I'm writing to share my experience with www.thumbtack.com as a business owner. While they originally delivered qualified leads with good conversion rates, things have changed significantly in the past two years.
Currently, I receive one qualified lead per month versus four "doubtful" leads who don't engage (read messages, answer calls, etc.). Despite these low-quality leads, I'm charged between $28 and $98 each.
Thumbtack's policy towards professionals has become unfair. The "zero refund" policy for these unproductive leads makes it a gamble, and achieving high visibility requires allowing them to charge you hefty per-lead fees. If you refuse, you're buried with no leads.
As a small business, I spend $800 monthly on Thumbtack, but my conversion rate has plummeted from 80% to a mere 20% in two years. While I still receive a few good leads, it's a significant financial burden.
Given my membership-based service model, I can absorb this cost. However, I urge businesses without similarly resilient models to stay clear of Thumbtack. Their current practices could leave you financially strapped before you even turn a profit.
In short, unless your business allows you to weather these questionable leads and high costs, avoid Thumbtack.