I joined Thumbtack as a pro in 2014 and built a successful business primarily through the site. It was affordable and convenient and I had full control of my bidding, my message and my costs.
Their new system where I am charged a huge increase in fee when a "lead" contacts me (even for a simple question) is a rip-off. I cannot even personalize my quote to respond to requests that I choose to bid. I know how to market my business and have been successful and profitable. I am a "TopPro" for years with many 5 star ratings and hired many times.
My mistake was in focusing almost exclusively on Thumbtack. Now I'm starting over with other platforms that are more affordable.
Thumbtack was a good platform. Now it is terrible. I know that they have to be profitable. So do I.