Should you sign up with a contractor referral service?

Recently, we asked the question: “Should you team up with a contractor referral service?” Here’s the personal experience of Ben Kuypers, Kuypers Design Service…

“The contractor referral service operates on the premise that most homeowners will look for contractors on the internet. And if recognized brands like Mike Homes or Bryan Baeumler build a trusted referral network, people will be attracted to them and call those particular trades.

I have tried using the Handy Canadian website (now Trusted Pros) and Baeumler Approved for about a year. I have also been on HomeStars for about two years. A lot depends on the type of contract work you do and who your customer base is because I have found each service has produced differences in the type of leads and the quantity of leads you get. The leads I got through the Handy Canadian and the Baeumler Approved site were few and far between – and the clients I got from those sites seemed to be more ‘tire kickers’ and people looking for help doing it themselves.

The HomeStars leads, on the other hand, have been much more consistent and of better quality. I think the reason is because you need to look at these sites from a customer’s perspective and HomeStars has fashioned their site to be more ‘for the homeowner, by the homeowner.’ This is because the contractor’s page (if you decide to purchase one) is focused on reviews and scores populated by the clients. So there is a degree of separation between marketing and actual feedback from clients. It by no means is a perfect system but it is arguably the best one out there. Keep in mind to be listed near the top of your category takes a good deal of effort and diligence but once you are there it is a site that is worth the investment.”