My involvement with Thumbtack began as a means by which I could make myself available to couples who were searching for a wedding officiate.  I do not operate as a business - mine is a ministry.  I only cover my expenses with any fees - $150 flat rate for any wedding, including travel, etc (the same since 2010).  Early on, it was feasible for me to connect with a couple and pay the (then lower fees) and arrange for my participation in their wedding.  I am not competing for "business".  It is of no interest  to me what other officates are charging and who has the most contacts and connections and completed transactions.   It has become too expensive and complicated to reach the couples who want a simple, honest coversation about how we can make their wedding day exactly what they want it to be.  The automatic fee structure drained more out of my checking account than I was putting in for many of the weeks I tried the targeted idea.  I understand that you are in business to make a profit and are not merely a clearing house that connects requests for officate services with officiates who are available.  I also understand that you deal with vendors who are in competition with other for jobs.  But that's not me.  I simply want to be notified about couples who are interested in finding an officate in my area and to be given the opportunity to let them know if I am available for their wedding.  If we connect, I have no problem paying for your services.  If we don't, I have a lot of problems with paying for contacts that I am unable to work with. ... View more