Should Pros Pay for Dead Leads?

Dstiefvater

Pros are being charged whether or not a customer hires, responds, or even takes us seriously. We eat the cost while Thumbtack collects. Do you think it’s fair that pros are forced to pay for dead leads, or should charges only apply when a customer actually books a job?

Dstiefvater

let’s here the thoughts of some other pros.

Dstiefvater

I see a lot of clients that go reaching out to 2, sometimes 4 different pros. We’re all eating that cost while thumbtack profits. That doesn’t seem balanced, their service or not.

Fil777

It's very simple, my friend, no profit for pro = no profit for Thumbtack. That means the system should work like that: pro gets a client that books his services and then the pro pays to Thumbtack. And Thumbtack gives a full refund in case if the client cancels his booking for any reason

DerHilfer_LLC

Thumbtack would be wise to refund any "lead" that is not "scheduled" within 7 days and "completed" within 30 days. I am so tired of asking for refunds:

does not read my message.
wants tile work requesting a "handyman". I do not do tile work, do not advertise tile work.
wants a 9 foot by 10 foot plate glass window on a historic building replaced as a "handyman". FRFR, that is at the limit of a glazer (glass company) who has a specialized truck to transport this massive pane of glass.
doesn't answer the phone even though I'm calling within two minutes of the request.
does not answer the phone at the designated time specified in the messaging system.
offers me "my husband said $100" even though it's listed in Thumbtack at $125 the second time. OMG, why can this person cost me $20 twice for the same service that will make me $10.
tells me "this isn't a good time" as I'm standing on her doorstep which was arranged the day prior.
won't sign a contract before work stars - Thumbtack! That means this person won't pay and without a contract, I have no recourse to get the money I earned at great expense.

These are just a small sample.

To date, my largest "Pros contacted" is six. And this person has zero means to pay for the materials, let alone labor.

epoxyinaustin

Pros deserve a fair system. When we win, Thumbtack wins. But when we lose money on ghost leads, everyone loses except Thumbtack. It’s time for platforms to value pros as much as they value users. like in my business of epoxy floors.

Newson2005

I’m new here wanted to get some insight before going all in I wanted more information about paying for leads this helped me tremendously already feeling like I’m going to scammed if I get a lead that doesn’t pan out

varons666

But when we lose money on ghost leads, everyone loses except Thumbtack.

Pros deserve a fair system. When we win, Thumbtack wins just like or tambo airport car rentals

kristipritchett3

I have been saying thumbtack is making the big money and they aren’t gonna make a change bc unfortunately some of us need them until we can start getting leads on our own. I’ve sent at least 5 ppl bids this week and not one has contacted me back but u can best believe they charged me for it

DerHilfer_LLC

The only thing that somewhat works with Thumbtack Users is guerrilla tactics. As soon as the "lead" comes in, call the customer and schedule an appointment. Keep them on the phone for a few minutes so anyone else who is charged by Thumbtack gets the User's VM. This User is unlikely to call them back.

Keep your business hidden unless you're desperate for sales. This year, I've spent 20% of what I spent last year on Thumbtack. My sales are about the same, but my expenses are obviously lower.

I actually figured out last week that I spent $7.41/hr. per billable hour to attract Thumbtack Users. I knew it was more expensive which is why I charge Thumbtack Users 10% more than organic customers forever. There has only been one Thumbtack User that I've returned to normal pricing after she's spent the better part of 10K on my business.

Finally, take every opportunity to educate Thumbtack Users. While I don't tell them I charge them more, I have no problem telling them "some businesses charge Thumbtack Users more because Thumbtack charges us and that 'Leads" cost me anywhere from $5-98 for someone who never answers the phone." Thumbtack Users are shocked at the prices.