Browse through our collection of frequently asked questions.

• What is included with our Free Membership?
• What can we do to get more work from TrustedPros?
• What are the benefits of a Premium Membership?
• What is the cost of becoming a Premium Member?
• As a Premium Member will I receive notification of the jobs that I want to bid on in my email?
• Who can submit reviews?
• What if my client posts a negative review?
• Can I transfer my reviews from another website?
• My client does not have access to a computer. Can I submit their review or fax/email you a copy of their reference letter?
• How do we increase our directory ranking?
• I made changes to improve my rankings, when will I see a difference in the directory?
• How many jobs or traffic should we expect for our coverage area?
• Where do the jobs come from?
• How good are the projects?
• What kind of projects are posted?
• Why am I not getting responses to the emails I send out for leads?
• Does TrustedPro screen contractors?
• From a bottom line standpoint would my business benefit from becoming a Premium Member?
• Can I cancel our account?

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What is included with our Free Membership?

Your free membership includes your company listing in our popular contractor directory. Consumers visiting our site to either post their projects and wait for a response from our Premium Members or search through our directory to locate and contact contractors directly. We have many free members that receive work from their free listing.

Leads sent to our free members are done to allow you to preview the type and volume of leads generated via our service before you decide to upgrade. Upgrading your account will not only give you access to project postings but will also move your free listing up in our directory - generating more exposure for your business and other features exclusive to our premium members.

You can keep your company listed in our directory and turn your lead notifications off. Or, you can take advantage of the benefits of becoming a premium member.

As a Free or Premium Member, to properly utilize and benefit from our service It is strongly recommended that you take the time to setup your account. Make sure you have provided all details relevant to your business and the services you specialize in but most importantly, reach out to your past and present clients and request they submit reviews to your profile.

Your free membership will also allow you to include your company logo, a cover picture, photo gallery and videos showcasing your work. You’ll also be able to add a link to your company website and any social media pages you currently have available.

We also recommend that you take the time to read our profile tips.

What can we do to get more work from TrustedPros?

TrustePros receives thousands of visitors each day – most of these visitors use our contractor directory to find local service professionals like you for their home improvements. The profile you created is accessible to consumers using our directory however, if you're a free member or, if your profile has no positive reviews from your clients, it’s likely ranking below most of your competitors - There are several things you can do to improve your ranking and increase your exposure.

First and foremost, the most important factor for improving your ranking and the success you have with TrustedPros is getting your customers to post their reviews. If you hover over the tab located on the top navigation you’ll see the option “Your Reputation”. This section is where you can request and manage reviews from your customers. The first thing you’ll want to do is click on the “Request Reviews” option. This page will allow you to enter the name and email address for some, or all of your customers. The email sent will include your company name and instructions on how they can submit their reviews.

It’s important to remember that any customer you’ve ever done work for is entitled to submit a review – they DO NOT have to be customers you’ve acquired through TrustedPros.

Next thing you'll want to focus on is your Company Profile using the options available under the “Profile Manager” section. Here you’ll see a few options that will take you to the pages that control how your public profile is viewed – including the information about you and your company. You’ll want to take your time going through this section to ensure all details about your company have been provided.

We also recommend that you take the time to read our profile tips for more information on setting up your profile.

If you require help setting up your account please email our support team at support@trustedpros.com or call them between the hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Monday - Friday) at 866-222-7221.

What are the benefits of a Premium Membership?

You’re not obligated to upgrade your account but there are many benefits to becoming a Premium Member such as:

• Priority ranking in our directory – by upgrading your account it will automatically move your listing above your competitors with similar customer ratings, currently using our free service. By combining our Premium Membership with positive customer reviews you'll help secure your place near the top of all your competitors.
  
  
• You’ll also have access to leads posted in your area. TrustedPros is not just a contractor directory but also a site used by homeowners to post and manage their projects. Leads are generated by consumers that don’t want to spend time calling or emailing several contractors. Instead, they post their project which is sent to contractors serving their area, and that specialize in the services being requested. You are not obligated to respond to a job posting and can pick and choose if and when you want to respond.
  
  Your access to leads is determined by the categories you select as your 3 main services. Leads in additional categories can be accessed by you when reviews related to those categories are added by your clients (e.g. your main 3 categories are Kitchens, Bathrooms and Flooring but you also want to access leads related to Basements. To gain access you'll need to have clients you've done Basement Renovation work for submit their review). This tells consumers that you have experience with that particular type of service. Once the reviews are approved, access to leads within that category will be possible.
  
