Thumbtack needs to educate customers that they charge pros

gracecompletepm
gracecompletepm Posts: 7
in Network and Collaborate

I have ran into this so often while using thumbtack.... I'll get a lead, and it's $112 and the customer contacted FIVE pros!! I'm sorry, but they shouldn't be able to contact more than 3 tops, unless they are unsatisfied with the first 3 pros. And I've said something to customers, especially with the ridiculous mandatory instant book, about the charge for the lead, and they had no idea that thumbtack charges us pros for the leads. I think thumbtack should let customers know that they need to fill out the job requests accurately, because they charge pros based on their answers. I've had 1 say 10-20 lights, and then they only wanted 5 lights, and the lead cost $75, and the job only made $250 total. Where is the avocation for the pros here? It seems like it's all about the customers, but yet, thumbtack makes all their money off of the pros... shouldn't we be the ones that they want to keep happy???

Comments

  • Awen
    Awen Posts: 2
    edited January 15

    Yes, folks that are "shopping around" getting estimates should be limited to 1 if you ask me. Most of us post our pricing I don't know why folks are still doing this unless Thumbtack isn't putting our pricing in front of their faces BEFORE they contact us. Thumbtack WILL use your entire weekly lead budget even if they have to double up leads and it reminds me of my terrible experience with Angi.com…

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • DustiO
    DustiO Administrator, Moderator Posts: 1,939

    @Awen Completely understand the frustration (as a previous business owner myself). Customers do see pricing up front, and they are limited to 4 pros within the first 4 hours (I think that's the time frame). Thumbtack is focused currently on better educating customers however, often customers (on or off of TT) do want to get multiple bids for a job. I would be sure to be clear in your initial message about what makes you stand out from other pros. I would also check your Max Lead Prices to make sure you have those set at a price where you feel comfortable. You can always play around with those and see how it impact lead volume (it looks like you have already done this, though). If you are ever able to attend our bi-weekly networking sessions there are a lot of pros who have great advice when it comes to standing out, winning the job, or getting to those unresponsive customers.

  • Awen
    Awen Posts: 2

    Thank you for the information.

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