Thumbtack
Popular
Description
Thumbtack is a local services marketplace where professionals connect with customers who need help with over 1,000 categories of work including home improvement, cleaning, personal training, photography, music lessons, event planning, legal advice, and more. Unlike TaskRabbit which is gig-based, Thumbtack is more suited to professionals building a service business who want a steady pipeline of client leads. You create a professional profile, set your service offerings and rates, and Thumbtack connects you with nearby customers actively searching for your service. The platform uses a lead-based model where you pay a small fee per quote or contact rather than a percentage of each job.
Pay
You set your own rates per service. Home improvement pros typically earn $50 to $150+ per hour. Photographers earn $100 to $500+ per session. Personal trainers earn $40 to $100 per hour. Thumbtack charges a small fee per lead or quote sent rather than taking a percentage of your earnings.
How You Make Money
You build a profile, set your services and rates, receive customer quote requests from your area, respond with a quote, and get hired directly by the customer. Payment is handled between you and the client.
Payment Method
Paid directly by client (cash, Venmo, Zelle, or any method agreed upon)
Minimum Payment
N/A
Withdrawal Speed
N/A, client payment terms
Skill Level
Beginner to Advanced (depends on service category)
Pros
Lead-based model means you only pay for the quotes you send, not a percentage of every job
Over 1,000 service categories mean almost any professional skill qualifies
Helps you build a local client base that can transition to direct bookings over time
Great for photographers, event planners, fitness professionals, and home service providers
Profile reviews build credibility and attract higher-paying clients over time
Over 1,000 service categories mean almost any professional skill qualifies
Helps you build a local client base that can transition to direct bookings over time
Great for photographers, event planners, fitness professionals, and home service providers
Profile reviews build credibility and attract higher-paying clients over time
Cons
Lead fees can add up if your quote-to-hire conversion rate is low early on
Competition varies by category and location, popular services have many competing providers
No payment protection since transactions happen directly between provider and client
Platform recently increased lead prices in many categories
Competition varies by category and location, popular services have many competing providers
No payment protection since transactions happen directly between provider and client
Platform recently increased lead prices in many categories
Best For
Independent professionals and tradespeople who want to build a local client base in their service category without a large upfront marketing investment
Website
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