convert, and what you can afford to test. Here is the full picture.
How lead marketplaces work
Services like Getamover, Bark, and Checkatrade operate as middlemen. A homeowner submits a removal request, and the platform sends that lead to multiple operators in the area. You pay per lead – typically £5–£30 depending on the job size – regardless of whether you win the job.
Pros of lead marketplaces
- Instant volume: sign up and leads start arriving the same week
- No setup complexity: no campaigns to build, no keywords to research
- Predictable cost: you know the price per lead upfront
- Good for new businesses: when you have no reviews or web presence, bought leads get the phone ringing
Cons of lead marketplaces
- Shared leads: the customer has already been sent to 2–4 competitors
- No brand building: the customer contacted the marketplace, not your business
- Rising costs: as more operators join, per-lead prices tend to increase
- No control: you cannot target specific postcodes, job sizes, or customer intent
- No exclusivity: you are always competing on speed and price, not reputation
How Google Ads work for removals
Google Ads puts your business in front of homeowners who are actively searching for "removals company near me", "man and van [town]", or "house removal quotes." You pay per click (not per lead), and the customer lands on your own website or landing page.
Pros of Google Ads
- Exclusive enquiries: the customer contacted you, not a marketplace
- Brand building: your business name, reviews, and phone number appear in the ad
- Targeting control: choose postcodes, job types, times of day, and devices
- Compounding returns: ad performance and quality score improve over time
- Higher intent: someone searching "removals company Sheffield" is ready to hire
Cons of Google Ads
- Setup complexity: campaigns need proper structure, keyword research, and tracking
- Learning period: expect 4–8 weeks before campaigns optimise properly
- Variable enquiry cost: click prices depend on town, competition, and landing-page quality, and not every click becomes an enquiry
- Ongoing management: campaigns need regular optimisation to stay profitable
Cost comparison: how the economics usually work
| Metric | Lead marketplace (Getamover) | Google Ads (managed) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per lead | £5–£30 (fixed per lead) | Variable – depends on click cost and landing-page conversion rate |
| Lead exclusivity | Shared with 2–4 operators | Exclusive to your business |
| Typical conversion rate | 10–20% (without follow-up system) | 15–30% (exclusive, higher intent) |
| Cost per booked job | £50–£150 (depends on follow-up) | £60–£120 (depends on campaign quality) |
| Brand building | None – customer sees the marketplace | Yes – your name, reviews, and site |
| Setup time | Same day | 1–2 weeks (with ongoing optimisation) |
These are directional comparisons, not fixed benchmarks. A tightly targeted local campaign can see low-single-digit CPCs, while broader or weaker campaigns can cost more. Judge the channel on cost per booked job, not one headline click figure.
These numbers shift dramatically when you add a proper follow-up and conversion system. Operators using Move and Store's quoting portal and automated reminders typically see marketplace lead conversion jump from 10% to 25%+.
The right strategy for each stage
Just starting out (0–6 months)
Use lead marketplaces for volume. You need jobs to build momentum, reviews, and cash flow. Pair every marketplace lead with Move and Store's professional quoting and CRM tracking so you convert more of what you buy.
This is what operators like Emerald Logistics did – Getamover leads for volume, Move and Store for conversion.
Established but growing (6–18 months)
Layer in Google Ads while continuing marketplaces. The exclusive leads build your brand and generate higher-quality enquiries. Use your CRM data to compare cost per booked job across channels and shift budget accordingly.
Mature and scaling (18+ months)
Reduce or eliminate marketplace dependence. Your Google Reviews, website authority, and ad history make exclusive leads increasingly cost-effective. Marketplace leads become a top-up during slow periods rather than a primary channel.
The one thing both channels need
Whether your leads come from Getamover or Google Ads, they all need the same conversion system:
- Fast response with a branded quote portal
- Automated follow-ups on every unanswered quote
- Online deposit collection to lock the booking
- CRM tracking by source to measure what works
Without this, even the best leads – exclusive or shared – leak money through the same cracks.
Get started with the conversion system first
Before deciding where to spend on leads, make sure you can convert them. Start free with Move and Store's quoting portal, CRM, and online payments. Then, when you are ready for managed Google Ads, the Get the Phones Ringing service starts at £50 per month with no setup fee.