  Please note, you must maintain a rating above 3.5 in order to access leads. Once your rating drops below 3.5, your access to leads will be restricted until you're able to improve your ranking above 3.5. Additional restrictions based on a member’s minimum customer rating can also be applied by the consumer posting a project. To ensure you have access to all leads in your area within your eligible categories, try to maintain an overall customer rating of 4.5 or greater.

If you’re interested in becoming a premium member simply click here and select from our monthly, 6 or 12 month options.

What is the cost of becoming a Premium Member?

TrustedPros offers FREE Directory Listing Membership as well as paid Premium Membership. Depending on your location, our Premium Membership starts at $40 per month. Premium Membership pricing plans offer access to leads, and priority listing in our popular directory. Click here for more information about our membership options.

As a Premium Member will I receive notification of the jobs that I want to bid on in my email?

Yes, our technology matches your bidding criteria with that of any posted project, jobs posted in your geographic area that match services you offer will automatically be forwarded to you via email!

Who can submit reviews?

Please refer to our Review Guidelines for detailed information on who can submit a review. Your clients can use our Write a Review tool to find your listing and submit their review or your can use our Request Reviews tool to send an email directly to your clients with a link to submit their review.

What if my client posts a negative review?

It is our policy that any consumer that has hired a company or individual to perform work on their property or where a financial transaction occurred is entitled to post a review regarding their experience.

If you received a negative review from one of your clients we suggest one of the following:

• A lot of times negative comments are posted because of simple misunderstandings. Resolving any issues normally result in your clients removing or updating their review and in a lot of cases, utilizing your company for future work.
  
  
• Provide valid proof about specific statements that are factually false. This may prove difficult as most reviews discuss the quality of work or the professionalism of the contractor which may in whole or in part be based on the opinion and subjective views of your client and can be hard to prove as being factually false. Signed contracts are typically accepted but we will review any documents or photographs you provide but, again, we will not remove, redact or editorialize reviews except where facts have been misstated. Please note that any materials that you may provide us in regard to you challenging the truth or accuracy of a review may be made available to the reviewer. By providing us with such materials, you represent and warrant that you have the authority and right to do so and that there are no restrictions in terms of our disclosure of these to third parties.
  
  
• A better approach is usually to post a reply and share your views with respect to the complaint.  In doing so, be mindful of not disclosing personal information about your client which may bring you offside privacy laws.
  
  
• If you feel the comments posted by your client are false or misleading, you can seek the advice of legal counsel to explore additional options. If legal proceedings related to this review are initiated by you and/or your company against your client, provide us with a copy of the document instituting such legal proceedings or a letter from your lawyer confirming that such proceedings have been commenced, and the review will be suspended pending a decision is made by the courts or withdrawal or discontinuance of the proceedings. Please also note that the following notice will be posted within the body of any suspended review:
  
  “Review removed following commencement of legal proceedings by the contractor/service provider.
  
  TrustedPros takes no position with respect to any dispute between users and contractors (or service providers) and makes no comment regarding the accuracy and truthfulness of reviews submitted by users or replies submitted by contractors, or regarding the merits any claims commenced or threatened by any user or contractor.”
  
  If you discontinue or withdraw the proceedings or the court rules in favour of your client, the review will be reactivated. It will be your responsibility and that of your client to notify us regarding the court’s ruling or any withdrawal or discontinuation of proceedings.
  
  
• If it’s simply a case of a difficult client, it’s strongly recommended that you take the time to submit your rebuttal and reach out to other clients to submit their positive reviews.

Potential clients will not only judge you on your reviews but also on your ability to handle and respond to negative feedback.

Can I transfer my reviews from another website?

We're sorry but we cannot accept any reviews from another source. TrustedPros has a very strict process to validate reviews and each review must be posted directly by your clients. Our review validation process is what separates us from our other sites to help ensure your competitors are not falsely promoted through fake reviews.

My client does not have access to a computer. Can I submit their review or fax/email you a copy of their reference letter?

No. Reviews must be submitted directly by your clients and cannot be submitted by you or your staff on their behalf.

How do we increase our directory ranking?

Please click here for information on increasing your ranking in our directory.

I made changes to improve my rankings, when will I see a difference in the directory?

We have algorithms setup to organize the rankings throughout the directory. These algorithms are broken down to daily packages. If you’ve improved the information on your profile and added an adequate number of reviews you should see a shift in rankings within 24 hours however, in rare cases, it may take up to 72 hours.

