Really? Customer send a generic reply and that says something about a pro's profile? How do you know that the customers aren't just clicking generic replies for every pro, and in turn we get charged, which isn't fair at all! Pros are not making profits, Thumbtack is!
True, hires aren't guaranteed, but at least don't charge us until after we as pros decide if customer is right fit for us, etc. PROS should make that decision, not have Thumbtack decide who is a perfect fit for us.
@DJStevie to clarify, under Search Results the customers are the ones making the distinction on what pro is the right fit for them. They’ll be putting in the details and criteria that they’re looking for and you’ll show up for them based on the preferences and pricing that you set along with your ranking.
To touch on the number of replies from customers. With Search Results we’ve seen that when a customer reaches out to a pro through the list view it’s been an even more meaningful contact than ever before. Again, nothing's guaranteed but we’re striving to get you in touch with potential customers, and ones that pick to speak to you out of a lineup mean more.
That contradicts what some reps have told me!
You are so right! Thumbtack is serving the clients, not their pros, who pay for this service. Clients most of the time are just sending out generic replies, and we get charged for them. I've had my arguments with several reps here about being charged for generic replies. I'm told that a refund cannot be given, even when I was told by a rep to try their new way.
Like you, I want at least a phone number, especially if I'm paying for a so-called lead. Why would I want to continue contacting via Thumbtack when I pay for a lead? So Thumbtack can monitor the way I negotiate with a customer? And also see if either myself or the client are talking "smack" about Thumbtack?
Get real, Thumbtack, the pros pay for your paycheck, not the clients. And I hope that they are reading this, but I doubt it. They seem to only read and reply to the very positive posts and comments. They refuse to see that there is something wrong with their new format.
I was charged when customers reached out with generic replies. It may happen to you as well.