ArcosAlternatives to Angi, HomeAdvisor and Thumbtack for contractors
Angi, HomeAdvisor and Thumbtack charge per lead, and one request can go to several pros. The alternatives where the customer contacts only you are your own website, a Google Business Profile, Local Services Ads, Google Ads and Facebook ads.
How each marketplace charges
All three charge per lead. None of them publishes a price list.
| What | Angi | HomeAdvisor | Thumbtack |
|---|---|---|---|
| You pay for | Each lead, once you and the homeowner both show interest, answered or not | Each lead you receive, whether or not you win the job | Each matching customer who contacts you, and each Opportunity that replies |
| Price | Not published. Changes with task, location and demand | Not published. Set by type of work and region | You set it for each service, above a minimum |
| Pros per request | No more than five | Limited. The number is not stated | Five in the first four hours, more after |
| Spending | A monthly budget you set | A spend target per 28 days, not a hard cap | A weekly budget you set |
| Bad leads | A credit in some cases | Credit request within 30 days, as store credit | Refund request within 45 days, case by case |
HomeAdvisor's terms also list an annual membership fee and a screening fee, with no amounts on the page. On an Angi subscription, the monthly budget is set for the year in your contract.
The alternatives that keep the lead yours
On each of these the customer contacts your business directly.
| Channel | How you pay | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| Your own website | A build and hosting fee, once or monthly | Pages for your services and the towns you cover |
| Google Business Profile | Free | Verification by Google |
| Local Services Ads | Per valid lead, against a weekly budget. Invalid leads are not charged | Your trade on Google's list, and Google's checks |
| Google Ads | Per click, up to a maximum bid you set | A page to send the click to, usually your website |
| Facebook and Instagram ads | A daily or total budget you set | A Facebook Page and photos of your work |
The website and the profile come first. The ads need somewhere to send people, and the profile is where your Google reviews show.
When a marketplace is the better choice
- You are starting out, with no website, reviews or Google profile yet. The platform brings its own customers.
- You need work this week and can answer a lead fast, from the job.
- You want volume you can switch off. All three let you pause leads or change your budget.
- You would rather be handed a booked job than sell one. On Angi Services, Angi sets the price, pays you that amount and keeps a portion of what the customer pays. There is no lead fee, but late cancellations and missed appointments carry fees.
Where Arcos fits
Arcos builds and runs the channels you own: your website, your Google Business Profile, a reply to every web inquiry, a text back for every missed call, and review requests. That is the Foundation, $297 a month, or $197 without review requests. No setup fee, cancel any month. Ads run in accounts in your name and are quoted on a call.
You can keep a marketplace running while your own channels grow.
Questions
Are Angi leads worth it for contractors?
It depends on your own numbers. Angi charges for a lead whether or not you answer it, and up to five pros get the same request. Divide what you pay per lead by the share of leads you win: that is what each won job costs you. If it is well under what a job earns you, the leads can pay.
How much does an Angi lead cost?
Angi does not publish a price list. Its help center says lead fees change with the task, the homeowner's location and demand for the work. On an Opportunity you see the fee before you accept it. Automatic leads count against the monthly budget you set.
Are HomeAdvisor and Angi the same company?
Yes. HomeAdvisor's page for contractors reads "HomeAdvisor powered by Angi", and its pro help pages carry the Angi Leads name and an Angi, Inc. copyright. Both sell leads one at a time. HomeAdvisor calls its budget a spend target.
Are Thumbtack leads exclusive?
No. Thumbtack lets a customer contact up to five pros in the first four hours of a search, and more after that. Each lead shows how many pros the customer contacted.