How many jobs or traffic should we expect for our coverage area?

The number of jobs and total traffic varies each day however, we have a very strong presence across all of America with thousands of visitors coming to TrustedPros each day. Any premium member that has followed our advice to obtain customer reviews and complete their profiles have done we’ll with many of them using TrustedPros as their only source of marketing.

Where do the Jobs come from?

100-percent of our residential and commercial projects are submitted online personally; by project owners themselves, looking for your services. In addition to online project posting, most project owners utilize our contractor directory data base to find a contractor for their project. Premium members again have the edge; with premium member listings ranking at the top of each category listing.

How good are the projects?

TrustedPros does its best to ensure that all posted projects are listed with adequate contact information and sufficient details so that contractors get an accurate overview of the scope of the job opportunity.

What kind of projects are posted?

Posted projects cover all areas of residential and commercial construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair; ranging from 100 dollars to several million dollars in value.

Why am I not getting responses to the emails I send out for leads?

Failed responses usually are a result of one of the following reasons:
 
The first and most common reason is your profile. Your profile is the main selling tool for your business. Every time you respond to a lead a link to your profile is included in the email along with your overall rating. Also, when consumers search our popular contractor directory they’re presented with your company profile page.

You are competing against other contractors that have detailed company profiles that includes a logo, clean portfolio images and most importantly, multiple ratings/reviews. We encourage you to upload new pictures to your gallery of work completed, add your logo and most importantly - request previous clients to submit a review and rate your company. Reviews can be submitted by any client, they do not have to be clients obtained via our service.

Second is your response time. The quicker you can respond to leads the better.

Third reason is the way you respond to leads - answer all questions. Consumers like to know that you’ve taken the time to read their job posting so if you do not answer all the questions outlined in the lead it is likely that you will not receive a response and get passed over for the project. If you cannot answer all the questions explain why. Be detailed in your emails and try to sell your service and the things you specialize in. Again, you are competing against others so you need to make yourself noticed.

Also, sometimes emails sent end up in the consumer’s junk mail folders. We notify all members to add us as to their "Safe List" but some choose to ignore this and never see a single response.

It is also recommended that you send a follow-up email a day or two after your initial email.

Does TrustedPros screen contractors?

No. Any contractor or service professional can join as a TrustedPros member. We do not endorse any single member, nor do we pre-screen any business listed with our service as the credentials they provide at the time of screening can become invalid weeks or months later. It is our opinion that pre-screening would only give consumers a false sense of security which could lead to unfortunate hiring decisions. Instead, we have a vigorous screening process for all reviews posted and provide a comprehensive hiring guide for consumers to follow.

From a bottom line standpoint would my business benefit from becoming a Premium Member?

One secured project and a contractor member could immediately recover the membership fee paid – in addition to a healthy profit! Additional secured projects present even more profit earning potential; growing your business and increasing company revenue, without pounding the pavement in search of new job leads.

Successful business owners are well-acquainted with the expense involved to acquire new project leads; primarily through mass media advertising such as newspaper, radio, and television. One full-page ad in a major metropolitan newspaper, for instance, can cost over $20,000 to run one time! By joining TrustedPros under Premium Membership, you avoid these high costs. And receive a continuous flow of regular e-mails outlining new job opportunities in your area. With complete direct contact information that allows you to connect with project owners that require your type services.

Analyze the cost of our service and profit potential, and then compare it to the immense cost of mass media marketing or other online services; it makes perfect sense to join TrustedPros. Theoretically a contractor could join our service for 5 years at a total cost of $1625.00, win only one project in that time frame and yet come out with a profit. Still not convinced? Click here and read what Premium Member contractors have to say about TrustedPros services

Can we cancel our account?

A premium subscription can be canceled at the end of its term/contract end date, however, all information related to your business will remain active. Our Terms of Use retains our right to keep your information on TrustedPros, even if you no longer have an active profile with us. As long as you operate a business, homeowners will always be able to access your information, and client reviews.

If your business has been dissolved, please provide us with material showing that the business has been dissolved and that it’s no longer operational. We will update the status of your public profile to indicate you are no longer in business. This will remove your contact details but your company name, overview, ratings and reviews will remain active.

We believe that it is in your best interest to keep your profile active, even if you don’t access it often. This will help you maintain a positive company image on a well-known, widely used American service.

If you are concerned that a particular business listing may be incorporating your private information, please contact TPI's privacy officer at privacy@trustedpros.com. Any private information posted on your listing will be removed however, all other information related to the business will remain active.