TaskRabbit vs Thumbtack: which one is right for handyman work?

How they stack up, side by side

We scored TaskRabbit and Thumbtack on six things that matter most: lead quality, cost per lead, how fast you get your first job, how easy it is to set up, refund protection, and how well it works in small markets. Higher is better.

How each one works

TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit hands you booked jobs in an app. You don't pay per lead - TaskRabbit takes a cut of the job (15–30%). It's great for small tasks like assembly or TV mounting.

The way you actually use it:

1. Sign up as a "Tasker."
2. Pick the kinds of small jobs you do.
3. Customers book you in the app.
4. You do the job. TaskRabbit keeps part of the payment.

Thumbtack

Thumbtack is a leads platform. You pay per lead. You own the customer once you connect. Better for licensed trades and repeat work.

The way you actually use it:

1. Sign up and pick the jobs you want.
2. Set your service area and prices.
3. Customers send you a request. You pay for the contact info.
4. Reply fast. The first good answer usually wins.

Which one pays back more?

Use the sliders below. Put in your average job price and how many leads you can handle in a month. The two cards show which platform looks better for your numbers.

What each one does best (and worst)

TaskRabbit - strengths

• You don't pay per lead. You only pay when you get the job.
• IKEA and furniture buyers use it a lot.
• Easy app. Fast bookings, sometimes same day.

TaskRabbit - weaknesses

• TaskRabbit takes up to 30% of every job.
• You don't own the customer. Hard to get repeat work direct.
• Limited to small tasks. Not for licensed trade work.

Thumbtack - strengths

• Lots of customers. You can fill your schedule fast.
• Lower cost per lead than most other platforms.
• Works in almost every U.S. city, big or small.

Thumbtack - weaknesses

• Many pros get the same lead. You have to reply in minutes.
• Some leads are just price shoppers. Many will ghost.
• Refund rules are strict. You can lose money on bad leads.

Which one fits your business?

Four quick questions. Honest answers. We add up the points and tell you which one to start with.

The bottom line

TaskRabbit is great for quick fill-in jobs. Thumbtack is better if you want to build a real business with your own customer base.

Pick TaskRabbit when…

• You do small, fast tasks (assembly, TV mounting, light moving).
• You want bookings handed to you with no setup work.
• You don't mind TaskRabbit taking 15–30% of the job.

Pick Thumbtack when…

• You want to own the customer for repeat work.
• You're a licensed trade (plumbing, HVAC, etc.).
• You want better margins per job.

Common questions

Which makes more money for handyman work?

It depends. TaskRabbit is faster and you don't pay upfront - but their cut is big. Thumbtack costs you per lead, but you keep more of each job and can build repeat customers.

Does TaskRabbit let me set my own price?

Mostly yes - you set your hourly rate, but TaskRabbit shows a "suggested" range. Stray too far and bookings dry up.

Can I do plumbing or electrical work on TaskRabbit?

No - TaskRabbit's rules limit you to non-licensed work. Real trade work needs Thumbtack, LSA, or your own funnel.

Can I use both at the same time?

Yes. Many handyman pros start on TaskRabbit for quick cash flow and add Thumbtack to build a customer list they can keep.