Review of Thumbtack: Thumbtack Generates FAKE Accounts to Send FALSE Leads; Will Not Refund
Thumbnail of user km435
New Jersey
4 reviews
24 helpful votes
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July 14th, 2023

Thumbtack generates numerous accounts to send false leads (potential customers) to the "pros." With each generated account, they send one "lead" to five pros. Each pro is charged $30 or more for each "lead," which I have experienced and observed, multiple times, every day I was a member of the platform. Shameful, deceptive and unethical practices. Customer service is poor, nearly non-existent. And, don't expect any refunds...you won't get any.

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Date of experience: July 14, 2023

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    Thumbtack

Thumbtack

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Overview

Thumbtack has a rating of 1.6 stars from 1,566 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Thumbtack most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and phone number problems. Thumbtack ranks 99th among Local Reviews sites.

  • Service
    293
  • Value
    285
  • Shipping
    118
  • Returns
    163
  • Quality
    255

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 2.4%
Positive
1
Neutral
1
Negative
39
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How would you rate Thumbtack?
Top Positive Review

“Totally cleaned up my Yard~.”

Cynthia H.
3/13/24

Cut the grass, pulled weeds, finished with mulch all in 30 min! Did a fantastic job! Thank you Roberto Lopez from Lopez Landscaping and tree Services. *******226

Date of experience: 3/13/24
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Top Critical Review

“100% scam”

Barry G.
12/1/24

Don't bother working with them! They are useless and using bots and not qualified leads that request a job and want to pay 50 bucks while some projects are minimum $500-750. No customer service total bs and you will lose loads of money on "leads" as they call them but it's just fake accounts that show some sort of activity.

Date of experience: 12/1/24
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Reviews (1,566)

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customer service (157) phone number (58) credit card (53) business model (30) home advisor (23)
Thumbnail of user armenm2
Tennessee
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 11th, 2019

Very dishonest service for professionals!
Now I understand why this company worth 1.3 Billion dollars!
They are nothing but scammers!
Professionals! Do not fall for this scam! You will end up paying a lot of money for leads that in 9 cases out of 10 do not work!
On top of that, they will charge your card even for leads that you never accepted!

Date of experience: July 11, 2019

Thumbnail of user mariar68
Florida
1 review
7 helpful votes
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November 16th, 2015

Thumbtack advertises the professionals as second hand thrift store kind. It encourages fake requests and are not transparent in their advertising. They do not care to help the small business professionals, if they did they would advertise that all the professionals that submit quotes have to pay for each quote submitted. Most requests are fake, so this of course makes money for Thumbtack, not the professional.

Date of experience: November 16, 2015

Thumbnail of user christinel28
South Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 15th, 2015

Big clean did an amazing job. Quick, efficient, reasonable, personable and when job was completed I was amazed and very pleased. I highly recommend this company for any of your pressure washing needs.

Date of experience: May 15, 2015

Thumbnail of user dp50
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 12th, 2016

When I received the list of potential voice instructors from Thumbtack, I knew that he was the right person for me. We are both seniors and Mike had extensive experience in Manhattan as a cabaret performer. I went to see him perform at Café Centro in the Northwood section of West Palm Beach. Florida and was very impressed. He sang many of my favorite songs and he was a very terrific piano planner. I took lessons for two months and during that brief time I was amazed at how my singing ability and confidence grew. Mike is very patient and as might be expected, really know his stuff. In addition, each lesson was a mini-concert where I got to hear him play. I plan to re-start my lessons when I re-locate to Florida. Go see Mike during the fall and winter season at Café Centro and you will be impressed as I was.

Date of experience: May 11, 2016

Thumbnail of user danielp898
Ohio
8 reviews
5 helpful votes
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October 14th, 2022

Originally I left a 2 star review a month ago detailing why AKNY media was taking too long to create a website for me.

Now I believe I may have been in error. The problem, at least to me was a lack of communication from Steve. However Steve never stayed out of touch. Thing is that it made me nervous.

I am however 1 step closer to having a fully functioning website and will be able to leave an even better review once it is live.

