Thumbtack vs Buildela

When choosing a platform to help generate leads and grow your business, understanding the differences between Thumbtack and Buildela is essential. Both platforms connect tradespeople with homeowners, but they operate in very different ways. In this guide, we’ll break down what each platform offers, how they compare, and help you decide which one is the right fit for your business.

Published: 01 Jan, 2025
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What is Thumbtack?

Thumbtack is an online service that connects individuals and businesses with local professionals across various trades and services. Thumbtack uses a pay-per-lead model, where tradespeople can purchase leads based on the services they offer and the area they operate in.

  • How It Works: Homeowners or customers submit job requests, and tradespeople can purchase leads to respond to these requests. If you’re selected, you’ll pay for the lead.
  • Membership: Free to sign up, but tradespeople pay for each lead they purchase.
  • Target Audience: Freelancers, small businesses, and professionals who want to bid on specific jobs without committing to a membership or subscription fee.

Purchasing leads on Thumbtack:

When you are interested in applying for a job on Thumbtack, you will need to pay the lead fee, even if you don’t win the job. This means that if your bid isn’t chosen, you still pay for the lead, which can cause your account balance to go negative if you consistently apply but don’t secure the work.

  • Lead fees: Typically range from £7 to £50 per lead depending on job size and type.

What is Buildela?

Buildela is a 100% free platform for tradespeople that allows them to receive leads and grow their business. Unlike Thumbtack, Buildela does not charge for leads or any other services. Tradespeople can create a profile, get leads, and book jobs at no charge. Buildela offers a vetting process to ensure quality tradespeople are represented on the platform, but it’s completely free to join and use.

  • How It Works: Tradespeople create a free profile and start receiving leads at no charge. There is a vetting process to ensure high-quality tradespeople are on the platform, but there are no fees for using the service.
  • Membership: 100% free for tradespeople, with no hidden charges or fees for leads or services.
  • Target Audience: Tradespeople who want a free, transparent, and flexible platform to receive leads, gain exposure, and grow their business without worrying about costs.
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Thumbtack vs Buildela: Comparison

Feature Thumbtack Buildela
Cost to Join Free to join, but pay per lead. 100% free to join, with no charges for leads or services.
Lead Generation Model Pay-per-lead model, you purchase leads to respond to job requests. Free lead generation with no charges for leads or services.
Flexibility High flexibility in choosing leads, but you pay for each one. Extremely flexible, no long-term contracts or minimum commitments.
Verification Limited verification; relies on customer reviews and ratings. Vetting process to ensure high-quality tradespeople, completely free.
Customer Reviews Reviews from customers, but no formal verification process. Reviews from customers; tradespeople are vetted before joining.
Lead Quality Quality varies; depends on customer descriptions and job requests. Transparent, easy-to-manage lead flow with no surprise fees for leads.
Exposure Limited exposure; you need to bid for jobs. High exposure with free membership, no additional costs for leads.
Target Market Ideal for small businesses and freelancers who want to bid on jobs. Ideal for tradespeople looking for free, predictable lead flow and flexible exposure.
Additional Fees Charges per lead and for extra services. No hidden fees; completely free for tradespeople.

Which Platform Is Right for You?

  • Thumbtack is great for tradespeople who prefer a pay-per-lead model and are comfortable bidding on specific jobs. It’s a good option if you want flexibility and don’t mind paying for each lead you pursue. However, the cost of leads can quickly add up, especially if you need a high volume of leads or have multiple jobs you want to target.
  • Buildela, on the other hand, is the better option for tradespeople who want a 100% free platform with no costs for leads or services. Buildela’s no-cost lead generation model allows you to get leads without paying a dime. The vetting process ensures that only quality tradespeople are part of the platform, which helps improve trust with homeowners.

Why Buildela is the Better Choice

If you’re looking for a completely free, transparent, and flexible platform with no hidden fees, Buildela is the ideal choice. Here’s why:

  • 100% Free for Tradespeople: Buildela is completely free to join and use. You don’t pay anything for leads or other services. There are no hidden costs at all.
  • No Hidden Fees: With Buildela, you never pay for leads or services unless premium features are introduced in the future (currently, everything is free).
  • Target Multiple Trades and Locations: Buildela allows you to target multiple trades and locations with a single free account. There’s no need to pay extra for different trades or locations.
  • Vetting Process: The vetting process ensures that tradespeople on Buildela are qualified and trustworthy, helping build credibility with homeowners.
  • Flexible, No Long-Term Contracts: There are no long-term commitments with Buildela. You can cancel at any time with no penalties.

Thumbtack vs Buildela

Buildela is 100% free for tradespeople. There are no charges for leads or any services. Everything is completely free.

Thumbtack charges per lead, which means you pay for each job you bid on. Buildela is completely free, so you don’t pay for any leads or services.

Thumbtack operates on a pay-per-lead model, while Buildela is completely free for tradespeople. Buildela also offers a vetting process for quality control.

Yes, Buildela allows you to target multiple trades and locations under one free account. You don’t have to pay for each new trade or location.

Why Choose Buildela Over Thumbtack?

If you’re looking for a completely free, flexible, and transparent platform, Buildela is the perfect solution. You can join for free, start receiving leads, and book jobs without any upfront costs. Unlike Thumbtack, which charges for leads, Buildela provides a more cost-effective and predictable way to grow your business.

Start with Buildela today—completely free—and experience a better, more cost-effective way to generate leads and expand your trade business without worrying about additional fees or hidden costs.