Remote vs On-Site Lead Accuracy — A Fix That Could Save Everyone Time and Money

danq

Hey everyone — Dan here (Enuclea LLC, Stafford VA).

I wanted to raise a recurring issue that I think a lot of us have seen: remote job mismatches.

Here’s what keeps happening:

• A client checks “remote,”
• But their message (if they even write one) clearly describes an on-site physical job — mounting APs, pulling cable, swapping hardware, etc.
• Thumbtack still routes it to anyone who offers “remote network setup” or “general IT.”

When it’s a local job, I can still make something of it — charge for an assessment, build a relationship, maybe upsell proper managed support. But when it’s “remote” and the work clearly isn’t, it’s a dead lead from the start. There’s no professional way to proceed, and it wastes both sides’ time.

Here’s the easy fix:

1. Require at least one sentence of description for all job requests — especially those marked “remote.”
2. • ✅ Remote
   • 🏠 On-Site
   • ❓ Inconclusive (needs clarification)

If it’s inconclusive, prompt the client for more details before sending it out to pros.

That one change would instantly improve lead quality and cut refund requests in half. It would also prevent category mismatches — like when someone wants a SharePoint intranet built but the system tags it under network setup.

The same logic applies to category classification overall

Many of us have seen leads where the system confuses a handyman with an electrician, or network setup with web development. A basic LLM pass could classify requests into the correct trade or specialization with far more accuracy than checkbox logic alone. Even if it’s not confident, “inconclusive” is a valid state — one that triggers a quick clarification from the client before burning a lead credit.

It’s 2025. We’ve got the tools to make this better for everyone.

Has anyone else run into these mismatched “remote” or miscategorized leads lately? Curious to see how widespread this has become.

— Dan @ Enuclea LLC

(Network & Systems Design | Stafford, VA)

danq

Example Client Request	Expected Classification
“Replace four ceiling-mounted access points in our Vermont office. We already have the new hardware.”	On-Site — Low-Voltage / Network Installation
“Need help setting up VPN access for remote employees through our existing firewall.”	Remote — Network Configuration / IT Admin
“Looking to build an internet through SharePoint for my company.”	Remote — Web Development / SharePoint Specialist
“Run a new Cat6 line from the router to the second-floor office and mount an access point.”	On-Site — Low-Voltage Cabling / Networking
“Update our website with a new form for client intake and connect it to Google Sheets.”	Remote — Web Developer / Automation (API)
“Install a ceiling fan in the dining room.”	On-Site — Electrician / Handyman
“Troubleshoot smart-switch pairing with Alexa — can share screen.”	Remote — Smart Home / IoT Support
“Replace water heater and ensure it’s up to code.”	On-Site — Plumber
“Set up M365 email with custom domain and migrate mailboxes.”	Remote — IT Systems / Microsoft 365 Admin
“Mount a 75-inch TV with concealed wiring.”	On-Site — AV Installer / Handyman
“Help design a logo and social media banner for our business.”	Remote — Graphic Design / Marketing
“We need conduit run and outlets added for new office cubicles.”	On-Site — Electrician / Commercial Wiring
“Our Wi-Fi keeps dropping — can you log in to check controller settings?”	Remote — Network Admin / Troubleshooting
“Install outdoor security cameras and route PoE cabling through soffits.”	On-Site — Low-Voltage Security / Installer
“Sync QuickBooks with Square and automate inventory updates.”	Remote — Bookkeeping / API Integration

These examples provided by ChatGPT

danq

Request	Classification	Trade / Skill
“Replace four ceiling-mounted access points in our Vermont office. We already have the new hardware.”	On-Site	Structured Cabling / Network Technician
“Need help setting up VPN access for remote employees through our existing firewall.”	Remote	Network Administration / Cybersecurity
“Looking to build an internet through SharePoint for my company.”	Remote	SharePoint Development / Web Development
“Run a new Cat6 line from the router to the second-floor office and mount an access point.”	On-Site	Structured Cabling / Network Cabling
“Update our website with a new form for client intake and connect it to Google Sheets.”	Remote	Web Development / Google Apps Script
“Install a ceiling fan in the dining room.”	On-Site	Electrical
“Troubleshoot smart-switch pairing with Alexa — can share screen.”	Remote	Smart Home Technology / IT Support
“Replace water heater and ensure it’s up to code.”	On-Site	Plumbing
“Set up M365 email with custom domain and migrate mailboxes.”	Remote	IT Administration / Microsoft 365
“Mount a 75-inch TV with concealed wiring.”	On-Site	AV Installation / Electrical
“Help design a logo and social media banner for our business.”	Remote	Graphic Design
“We need conduit run and outlets added for new office cubicles.”	On-Site	Electrical
“Our Wi-Fi keeps dropping — can you log in to check controller settings?”	Remote	Network Administration / IT Support
“Install outdoor security cameras and route PoE cabling through soffits.”	On-Site	Structured Cabling / Low Voltage Cabling
“Sync QuickBooks with Square and automate inventory updates.”	Remote	Integration Specialist / Data Automation

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Gemma3:27b classified all 15 examples locally in under 2 seconds on an M4 Mac Mini — zero cloud cost, zero privacy risk. This isn’t hypothetical; it’s deployable.