Date of experience: October 14, 2022

Thumbnail of user thumbtackt
Thumbtack-Support -. – Thumbtack Rep

Hi Daniel, we're sorry to hear about your experience with this pro. The delay sounds very frustrating, we want to help. We have a team dedicated to working with consumers and pros when their project isn't going as planned, whether it's working out a deadline, a refund, or another type of resolution, we'd like to get you in touch with our team so that we can help move things along. Please provide more details and your contact information here: https://help.thumbtack.com/report-a-concern. Our Trust and Safety Team will review your case and reach out to you directly within 2-3 business days.

Thumbnail of user shannonb113
Georgia
1 review
12 helpful votes
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April 24th, 2018

Today i joined a long list of longtime, high performing, legitimate, insured contractors to leave Thumbtack after multiple years. They have become a scam company... Not only have the increased bid pricing each year by almost 100%, in the last two years they have doubled the amount of contractors that can bid on a job. Therefore, to stay on as a Pro with Thumbtack, I have to pay much more for much less. Thumbtack you really disappoint me, it was once so good. Now only the dumbest and most desperate of people will bid on jobs... and thats really bad for the consumer.

Date of experience: April 24, 2018

Thumbnail of user matthewg68
New Jersey
1 review
7 helpful votes
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October 24th, 2016

Thumbtack is a cost-ineffective time drain. On Craigslist I have over 100% new client contact rate and an nearly 100% hire rate. For every Craigslist add I post, I get more than one new client. With Thumbtack, I have a zero percent hire rate. It makes no sense. With Craigslist, people can see my work, shop my packages, know the prices and call me if they want to hire me. With Thumbtack, I have to spend much of my day reading requests, submitting quotes, and spending money for people who don't even know if they want to hire me yet. That's ridiculous. I have work to do.
I know what you're going to say. "But you can save templates!" Templates are useless in a creative and infinitely variable business like mine. They can sometimes get me close, but I need to be able to converse with a client to make them a quote. And Thumbtack makes me pay to even let a potential client know I exist. It is a poor system full of poor processes.

Date of experience: October 24, 2016

Thumbnail of user pati39
California
1 review
2 helpful votes
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July 2nd, 2016

Drive way resurfacing. I recently had several drive ways resurfaced in a retirement community by Estes Paving co. Chris One of the owners was very professional. The hard-working and professional crew were thorough, timely and diligent in cleaning up the site daily. I Would definitely recommend this company to anyone needing asphalt paving. I was completely satisfied with the results. We will be calling Estes Paving for additional work In our community. Pat. BCVE.

Date of experience: July 1, 2016

Thumbnail of user jenb377
Florida
1 review
4 helpful votes
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February 22nd, 2023

I really wanted to like the service. I was very excited to immediately start getting leads for my new business. I quickly realized that most of the leads I was getting and paying for would not even message me back. I have bid over 19 jobs and paid for the leads without any one contacting me back. I have a feeling that this company is using our bots as fake profiles to pretend to be people looking for leads. Super disappointing.

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Date of experience: February 22, 2023

Thumbnail of user jiml332
North Dakota
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 3rd, 2019

I joined a couple of years ago hoping to get gigs as I am a mobile DJ, I only spent about $100.00 fortunately and never got a single job. I still have a couple dollars in credit, and get their spam emails that I just delete. Don't waste your time or money.

Date of experience: May 3, 2019

Thumbnail of user brendag71
New York
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 13th, 2016

Hired his company to paint, flooring installation and miscellaneous repairs. Did sub-standard work and never finished after he was paid. He promised at least 6 times to come back to finish, but never showed up. Seems like a nice guy, but can't be trusted to do what he says he will do.

