Thumbtack vs TaskRabbit: Which Lead Generation Service is Right for You?

Thumbtack vs TaskRabbit: What’s the difference?

On the surface, Thumbtack and TaskRabbit seem very similar—they’re both online lead generation platforms businesses can use to win more jobs and boost profits. But the main differences between them are: 

• What types of jobs they work best for
• Which service businesses the platforms are geared towards
• What kinds of customers use them

For example, Thumbtack focuses primarily on home service projects such as installing flooring, interior and exterior painting, and cleaning.

While Thumbtack also facilitates services like wedding photography, catering, dog walking, and singing lessons, it generally targets consumers who are looking for skilled professionals for long-term services such as: 

• A renovation project
• Summer lawn care services
• Flooring replacements

On the other hand, TaskRabbit focuses more on one-off odd jobs and everyday tasks. For example, mounting a TV, assembling furniture, planting flowers, or cleaning a specific room in a home.

While customers and clients can hire a specific “Tasker” multiple times, the platform’s main purpose is to help people with short-term, specific jobs that don’t necessarily require experts. 

Case in point—TaskRabbit partners with IKEA to offer services to anyone uncomfortable with furniture assembly.

While you might hire someone to assemble multiple IKEA purchases at once, this isn’t necessarily a long-term project that requires the help of a seasoned professional.

How does Thumbtack work for contractors?

To generate leads on Thumbtack, you’ll need to create a profile so clients can find you.

In your profile, you can include information like how long you have been in business, whether you’ve done a background check, business hours, accepted payment methods (such as cash or credit card), area of service, and more.

When clients first visit Thumbtack, they can enter details about a job they’d like done. Thumbtack then provides them with a list of local service provider profiles that could be a match.

Then, clients review the contractors’ Thumbtack ratings and profiles to determine who they would like to work with and request a quote.

When the client and contractor agree on the price and decide to work together, it’s up to them to handle the project from there.

It should be noted that you only appear in search results once you have at least one positive customer review, so it’s important to make generating reviews a priority. 

Since Thumbtack works by charging service providers a fee per lead (which varies based on your area and how much competition you have), you’ll need to pay for any leads they send your way, regardless of whether they result in a contract. 

You can set preferences for your target customers to ensure you only get relevant leads. If you reach out to a client who posted about a job they want done, you only pay a fee if they respond.

How does TaskRabbit work for contractors?

In terms of generating leads, TaskRabbit works in a similar way to Thumbtack. Contractors create a profile that is shown to clients searching for their services. Customers review service provider profiles and reach out to whoever is the best fit for the job. 

Where Thumbtack is great for ongoing projects, TaskRabbit is more geared towards same-day, one-off services. It’s up to you to list your availability and service area so potential clients can decide whether you can meet their scheduling needs.

Your profile, services, availability, rate, and the competition in your area will all impact the number of leads you get and whether they turn into jobs. 

Unlike Thumbtack, Taskers don’t pay a fee per lead. Aside from a one-time $25 registration fee, the cost of using TaskRabbit is on the customers, who pay a service fee in addition to a Tasker’s hourly rate. Additional advertising options are available to those who have TaskRabbit Elite status.  

Thumbtack pros and cons

As with anything, Thumbtack has its pros and cons for service providers. Here are some of the most and least attractive key features. 

Thumbtack pros: 

• Good for new business startups. Many contributors noted that Thumbtack helped them find their first clients when starting their businesses.
• Convenience for new users. Some users initially appreciated the platform as it provided quick access to clients when no other options were available.
• Market availability. Thumbtack allows contractors to join in areas where TaskRabbit isn’t available, offering immediate access to job opportunities.
• Positive reviews mean more leads. Getting good reviews boosts your visibility and helps you to generate more leads.
• Earn credibility badges. Using the platform can earn you badges like “Responds Quickly,” “In High Demand,” or “Great Value,” which help build your reputation.
• Fill in schedule gaps. As you navigate changes in seasonal demand, it can help to fill in and boost your leads.
• End users like using the platform. They find it easy to navigate and find qualified contractors.

