Thumbtack and Angi charge contractors for leads, which is a chance to talk to a customer. Otter Quotes charges a contractor a fee on the bid you accept, and contractors bid on one written scope of work. Each model suits a different kind of job, and this page sets out the differences. Otter Quotes is not affiliated with Thumbtack or Angi. Their details below come from their own help pages as read in November 2026, and they can change.
What does the contractor pay for?
The difference starts with what a contractor pays for, because that shapes what happens after you ask.
| Otter Quotes | Thumbtack | Angi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What the contractor pays for | A fee, currently 5%, on the bid you accept | Leads and opportunities; lead prices vary | Leads; prices vary by task and location |
| When the contractor is charged | After a contract is fully signed | When a matching customer reaches out, or for an opportunity, if the customer responds | As soon as a matching request is sent, for a standard lead, whether or not the pro responds |
| How you start | One project submitted once; we create a scope of work | You describe the project, see pros and choose who to contact | You describe the project and are connected with pros |
This table covers how each charges for leads or bids. Each company may offer other paid programs. On Otter Quotes, you compare any written bids you receive, on the same scope.
Why does the payment model matter to you?
When a contractor pays for a lead, the cost comes before any job exists, so the contractor has a reason to reach you quickly. Angi's help page tells pros that leads are not guaranteed jobs and to follow up quickly. That can be useful if you want to talk to someone today.
When a contractor pays on an accepted bid, nothing is owed for bidding. The contractor's next step is a written price rather than a phone call. That can be useful if you would rather read prices than take calls.
How many contractors will I hear from?
Angi's help pages say a request is matched with a limited number of pros, up to 4 on one page and no more than 5 on another. On Thumbtack, you see pros in search results and choose who to contact. On Otter Quotes, we send your scope of work to multiple contractors, and those who choose to bid send written bids. We cannot promise a number of bids on any one job.
When might Thumbtack or Angi suit you better?
They may be a better place to start for a small repair, a one-off job or a trade we do not handle. They may also suit you if you want to speak with a contractor before anyone writes a price. Thumbtack shows you pros in search results, so you can choose who to contact.
Otter Quotes suits a larger exterior project where you want written bids on the same scope, compared side by side, without a salesperson in your home.
Where Otter Quotes fits
Otter Quotes creates a written scope of work for your project and sends it to multiple contractors. You compare any written bids you receive and sign online. A contract you sign is between you and the contractor.
Frequently asked questions
Does Otter Quotes charge contractors per lead?
No. Contractors pay Otter Quotes a fee, currently 5%, on the bid you accept.
Is Otter Quotes affiliated with Thumbtack or Angi?
No. Otter Quotes is a separate company. The details on this page come from Thumbtack's and Angi's own help pages as read in November 2026.
What does Otter Quotes cost a homeowner?
On Otter Quotes, there is no cost for homeowners who provide a copy of their insurance estimate. A homeowner without one who orders measurements from us pays as little as $22.63 up front, rebated in full if a job is completed through the platform; conditions apply.
Will I get a set number of bids on Otter Quotes?
No. We send your scope of work to multiple contractors, and those who choose to bid send written bids. The number can vary by job and area.
What does Otter Quotes not do?
We do not work with your insurance company or negotiate claims. Otter Quotes is not a contractor.