Date of experience: July 13, 2016

Thumbnail of user stevek1549
California
2 reviews
4 helpful votes
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January 8th, 2023

We have compiled an analysis of Thumbtack's positive reviews indicating widespread use of phony reviews. Please contact us if you would like a copy of our 34 page report. www.uniworldresearch.com or *******@uniworldresearch.com *******500

Tip for consumers:
many of the positive reviews are not genuine

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Date of experience: January 8, 2023

Thumbnail of user jeans396
Nevada
2 reviews
11 helpful votes
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May 15th, 2020

It was really nice working with P W O Z we wanted to freshen up our business mural and he quickly understood what we wanted. He brought his own ideas. And gave it a whole new life. He can really paint anything! Came out great. You can see down the street. We recommend. Jean ( JJC CLOCKS & ANTIQUES

Date of experience: May 15, 2020

Thumbnail of user kgbe
Kentucky
4 reviews
33 helpful votes
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January 18th, 2015

This business you pay per bid on a job. On the plus side you do get lots of leads on jobs, real or not, who knows? As a DJ I have bid on weddings, way below normal prices for local area to get the work, and still don't get them. I updated my Thumbtack page with the latest pic and videos of my last events along with cheap prices and still nothing. I have discussed this with Thumbtack reps but nothing worked so I have spent my last dollar with them. Think I will try local bulletin boards and Craigs list. They are free. If you try Thumbtack, good luck.

Date of experience: January 18, 2015

Thumbnail of user jodib24
Nevada
2 reviews
5 helpful votes
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October 12th, 2017

I'm writing this review after watching someone very dear to me lose everything he has due to non payment from several jobs he got off of using thumbtack this site will definitely bring you some business but most likely than not you will not get paid after your job is complete and there's nothing you can do about it. Unless you want to go to small claims court which will cost you more money and more time that you don't have. My best suggestion is to do it the right way stay off these sites they do not screen their customers to ensure that you will get payment for the job that you do. It might just cost you whatever you have left..

Date of experience: October 12, 2017

Thumbnail of user bemontp
Massachusetts
1 review
6 helpful votes
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March 12th, 2017

Don't waste your time with this site if your a professional. I own a house Painting company and was bombarded with fake leads fron people looking for work don on their homes. In order to place a quote you need to by credits. Not one lead worked out and I am pretty sure the leads Thumbtack was sending were fake. Don't waste your money buying "credits". I'd recommend sticking with basics to promote your company. Site signs, and good old fashioned word of mouth. If your any good, people will call. Thumbtack is the worst.

Date of experience: March 12, 2017

Thumbnail of user samik26
New York
1 review
6 helpful votes
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June 21st, 2018

I tried out Thumbtack for a few months. I would send quotes and then get charged for people just asking me simple questions. Didnt even get the job yet. Its ridiculous! Happened almost every time. Only time I actually made a profit was with a repeat customer. Its not worth it. Dont waste your time or money.

Date of experience: June 21, 2018

Thumbnail of user kimm598
Florida
1 review
4 helpful votes
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March 22nd, 2019

I'm very suspicious about Thumbtack, have spent plenty of money with them and never had anything come of the leads. Someone needs to look into whether the leads generated are legit. I'll guess some are but most aren't!

Date of experience: March 22, 2019

Thumbnail of user ericha12
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 9th, 2023

I started a new videography business in December. I decided to use thumbtack to help find leads. However there is no support for customers or pros. They charge you and match you with overpriced leads. Leads that are impossible. Leads that do not match the parameters of what you have submitted as a pro through their app. They rob and harm the people that make this company money. They took away all of the support so you cannot talk to an employee. I chatted briefly with a manager after asking to speak with one for over two months. He told me that there are no flaws with the company and if I complain about it then he is kicking me off the app. I have only 5 star reviews and provide a great service. It's much worst than what I have explained awful company.

Date of experience: June 9, 2023

Thumbnail of user tedd194
South Carolina
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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May 26th, 2017

I posted a project for flooring installation on Thumbtack and received several quotes. I talked with John from PDS flooring and trim molding and he as well gave me a quote. I agreed to hire them and the day of the labor was scheduled on 5-24-17. His crew showed up punctually at the time I was told. The men moved all the furniture, took up the carpeting and disposed of it and did a fantastic job with the installation. Their price was reasonable and an exceptional value for all that they performed. I would hire them again without hesitation and highly recommend their services to anyone inquiring regarding an installation. All involved were very professional. Good luck and thanks again to PDS flooring.

