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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.
Date of experience: July 14, 2023
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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.
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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
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.
This site steals people's money! Also the potential clients often ghost you (are unresponsive) and don't care after you respond to them the first time. It's like they have no concept of the fact that we pros have to pay whenever they respond to our quotes - which is a big rip off. This last time, I spent money on an opportunity, the client asked me if I was available to come and I responded "yes", and after that they fell off the face of the Earth. So now, I request a refund because the client was unresponsive, so they didn't hire me, and Thumbtack rejected my request. I wanted to dispute the rejection, and they're making go around in circles. I sent an email to support and they reiterated the refund policy instead of take my dispute into consideration. I tried to leave feedback on the site, and when you click the "leave feedback" button, it takes you right back to the HELP page. No space to leave feedback. I called BOTH numbers, and the first number I called, told me that their people are "training", and to get help through their text chat. Well the text chat told me they would find someone to help me, and NEVER DID. Neither one of the phone numbers has a live person to talk to. Just their people are "training", and call back at business hours. I did call at business hours! Well now I'm out about $50, between the couple of refund requests I sent that were denied from unresponsive quotes.
Date of experience: January 18, 2023
They changed their business model and did away with phone support. No appropriate category was available for my services and I was pigeon holed into a very broad category. Since the business model change I have had NO BUSINESS. I have deactivated my account.
Date of experience: June 9, 2018
We have used this service for over five years and are extremely satisfied. These are
Very responsible and honest people. I would not hesitate to recommend them.
Date of experience: March 22, 2016
My patio furniture was completely worn out after ten year. Jacks Custom interior restored it and it looks better than it did 10 years ago. Excellent Job
Date of experience: August 4, 2016
I had some large trees topped and trimmed that havent ever been trimmed in 23 years. They did a great job, cleaned up the mess and was very timely and easy to work with. Would recommend to anyone!
Date of experience: July 29, 2016
I started working with thumbtack a year ago at the biggining when the bids were cheap I was getting work after the bids went up the work dropped as well. Every quotes I submitted the clients always changed there mind getting it done by a friend or family members. How is that fare to us that the clients as the free dome to change there mind but we don't have the free dome to get our money back. I have had people posting reviews on my page that I have never spoken to or met how is that possible. At angies list the client pay for the pro. Which makes it more likely to be real. Thumbstack isnt good for the pro time to let them go.
Date of experience: October 7, 2016
Thumbtack knowingly allows fake vendors/pros onto their site to use up credits. This forces vendors to purchase more credits from them to drive up Thumbtack profits. Nearly every lead we received on the site has been someone trying to scam us.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR SAFETY BY USING THIS SITE. Someone needs to file a class action lawsuit against thumbtack for the all the actions they have taken, just take a look at the reviews on this site and Google.
Date of experience: June 28, 2017
I felt compelled to offer my review so others can take head and steer away from being a Thumbtack pro. I've been apart of the increasingly changing platform (not for the better) for nearly 3 years. In the beginning, it was so-so but I figured I'd ride it out with my start-up business in hopes to get exposure at the very least. I've decided to part ways after the company deducted various amounts from my business account for "leads." Simply put, in the Thumbtack platform, a lead is a customer expressing interest in a service where the pro is 'allowed' to reach out to them exclusively within the Thumbtack platform to pitch their service. This lead includes no contact information and no guarantee of something even as small and meaningless as a read receipt. Each pitching pro pays upwards of 5% of their quote price in hopes to get the lead's business. In my experience, 94% of the time (I've actually done the math and this is a real, unexaggerated number) the lead does not respond and you have no way of knowing if they've even read your message or if they've chosen the competition (even if you call to ask Thumbtack they will give you no further info.) After my most recent experience of being harrassed (7 unwanted emails within a 12-hour time frame & a final email explaining my search rank results would suffer if I didn't submit my quote - whether available or not) I've decided to close my useless account. It is now my mission to explain to hopefuls looking to gain business that this is not the place to succeed.
Date of experience: August 15, 2019
I just hired Ac R Us
The guys arrived on time
Explained the work to be done
Immediately started cleaning my Ac ducts
Job finished in 30 minutes
I highly recommend this company to everyone who has Ac
Think about when if ever your duct work has been cleaned?
Great Work
Thanks
Angelo
Date of experience: May 5, 2016
They began to charge me without giving me leads. I spent a while with them trying to run around in circles saying they couldn't find my account or they couldn't validate the charges I sent them from my bank statements. I deactivated my account and am continuing to get charges from them months later. I can't get ahold of anyone to sort it out
Date of experience: April 13, 2020
Your company is a vile disgusting con! You promise homeowners a guarantee if contractors screws up yet when your hold to it with numerous photos emails and documentation of damage neglect and robbery from some of your contractors you dissappear and hide. SHAME ON YOU! Look at your BBB review your a zero you have failed as a company! You are liars and theives. Thumtack owner you suck you major loser!
