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.
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