Avoid the ‘foreigner tax’ on Prague home repairs with this service

Prague home repairs can quickly become stressful, especially when your Czech language skills are limited to “mám problém.” Even if you manage to find a company and explain the issue, there is often a lingering concern that you are being overcharged simply because you are not a local (also known as the “foreigner tax”). 

Services like Trader Point position themselves as a way to simplify this process. Founded by Kerrial Newham, the platform uses a structured marketplace to connect users with tradespeople across Czechia. According to the company, it allows users to request services, compare multiple offers, and review pricing before committing.

Here’s how the service works, and how it can help you avoid overpaying or poor-quality work in and around Prague.

Don't know the Czech word for 'breaker box'? Just describe the issue in English and let experienced electricians assess the problem.

Trader Point is designed to address three common issues: lack of price transparency, difficulty comparing multiple providers, and communication barriers for non-Czech speakers. By allowing users to post a job and receive several responses, the platform offers a way to benchmark costs, understand what a job should involve, and choose a provider based on both price and reviews.

Maybe you reached out to a plumbing company and were quoted nearly CZK 6,000 for a minor plumbing fix. After posting the same job on the Trader Point platform, you could receive multiple offers closer to CZK 2,500, along with clear breakdowns of labor and materials.

In Czechia, the cost of repairs depends on the type of work, its complexity, and materials used. As with any contractor, independent estimates can vary, and prices may differ significantly based on location, timing, and availability.

The following indicative ranges were provided by the company and reflect standard jobs rather than emergency callouts or complex repairs:

Depending on the task, Trader Point users may receive initial responses within hours for common repairs, with multiple quotes often arriving within one to two days depending on the job type and urgency.

In a perfect world, we’d all have the kind of vocabulary and know-how needed to diagnose a home repair. But sometimes, all you know is that your boiler is broken. 

If the scope of a job is unclear, pricing from vendors can easily shift, whether through vague estimates, unnecessary add-ons, or inflated labor time. To avoid this, Trader Point created an 'Express Interest' feature that allows traders to signal their availability for a job before committing to a price.

For example, you might write: “My boiler is making a loud clicking noise.” If a trader needs to assess the work in person first, they can state their call-out charge upfront, or offer a free assessment. The client then decides whether to share their contact details, giving them control over who visits their property, and ensuring any pricing is based on a proper site visit rather than guesswork.

It also helps clarify costs upfront. Call-out fees and next steps can be discussed before any work begins, reducing the risk of unexpected charges. After the visit, you can request a written quote through the platform so the scope, materials, and pricing are clearly documented.

Letting someone into your home requires trust. Many expats rely on Facebook groups or word-of-mouth recommendations, which can be helpful but often lead to inconsistent pricing, limited availability, or offers from people whose qualifications are difficult to verify. 

In Czechia, professionals (řemeslník) are often registered under an IČO (Czech registration number), which is a business identification number.

Trader Point verifies phone numbers and emails, and allows professionals to list their IČO. If something goes wrong, a built-in mediation system can assist to help resolve disputes without either party having to go it alone.

If you’re a tradesperson looking to find jobs, Trader Point uses a flat pay subscription model rather than a commission per job. According to the company, some traditional intermediaries take 15–20 percent, which can be reflected in the final price. A subscription model aims to keep pricing closer to what the tradesperson actually charges.

Dealing with home repairs should not require so much guesswork. With Trader Point, users can compare offers, communicate in English, and verify who they hire. The platform is expanding across Czechia, with availability depending on local demand. Post for free today, compare interest, and choose the professional you trust most without the worry of a "foreigner tax."