Date of experience: May 26, 2017

Thumbnail of user cindyt508
Texas
1 review
8 helpful votes
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July 26th, 2022

This star rating should really be a -10. I hired Jonathon Hasselbeck, a listed Pro on thumbtack for a board and train for my German Shepherd who had developed separation anxiety. He came to my home and portrayed himself as a professional dog trainer that did board in training. He took my beautiful German shepherd, $950, all of her belongings and I never saw her again. Thumbtack did nothing to help. They said they would reimburse me the $950 and after stringing me along for a few weeks, stopped all communication. I am still traumatized and miss my beautiful girl every day. It was the worst experience of my life.

Date of experience: July 26, 2022

Thumbnail of user thumbtackt
Thumbtack-Support -. – Thumbtack Rep

Hi Cindy, we were able to locate your case based on the information you shared. We're incredibly sorry to hear about what happened. It looks like you were initially working with our Trust and Safety Team back in 2020. We offered reimbursement but didn't hear back from you after our email on September 3rd, 2020. If you have any questions or would like to get back in touch with our team, please respond directly to that email so that we may help.

Thumbnail of user ranas10
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 1st, 2017

Joanie Keough Photography provides creative and professional shots! Joanie Keough not only made us feel comfortable during the Photography session, she offered expert guidance and direction while capturing amazing images of my husband and I. She selected a beautiful location for our pictures and orchestrated a series of candid poses that depicted our love story perfectly! I highly recommend Joanie Keough Photography and am overjoyed with the high-quality, digital images she provided. Joanie Keough is an extremely talented photographer, whose artistic eye is matched by her professionalism.

Date of experience: February 1, 2017

Thumbnail of user alexs413
Georgia
1 review
2 helpful votes
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March 16th, 2017

I took a chance like most contractors. I bought $20 in credits, since most requested quotes are only 3 or 4 dollars. I actually sold my first one! I thought "this is going to be great" Not so fast my friend! I have used almost all of the rest of my credits and have not sold 1! I only had 1 other that requested a quote for gutters and guards. Of course, the customer wants you to just go by, take a look and leave a quote in the mailbox! So, not only a waste of money, but a huge waste of my time. I will not be buying any more credits. I'm done

Date of experience: March 16, 2017

Thumbnail of user kathaleenn1
Rhode Island
1 review
12 helpful votes
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May 5th, 2022
Verified purchase

I used this site because I thought it was legit. The contractor had no clue what he was doing and bailed. Now I'm out my deposit. I wrote a review and it was taken down. You guys take down all the real reviews and keep fake ones up to make you look better. Your just as bad as the contractor you allow on. Taulant isn't even the owner. This is his 3rd license using a different company name

Tip for consumers:
Use any other site

Date of experience: May 5, 2022

Thumbnail of user thumbtackt
Thumbtack-Support -. – Thumbtack Rep

The information you shared is very concerning to us and we'd like to help you receive a resolution and move forward from these concerns. If you haven't already, please complete this form with more information about your experience and your contact information so that our Trust and Safety Team can reach out to you directly: https://help.thumbtack.com/report-a-concern.

Thumbnail of user reginaldm77
Arizona
1 review
19 helpful votes
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November 29th, 2020

I had an issue with one of their contractors
FA2 Landscape in Litchfield Park AZ
With multiple cancelations on their part and not showing up. So I gave them a poor review. The contractor " Fernando " responded with an insulting and unprofessional email to me.
I followed Thumbtack's problem reporting procedures twice and was never responded to...
Kind of like the contractor...
This is strike 3 for them...
Taking my business elsewhere...

Date of experience: November 29, 2020

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From the business

Thumbtack is a technology leader building the modern home management platform. Through the Thumbtack app, people can effortlessly care for their homes — confidently knowing what to do, when to do it, and who to hire. Bringing the $500 billion home services industry online, Thumbtack empowers millions of people to fix, maintain, and improve their most valuable asset. The company’s investors include Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global Management, Javelin Venture Partners, Baillie Gifford, and Capital G, among others.

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Thumbtack-Support -.
Typically does not respond to reviews

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