Date of experience: February 17, 2023
Worst company that I have dealt with, the salesman who tried to sign me up for the program was only worried about getting my money. Did not go over the agreement or refund policy. After I paid and decided not to use thumbtack due to bad reviews including one from a colleague of mine who tried this service, they neglected to talk give me a refund for my $300. I finally received a phone call from supervisor Emily who would not provide me with her ID number or any information other than her first name. She was not interested in solving my issue just interested and telling me it was non refundable. I asked for proof that they advised me that this package was non refundable and they lied and said they didn't record calls. Then the supervisor said they don't provide calls. This shows exactly why so many people are unhappy with this service. I am going to pursue legal action against this company. Do not sign up for this service if they do not read the contract out and advised you in advance about their policies.
Date of experience: January 21, 2022
A&J Painting replaced my cabinets in the kitchen, installed tile (very nice), faucet, and painted, very polite gentlemen, neat and clean. Looks great! Would definitely recommend.
Date of experience: January 5, 2016
I am so Happy with the job that Shop At Home Flooring did for me, Russ was very informative and had a great selection of Hardwood, Laminate and tile to choose from.
The Installers did a great Job, and Russ gave us a great package deal as well.
I strongly Recommend Shop At Home Flooring if you are doing any flooring projects they were excellent!
Barbara Courtney
Bourne, Ma.
Date of experience: May 3, 2017
I have worked with Josh and his crew for several months and they keep my lawn cut and the curb edged which adds a crisp look to cut.
He is also taking care of ivy problem that is killing my trees.
Date of experience: June 19, 2016
Okay so I was feeling from the jump thumbtack has been sketchy. So I am going to tell you why I think its sketchy.
So they charge an arm an a leg for all these leads but NO one ever responds to the leads. My work is good quality and very reasonable in price. I just can't see all these people turning down a good deal.
The leads come in at all time of the night. Like at midnight 15 people are looking to get makeup done in my area? Not!
Okay so one specific time I noticed a lead came in and of course I didn't book it. 2 weeks later the same name came across requesting a different date with less people to have their makeup done. This same profile was on a different booking site requesting for a different amount of people to have makeup done.
If its not thumbtack creating these profiles they are doing a bad job at screening the people looking for a professional. They should really think of a better way to verify these profiles are legit.
I have wasted so much money buying credits and these people always view the lead but never respond. What a coincidence that they always view the quote very quickly but they never ask questions about booking or anything. I really feel like this site is not legit.
If you want exposure you are better off going on fb paying to promote your business there honestly!
Date of experience: September 23, 2016
Thumbtack only will send leads to Unqualified contractors that are beginners in business.
Thumbtack will put contractors on a Black list if you have any legal history that is no worse than an unpaid parking ticket. Even if you have been black listed from Thumbtack, that means any member or relation of family or friends will be black listed also.
You may get lucky getting connected to hire a good contractor from Thumbtack however, Thumbtack did not do the work, The contractor did. Please leave your positive reviews for the contractor on Google and Not Thumbtacks website. If you cross Thumbtack, They will delete your profile and any reviews that you may have gotten.
Thumbtack has a God complex and they think that they have the right to play God as judge and jury to control the public decision making process.My daughter started her business with Thumbtack and some how they found out about our blood relationship and closed her account without warning or explanation. I had nothing to do with her business.
I am a Home inspector and she was a home improvement contractor. They are a Communists group that uses their own standard of ethics and purity that is impossible for any normal human to compete with. Thumbtack is a discrimination company that has their own standards of perfection that can not be maintained by anyone.
Home adviser has now adopted this business practice now as well so stay away from them also.
Date of experience: January 1, 2019
Thumbtack charges me $180 for 2 jobs I didn't even get told them I didn't make any money didn't offer me a refund as a struggling American this saddens my heart that I trusted thumbtack with my card info for them to keep charging me and still want trying to charge me before I Locked my card I had to call my bank to report them but thumbtack doesn't refund you like they say for jobs you do not get I THINK THEY SHOULD GO OUT OF BUSINESS THEY ARE REALLY SCAMMERS READ REVIEWS……. Because I wished I would have before using the app to make money as an at home mom which they take advantage of you.
Date of experience: November 17, 2023
First, there's very little information about how it works except that they make sure you know how to write and post info about your business. You add the hours that you're available, and the type of business that you specialize in, and you're supposed to get appropriately matched "leads." For my business, each of those leads cost me a minimum of $35, and they began sending them as soon as I pressed "submit." The leads I received would often not have even netted me $35 in commission, and they were totally not what my business overview shows I specialize in - but you pay as soon as they send them to you, whether you accept them or not. In my case, I racked up over $300 between midnight and 7 a.m. the first night I was live with them, and they just kept flying in to me, even though my calendar with them was marked as unavailable after 9 and before 9. And, there's no evident email address or phone number to reach them at; I finally had to pull my credit card to keep them from continuing to send and charge me for inappropriate leads.
Tip for consumers:
Don't do it!
