FAQs

• How do you measure how fast I respond?
  We look at the amount of time it takes you to respond to a lead. If you reply to 3 out of every 4 leads within 4 business hours of them contacting you, you’ll be eligible for Top Pro. “Business hours” means between 8AM - 8PM local time — so if you get a message at 7PM, you have until 11AM the next morning to respond. And don’t worry, we also don’t count messages that you’ve been refunded for.
• Once I become a Top Pro, do I stay Top Pro forever?
  If you continue to meet the Top Pro benchmarks forever, then yes. We apply the program’s objective criteria to all Thumbtack pros (even existing Top Pros) twice a year, at the beginning of January and July. If you no longer meet the Top Pro criteria at the next evaluation, you’ll no longer qualify for Top Pro status.
  
  If you lost your Top Pro distinction, don’t worry. You can earn it again during the next evaluation. Check the Top Pro tab in your Insights to track your progress.
• Can I pay to become a Top Pro on Thumbtack?
  No. The Top Pro distinction is earned solely by meeting the benchmarks of the program and cannot be purchased or obtained any other way.
• How will customers know I’m a Top Pro?
  Once you become Top Pro, a blue badge will appear next to your business name, both in search results and on your profile. This will let customers know that you’re a Top Pro and help you stand out.
• How do I know if I’m close to becoming a Top Pro?
  Track your progress towards Top Pro in Insights, under the Top Pro tab. You’ll see where you stand in relation to each of the four criteria. Use this tab to check how you’re doing in the home-stretch leading up to our semi-annual evaluations in January and July.
• I think I’m qualified. How come I’m not a Top Pro?
  There are four criteria we use to determine who makes Top Pro. Meeting those criteria is the only way to become one. We apply them to all pros at the beginning of January and July and announce Top Pros soon thereafter. See the Become a Top Pro section above.
• How many Top Pros are there? Do you cap the group at a certain number?
  No, we don’t cap the number of Top Pros. Any individual who meets the four benchmarks will become one. However, only a very small number of professionals qualify for the program each round. Although it’s not capped, it’s always a very elite group.
• Why do Top Pros need a background check and how do I get one?
  Background checks build credibility and customer trust. That’s why we ask pros to get a background check through our current, accredited provider, Checkr. The background check is free and only takes a few minutes to complete. You’ll get the results back within 10-17 business days. To start your background check, go to the Credentials section in your profile.