Here are some positive things users have to say about Thumbtack:

TaskRabbit pros and cons

As with Thumbtack, TaskRabbit has pros and cons. Here are some of the most common comments and complaints from TaskRabbit users. 

TaskRabbit pros:

• Same-day flexibility. TaskRabbit’s “Same Day” feature allows contractors to turn availability on and off, which benefits those needing flexible work schedules.
• No direct fees for leads. TaskRabbit charges clients directly rather than taskers, eliminating the risk of contractors paying for bad leads.
• Clear payment structure. Taskers set their rates and receive payment directly, with TaskRabbit charging fees to the end client.
• Great for a gig worker. It’s well-suited for small, quick tasks, making it ideal for contractors who prefer short-term or low-commitment work or to generate more income in the off-season.
• Manage the work in one place. Users appreciate that TaskRabbit has quoting, invoicing, and payments on the platform so that you can do everything in one place.
• Diversity in jobs. It covers a variety of services, from assembling IKEA furniture to washing windows to mounting flat-screen TVs, meaning there is potential for just about any kind of contractor to find work.
• User-friendly platform. Many reviewers (both service providers and customers) find the platform easy to use.

Here are some positive and mixed feedback users have about TaskRabbit:

TaskRabbit or Thumbtack?

Whether you become a Thumbtack Pro or TaskRabbit Tasker, both platforms have their uses. But if you’re still on the fence, here’s how it breaks down: 

TaskRabbit works well for contractors who:

• Are in the market to do small, flexible, same-day jobs without upfront costs.
• There aren’t a lot of Taskers already in your area
• Need to fill up their schedule during the off season
• Want a lead generation platform that handles quotes, invoices, and payments for them

Thumbtack is a great option for service businesses that: 

• Prefer bigger projects with larger budgets
• Beginners seeking quick brand exposure
• Specialize in a specific industry, like flooring or landscaping
• Are looking to generate more leads to grow their business long-term

Other lead generation options

If you’re looking for Thumbtack or TaskRabbit alternatives, there are still plenty of other lead generation platforms to choose from.

You can also take these tips that home service pros Donovan Quesenberry and Andy Weins shared on the Masters of Home Service podcast to generate your own leads.

• Get more work from your current customers. Your past customers are gold. Ask them for Google reviews, shoot them a quick text or email to check in, or call them to see if they’re ready for more work. 
• Be seen in the neighborhood. Make sure people know you’re there. Drop postcards at houses near your jobs, stick a yard sign on the lawn when you’re done, and slap a magnet or wrap on your truck. 
• Get involved in local groups online. Hop on platforms like Nextdoor or Facebook groups, but don’t spam them with sales pitches. Share helpful tips or answer questions, and when someone needs your service, they’ll think of you. If you can, start your own group and make yourself the go-to pro in your area.
• Team up with other pros. Realtors, property managers, and contractors always need someone to do the job. Go to their events, shake some hands, and let them know you’re there to make their lives easier.
• Look sharp and stand out. Get your team in matching shirts and use simple, affordable branding like signs, flyers, or magnets. The more polished you look, the more people will trust you—and brag about hiring you.
• Do some good in your community. Help out with a local cause that matters to you. Whether it’s donating time or services, people notice when a business gives back, and they’ll remember you for it.
• Use software tools to make your life easier. Start with a CRM to track leads and follow-ups—it’ll save you headaches. Post photos and updates on your Google profile and social media pages too. These tools cost little or nothing and help you stay on people’s radar.
• Knock on doors and show up. Talk to the neighbors or nearby businesses when you’re at a job. Be friendly, let them know who you are, and hand them a business card. You’re already there, so use that chance to pick up more work.
• Keep track of what works. Whenever someone calls or books you, find out how they heard about you. Knowing where your leads come from helps you double down on what’s working, whether it’s a flyer, Google, or a referral.