Angi and HomeAdvisor are screwing over plumbers with their lead fees

I'm so pissed at these lead gen sites, they're killing small plumbing outfits like mine. Been doing repipes and water heater installs for years, but now every lead from Angi costs me $75 just to get a crappy inquiry about a leaky PEX line that turns out to be the homeowner's DIY mess. I cover the greater Atlanta area, and it's getting worse with all the new builds popping up, but these platforms promise exclusive leads and deliver the same tire-kickers to everyone. Saw a guy in Plumbers United group ranting about how he wasted $500 last month on zero conversions. Watched a Tommy Mello video where he talks about ditching these for Google Business Profile, but switching over feels like starting from scratch. TBH, the BS is real, and it's pushing me to hike my service call fees to $150 to cover the losses. Anyone else ready to boycott this crap?

Switch to direct mailers targeting neighborhoods with old cast iron stacks; I get 3-4 solid repipe jobs per 500 flyers at $0.30 each.

Build your own website with SEO for 'emergency plumber Atlanta' and watch organic leads roll in without the fees.

Same here man, these sites are a scam.

Feels like they're colluding to keep us paying.

Don't waste money on paid leads; network with realtors for remodel referrals instead.

Focus on reviews; one bad Angi lead can tank your rating if you don't respond fast.

I ditched them last year and doubled my revenue through referrals alone.

Yelp is even worse, but Angi at least refunds some duds.

Haha, I once paid $100 for a lead that was just a cat knocking over a vase.

Lol, sounds like my life but with roofs leaking from squirrels.

Proud to say I hit 50 jobs last month without a single paid lead.

Customer called thinking her 'smart' toilet was possessed, turned out to be a loose SharkBite.

Frustrated as hell, just lost a $2k job because the lead went to three other plumbers first.

These platforms prioritize volume over quality, it's all about their cut.

Same frustration, bidding against undercutters from the same leads.

Try Facebook ads targeted at homeowners with 'water heater replacement' searches; cheaper than Angi.

Lost $300 on bogus leads this week, done with it.

Man, I feel your pain on those DIY disasters.

The pushback from customers is brutal when they compare your quote to cheap online BS.

SharkBites aren't the devil, but behind walls? Nah, solder or ProPEX every time.

What software are you using to track lead costs? Jobber integrates well for that.

Ever had a lead where the 'emergency' was just air in the lines? Classic.

Fees are up 20% this year, it's predatory.

PSA: document every lead interaction to dispute charges; saved me $400 last month.

I'm in the same boat, switching to NextDoor for local gigs.

These sites are ruining the trade for independents.

Felt that, especially with all the PEX expansion issues popping up.