Date of experience: August 29, 2022
It's disappointing to hear that this was your experience on the platform. We're sorry that you didn't feel prepared to start receiving leads after initially creating your account and profile. Crafting a winning profile and importing reviews is crucial to win more jobs from the leads you receive. It sounds like you had targeting on, and your budget might not have been set at the amount you'd like, you can learn more about targeting here: https://help.thumbtack.com/pros/topic-targeting-preferences-lh-pro and setting your budget here: https://help.thumbtack.com/article/budget. We'd like to get in touch and see if we can turn around your experience, you can reach us by texting 415-299-6398 Monday through Friday 6am to 6pm MST. You can also email us at support@thumbtack.com, or send us a direct message via social media. We hope to hear from you soon.
I decided to use Thumbtack again after deleting my profile because it's a challenge to get customers and I thought I would give them another chance. When I used Thumbtack a couple of years ago, you use to be able to earn free credits and if a lead requested you personally, you didn't have to pay for the lead with your credits. Well, all of those perks have changed and honestly, it's making using this site less and less attractive. In addition, I think if people are just looking for the 'cheapest' service then they deserve to get cheap instead of high quality. I keep seeing statements that the leads are not even real? Considering that no one is responding to my bids and I'm a high quality business, then I know something is wrong. I'm going to use my remaining credits then leave again. So sad. That's my feelings. ---update... just got a lead in my box, attempted to answer the lead immediately and Thumbtack said lead already had 5 quotes... 5 quotes? I just got the email! See what I mean. Crazy.
Date of experience: February 17, 2016
THESE PEOPLE ARE BIG TIME THIEVES! THERE RIP OFFS AND SHOULD BE CAUGHT AND SHUT DOWN! PROS AND CLIENTS SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM THESE CROOKS! NEVER SEEN SO MANY BAD REVIEWS WITH A COMPANY AS THIS S##T HOLE, THEY DESERVE EVERY BAD REVIEW THEY GOT! F##K THIS PLACE!
Date of experience: June 24, 2019
I was told they only speak to gold and platinum members on the phone. In other words I'm not important because I don't spend that kind of money that golden platinum members do. However they also allow people to write reviews based on lies and unfounded information. Tried to provide proof that the review was false and they still refuse to remove the bad review. I am very highly rated and reviewed, I rarely get any bad reviews if any at all. Not to mention that I feel like I'm texting with a robot instead of a real person. They also charge multiple pros for the same leads. They'll give the same leads to different pros and charge them almost $13 for each lead. If hindsight Was 2020 I would have gone with Angie's list since I have so many great reviews on Thumbtack I didn't want to
Switch. But I'm working on switching now and having my clients review me on Angie's list. Once I do that I will shut down my Thumbtack account. Don't sign up with them whatever you do! Now let's see how they feel about getting a bad review and nothing they can do about it!
Date of experience: May 25, 2022
Hi Denise, we're sorry to see you go, and that you didn't receive the support you were looking for. Our phone support service is currently for our Top Pros. We're happy to assist you by texting 415-299-6398 Monday through Friday 6am to 6pm, MST, you're always welcome to email us at: support@thumbtack.com. We very rarely remove reviews, only if they violate our Content and Review Policy: https://help.thumbtack.com/article/content-and-review-policy. Protecting and maintaining the integrity of the platform is important to us, and we value feedback. If there's anything we can do to change your mind, please reach out to us directly.
Still haven't received any money back from Natalie Pyles for non existent personal training sessions. She wrote me an email asking where she could refund my money in two payments, (6 weeks ago), still nothing. So... I repeat, STAY AWAY FROM NATALIE PYLES. She also works out of Fitness Elements. You will regret it.
Date of experience: March 9, 2017
Thumbtack started charging 5 to 10 times the former price. And they are blind charges they spring up all the sudden after you place a bid. I no longer place bids because I cant afford it
Date of experience: July 6, 2018
I signed on with thumbtack in 2013 or 14. I worked hard at building a 5 star top pro status. I had a customer back out of a contract in which I took a $600 deposit.
I purchased hardware that took some time to arrive. After time the client said they did not want to follow through with the project. They wanted their deposit back. Contract states not responsible for special orders not arriving on time and deposits will not be refunded after 72 hours.
The client went to Thumbtack and they try to act as Judge and Jury. I sent copies of all paperwork and called it a day. Well they kindly suspended my account.
After all that time and money I spent, they stuck their noses in a matter that was for a local judge to decide not a Thumbtack employee. The client had no chance in court so they pleaded with Thumbtack. Well my reputation as usual still stands strong and I warn any contractor to stay away from Thumbtack because you will get stuck!
Also what are the chances of everyone requesting kitchens in one day then decks the next, basements the following day? I would guess 75-90 percent of the leads are bogus. Your time is worth much more!
Thank you,
Select Home Improvements
Tip for consumers:
There are many better sites, do not waste your time and money as I have!
Date of experience: February 25, 2017
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.
We're sorry to see you go, Nathaniel, and wish that we could turn your experience around. These packages are non-refundable, however we'd be happy to follow up and provide personalized support so that you're successful and winning leads on the platform. We don't share recordings due to our Privacy Policy, please respond to any of our email communication for more information or questions about this. We want to wish you well as you move forward.