How app marketplaces, lead sites, franchises and independent handymen work, based on the companies' own help pages, and what each means for you.
App marketplaces list many independent pros and handle booking and payment. Franchises put a national brand over locally owned branches. An independent handyman is usually a small local business that quotes the job directly. Each model trades convenience, price visibility and accountability differently, so match it to your job's size and how much you want to vet.
How does Taskrabbit work?
Taskrabbit is an app marketplace. Per its help center, Taskers are independent contractors who set their own hourly rates, schedules and work areas, and you see a Tasker's rate before you book. You can filter by date, time and price range, and the list shows ratings and how many tasks each Tasker has done in the category.
What to know, from Taskrabbit's help pages:
- Taskrabbit says every Tasker passes an identity and criminal background check before taking tasks.
- Its help center says you cannot contact a Tasker before booking, but you can chat after you hire.
- Taskers are independent contractors, so each one is hired separately.
- Its Trust & Support fee is added to invoices as a percentage of the hourly rate. Taskrabbit says it funds its Task Protection Program, safety measures and customer support, and does not reduce what a Tasker is paid.
Good fit: a single, well-defined task where you want to book fast and see rates and reviews in an app.
How does Thumbtack work?
Thumbtack is a lead marketplace. Customers describe a project and see pros matched to it. On the pro side, Thumbtack's help center explains that pros pay for leads, set the price they will pay per lead, and can set a weekly budget that caps their lead spending.
For you, that means you will usually compare several pros who responded to your request. Thumbtack publishes its own cost guides, which we summarize in How much does a handyman cost on the North Shore?
Good fit: when you want several responses to compare and are willing to do the vetting yourself.
How does Angi work?
Angi is a directory and booking site. Angi's FAQ says homeowners can compare local pros, book services and request quotes for free. Its revenue comes from service professionals who pay to advertise, paid memberships, and Angi Services, where projects are booked and completed by Angi.
On screening, the same FAQ says:
- To be Angi Approved, the business's owner, principal or relevant manager must pass a criminal background check, and the business must attest to holding required licenses.
- Background checks are done only on the owner or principal, not on every employee.
- Corporate Accounts are not screened that way.
- Licensing and insurance details are self-reported, and Angi encourages you to check with the provider and with regulators.
- Its Happiness Guarantee applies to pre-priced services booked and paid through Angi. For work outside that, Angi recommends confirming a pro is licensed, bonded and insured.
Good fit: when you want a directory with neighbor reviews or a pre-priced booking, and you will confirm licenses yourself.
How does a handyman franchise work?
A franchise is a national brand licensed to local owners. Mr. Handyman, for example, describes its locations as run by separate franchise owners, and its location pages note that state, provincial and local laws may affect which services a given location can perform. You can read more on Mr. Handyman's site.
In general, you get a recognized brand and common standards. Ask the specific local office who will come to your home, how it prices a visit, and which trades it will not do.
Good fit: when you value a recognized brand and a local office with a set process.
How does an independent handyman work?
An independent handyman is a local business that you contact directly. Enhaus is a handyman business in Winnetka serving Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Lake Forest and Barrington Hills. You talk with the business that does the work, agree on a scope, and get a quote for your list. There is no platform fee schedule in between, but there is also no platform review system, so you do the vetting.
Use our vetting checklist for that. Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors under every model. See Handyman vs. licensed contractor in Illinois.
Which one fits my job?
| Your situation | Often a good fit |
| --- | --- |
| One small task, want to book in an app | App marketplace |
| Want several quotes to compare | Lead marketplace or directory |
| Want a national brand and standard process | Franchise |
| A list of several repairs, want one point of contact | Independent handyman |
Whichever you choose, get the scope in writing. For repair work over $1,000, Illinois requires a written contract. See What does the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act require?
FAQ
Are app marketplace pros employees of the app?
Taskrabbit says its Taskers are independent contractors. Angi and Thumbtack list independent businesses. Ask who your contract is with and who is responsible for the work.
Does Angi background check every pro?
No. Angi says it checks the owner, principal or relevant manager of Angi Approved businesses, not every employee, and does not screen Corporate Accounts that way.
Do I pay the marketplace or the pro?
It depends on the platform. Taskrabbit adds a Trust & Support fee to the invoice. Thumbtack and Angi say pros pay to advertise or for leads, and Angi says homeowners can use the site for free. Read the checkout screen before you book.
Is a marketplace guarantee the same as insurance?
No. Read the terms of any guarantee or protection program, including what it covers and its limits.
To send your list and photos, call or text (847) 877-1877.
