For contractors & trades
How contractors and trades use Red Rock Trade
A contractor earns credits by taking on remodels, repairs and projects for other member businesses, then spends them on the costs of running a crew, like vehicle maintenance, tools, advertising and bookkeeping. One credit is $1 of purchasing power with members. Credits are spent only inside the network.
Why it works for contractors
Contractors live with seasonal swings and gaps between jobs. A slow stretch means idle crew time and equipment sitting still. Filling that gap with member work keeps the team busy and earning, while the cash you would normally spend on trucks, fuel and marketing stays in the business for materials and payroll.
Earn credits
The easiest credits come from work that fits into stretches when your crew is not fully booked. A few ways contractors put that time to use:
- Remodels and repairs during the slow season.
- Small punch-list and handyman jobs for members.
- Tenant-improvement work for member businesses.
- Emergency and after-hours calls for members.
Spend credits
Each credit is $1 of purchasing power with any member business, not just the one that hired you. Where contractors tend to spend them:
- Truck and equipment maintenance.
- Tools and work gear.
- Advertising, signage and a better website.
- Bookkeeping and tax prep.
- Crew meals and appreciation.
An example of how it adds up
Illustrative scenario, not a guarantee
Here is one way it could look. One slow-season remodel paid in credits could cover a year of truck maintenance, a batch of yard signs and the books, without writing a check. Unspent credits roll forward month to month. Your actual results will depend on the jobs you take and how active the local network is.
Contractor FAQ
- How does a contractor earn credits?
- A contractor earns credits by taking on remodels, repairs and punch-list work for other Red Rock Trade members. Tenant-improvement projects for member businesses and after-hours service calls are common ways to fill slow stretches. Credits post to your balance when the member confirms the job, or on their own after 7 days.
- What can a contractor spend credits on?
- Contractors usually spend credits on the costs of running a crew: truck and equipment maintenance, tools and work gear, advertising, signage, a better website, bookkeeping and tax prep, and crew meals. You can spend with any member business, not only the ones you worked for.
- Do I have to take trade on every job?
- No. You choose which offers take trade and when. Cash customers stay exactly as they are, and you can pause new trade customers anytime with one switch when the schedule fills up.
- Is trade income taxable for my contracting business?
- Yes. The IRS treats trade income like cash income in the year the trade happens. After year end, Red Rock Trade sends each business a Form 1099-B for its trade. Your normal tax obligations stay with you, so see IRS Topic No. 420 and confirm the details with your CPA.
New here? Read how Red Rock Trade works, how credits work and taxes on trade. Related industries: home service businesses, auto and repair shops, professional services.
Ready to put your slow season to work?
One monthly price with no transaction fees. Plans start at $59 a month. Every new member starts with 100 welcome credits to spend with any member.