I have been thinking a lot about this and I am seeing their business plan. They are realizing that it is less profitable to cater to the longtime clients and our want for fair pricing in exchange our continued business, loyalty and investment in their long-term growth. They are seeing the short term as many companies in this industry are currently. Higher fees work for the masses of pop up short-term businesses people start on a whim. They have expendable income (typically) and are willing to burn through it quickly to grow a customer base. In most cases, in 6-18 months the business is not around but for each one gone 3 more replace it. It is an industry-wide trend and Thumbtack knows it will (in the short term) make more money "working" for them than catering to us. They will dangle change in front of us to keep as many of us as possible, knowing at same point recurring monthly loyalty clients like us will be needed when the business trend changes. I am disappointed but I understand following the money.  It is, however, a gamble because if another company (X) realizes this before Thumbtack changes back, company (X) may be in the long-term sustainable position instead of enjoying a short-term windfall.  ... View more

I think Thumbtack, by way of their responses, is showing us what they think about us and the type of clients they cater to. "What do you feel is a reasonable price for your service in your area?" If that is a question they are comfortable asking they are gearing their questions toward someone who lacks business acumen. If that is how they speak with their clients than it reflects their overall perception of whom they feel their client pool is made up of.  I have been thinking a lot about this and I am seeing their business plan. They are realizing that it is less profitable to cater to the longtime clients and our want for fair pricing in exchange our continued business, loyalty and investment in their long-term growth. They are seeing the short term as many companies in this industry are currently. Higher fees work for the masses of pop up short-term businesses people start on a whim. They have expendable income (typically) and are willing to burn through it quickly to grow a customer base. In most cases, in 6-18 months the business is not around but for each one gone 3 more replace it. It is an industry-wide trend and Thumbtack knows it will (in the short term) make more money "working" for them than catering to us. They will dangle change in front of us to keep as many of us as possible, knowing at same point recurring monthly loyalty clients like us will be needed when the business trend changes. I am disappointed but I understand following the money. It is, however, a gamble because if another company (X) realizes this before Thumbtack changes back, company (X) may be in the long-term sustainable position instead of enjoying a short-term windfall.  ... View more

@TraySeaHancock wrote: When you knew the price of a quote you could decide if you wanted to send a quote or not the price's have doubled and even tripled and I get responses like what's my next availability and does this quote includes every thing and I never back but I get charged $30.00 anyway I've spent over $200.00 in the past two week's and only got one job but was charged these outrageous quote for being asked one friggin question  It seems we are working hard AND paying TT at our own expense. There is a difference in paying for exposure and paying TT's bill at the cost of maybe not paying your own... Not good! ... View more

@Earlbird wrote: Thumbtack is killing us small businesses. I used to be a top pro, and had a decent amount of customers. But, ever since the prices have went up 10x I have not sent 1 estimate. Thumbtack is expecting the pros to pay for everything on here. I seen a deck remodel that cost $75.00!!! WHY?? This is so unreal. There is no reason we should have to pay that much. And it's no wonder I always see 0 pros contacted. No one in there right mind would pay that. Then if the customer asks, anything to each pro who sent these estimates, then you guys get $75 from 5 pros. That is unfair. Thumbtack is not going to keep pros if you keep charging us this much I am pretty sure it is now open to 20 pros to quote on. So the late low ballers can hurt us too. Also if you were a customer looking to get a few great expert quotes, would you think 20 is helpful or more confusing?? Thanks for your post! ... View more

@YogiDrea Fantastic job with expanding our view of the payments on a much larger scale. It really hits home in that way! ... View more

I hope you still look at this. I have a few issues but I am sure most people have been through them already with you. My two main issues are below: All of a sudden customers and conversating but not committing to starting work.  They make excuses that are flimsy even though I never ask for any reason. It is an ODD pattern. Lastly, we offer to get the customer to the "right" experts. If they get a list of 20 it quotes it is not going to seem like a "special" group was selected for them. It only adds to the confusion and extra work for a customer. Plus a good, available expert is one of the first 5 to respond.  I have stopped bidding so please help! Samuel ... View more