My biggest question is regarding the leads that reach directly out to us and we get the message "no need to quote, just reply". I believe these leads cost more than other leads, yet I have yet to have one turn into business for me. They seem to respond less than other leads and not be near as valuable. I think it would be valuable to have a tiered lead system. One in which everyone pays to play and receive communication for the lead at a lower amount per pro. This allows you to recoupe your investment for providing the lead, but doesn't put everyone on notice for a huge lead fee if they don't get the business. Then have an additional fee for the business that actually wins the business. Let's say a lead normally costs $15 and 3 pros get the lead....maybe one gets the business and maybe the customer turns out to be a flake. In this case TT gets $45. In the situation I am referring to, how about that lead cost $5 for all the pros to receive and then $30 to the company that lands the deal? I would happily pay $35 vs. $15 to get a job that gives me business. However, I get annoyed with leads that cost me $15 over and over again and they never reply to me after I respond to their request. This is the big problem with the "Fake Leads" you hear everyone screaming about. If I pay $5 for a lead and never hear back from that customer, it is just like a PPC fee for someone coming to my site and they are just fact gathering. I think a system like this would make pros happier and give TT more credibility for seeking to offer value for pros. They key would be to ensure pros know that by accepting leads they pay "X", and there would be an additional fee of "Y" if they actually get the job. Plus, you would probably find more pros willing to compete for the work, which gives you guys more money for the lead vs. higher amounts per pro.
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