Thumbtack
Lead-generation marketplace where local service pros pay to contact customers who request quotes.
Thumbtack connects homeowners and businesses with local professionals for everything from plumbing to photography. Instead of taking a commission, Thumbtack sells leads: pros pay a small fee to respond to a customer's project request. The model rewards fast, personalized responses.
How Thumbtack works for professionals
Pros create a free profile listing services, service area and base pricing. When a customer posts a project, matching pros receive a notification and can pay credits to send a quote. The customer reviews quotes and messages the pros they want to hire. Payment and scheduling are handled directly between pro and customer.
Lead costs and budgeting
Lead prices vary by category and market size, typically $5–$50 per quote. Pros buy credits in advance and set a weekly budget. Thumbtack offers a refund if the customer never views the quote. Because you pay for the lead regardless of whether you win the job, tracking conversion rate is essential.
Tips for getting hired on Thumbtack
- Set a tight weekly budget and measure cost per booked job
- Use Thumbtack's instant-match feature for high-intent categories
- Follow up with a phone call within an hour of sending a quote
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