Applying and participation
How can a contractor apply to join Washington Trade Network?
Contractors apply through the separate form, which collects business and trade information for review. Applying starts a conversation about potential fit and participation terms; it does not activate membership or promise projects.
- List the trades and locations your business actually serves.
- Review the proposed participation and billing terms before accepting work.
Sources & answer link
Washington Trade Network participation policy; terms agreed before work.
Reviewed October 17, 2026. Link to this answer
Applying and participation
Does submitting the contractor application activate membership or charges?
Submitting the application does not activate membership or charges. Participation begins under terms the contractor agrees to before accepting work.
- Ask for the written participation terms before proceeding.
- Do not treat an application confirmation as approval or a billing agreement.
Sources & answer link
Washington Trade Network participation policy; terms agreed before work.
Reviewed October 17, 2026. Link to this answer
Applying and participation
Which trades can apply to Washington Trade Network?
Washington Trade Network connects independent electrical and related trades, including HVAC, plumbing, and finishing, with project and business support. Contractors share their specialties in the application, and participation follows agreed terms and project fit.
- Describe the services your business performs and the areas it serves.
- Do not assume a particular trade has current openings or referral volume.
Sources & answer link
Washington Trade Network participation policy; terms agreed before work.
Reviewed October 17, 2026. Link to this answer
Applying and participation
Does network participation replace my trade license or permit duties?
Participation does not replace licenses, permits, inspections, or other requirements that apply to your trade and project. Contractors remain responsible for the work they agree to perform.
- Electrical contractors should keep current Washington licensing information for the relevant business.
- Confirm permit responsibility and inspection requirements in each project scope.
Sources & answer link
Washington Trade Network participation policy; terms agreed before work.
Reviewed October 17, 2026. Link to this answer
Applying and participation
Does an application guarantee acceptance into the network?
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance, a fixed referral count, or work in a particular area. The network reviews business and project fit before agreeing to participation terms.
- Provide accurate business, specialty, and service-area information.
- Wait for participation terms before presenting the business as a network member.
Sources & answer link
Washington Trade Network participation policy; terms agreed before work.
Reviewed October 17, 2026. Link to this answer
Billing and participation terms
How does the job-based contractor billing option work?
The job-based option is usually billed after project qualification and handoff, and after the contractor completes the work and receives customer payment. The contractor agrees to the specific terms before accepting work.
- Confirm the trigger, amount, and payment timing in the written agreement.
- Keep homeowner project payments separate from network service billing.
Sources & answer link
Washington Trade Network participation policy; terms agreed before work.
Reviewed October 17, 2026. Link to this answer
Billing and participation terms
Do I pay a lead fee when I do not win the job?
An uncompleted job in the job-based route does not trigger a separate pay-per-lead charge. That bill is usually tied to work the contractor completes and gets paid for, under terms agreed before accepting the project.
- Check whether your agreement uses job-based billing or a monthly subscription.
- Do not infer a fee from the act of receiving an application or referral.
Sources & answer link
Washington Trade Network participation policy; terms agreed before work.
Reviewed October 17, 2026. Link to this answer
Billing and participation terms
What does the monthly subscription option cover?
An agreed monthly subscription can include network services such as lead generation, qualification, intake, handoff, marketing, or technology support for members who want them. It covers network services, not the contractor’s electrical project or homeowner invoice.
- Confirm which services and deliverables the subscription includes.
- Agree on the subscription terms before membership or work begins.
Sources & answer link
Washington Trade Network participation policy; terms agreed before work.
Reviewed October 17, 2026. Link to this answer