Local Lead Generation - Can YOU do better than this?

As I was nosing around into some local lead generation niches, I noticed that thumbtack.com is showing up quite a bit.

And maybe YOU can provide better value to local customers if lead generation is your thing.

Here's what I found:

Since I always seem to find myself going for home improvement niches (for the most part) I wondered how Thumbtack might work for lead gen from a contractors perspective. Would they end up being hated the way a lot of contractors hate HomeAdvisor or most other "lead generation" programs out there?

Sure enough, it wasn't long before I found feedback - and of course, it was negative.

Anyway, digging into their service a bit more, it looks like as a contractor, you buy "credits" with them to submit estimates to what should be people looking for local goods and services. Each credit equates to $1.67

Attached, I've put all their lead categories, lead credit requirements to submit a proposal, and the $ equivalent it would cost you just to submit an estimate - and that doesn't mean you'll even get to actually speak with the homeowner.

What I find kind of humorous is that they are putting a clever spin on things to try to set themselves apart from a traditional lead generation service - when in fact, that's really what they are.

Example: Let's say you are a Roofing contractor. Well, to submit an estimate for that it will cost you (3) credits...which equates to $5.01. On the surface, this seems like a hell of a good deal. But here's a few things they forgot to mention...

• According to some of the reviews I've read, most of these projects come through with very little contact information, so most of the time your only option is to submit your proposal through Thumbtacks portal.
• I don't see any cap on the total number of other contractors who can get that lead.
• I don't see any type of refund process for bogus leads.

I personally haven't used Thumbtack. But if you find yourself talking to a potential client who does, maybe you can throw some of these ROI questions at them to help them see the value of what you provide.