Uplifting the Culture of Thumbtack Pro

Avixmovingpros

As contractors, we need to address an urgent issue: the race to the bottom on pricing and Thumbtack pro culture. When we compete on price and offer free consultations, we inadvertently lower the value of our work. Clients on Thumbtack may not realize that we pay for these leads, and as a result, they often undervalue our time and expertise. To create a fair marketplace, we must collaborate and establish standards across the platform. This means moving away from free estimates and focusing on transparent, real pricing(not under-cutting the next guy). It’s clear that Thumbtack won't step in to protect our interests, so it’s up to us to ensure our profession remains sustainable. Let's work together to uphold the value of our work.

Call to Action

- Lower our max budget

When we collectively push back on high lead budgets, it prevents Thumbtack from adjusting search rankings based on how much we're willing to spend. By doing this, we’re leveling the playing field, ensuring that quality and professionalism—not budget—determine our visibility. Together, we can make Thumbtack a fairer marketplace for all pros!

• NO MORE FREE ESTIMATE

When we offer free estimates, clients may not realize the real costs behind our time and expertise—like lead fees, gas for site visits, and the use of premium software to build accurate quotes. By ending free estimates, we’re setting a standard that our work has value, ensuring clients recognize that. Not only does this shift client expectations, but it also secures fair compensation for the investments we make to deliver quality service. It’s time we move toward a model where consultations are valued, helping us avoid unnecessary costs while showing clients our professionalism.

- Race to the bottom pricing

When we compete solely on price, it creates a ‘race to the bottom,’ forcing pros to undercut each other and ultimately hurting the quality of work across the board. This culture allows clients to shop around endlessly for the lowest bid, often overlooking the expertise and value we bring to the table. By moving away from undercutting practices, we can create a healthier marketplace on Thumbtack, one where clients appreciate the true cost of quality work and respect the value of our time and skills. Let’s work together to build a professional environment that uplifts us all.