Guide
Shared vs exclusive leads: what contractors should know
Exclusive leads go to one contractor only, while shared leads are sold to several contractors at the same time. For home-service contractors, exclusive leads usually mean less racing to call back, less price pressure and more control over the customer. This guide also compares pay per lead with rank and rent.
What are shared leads?
A shared lead is a homeowner inquiry that a lead seller passes to multiple contractors in the same trade and area.
What are exclusive leads?
An exclusive lead is a homeowner inquiry delivered to one contractor only, with no other company receiving it.
How do shared and exclusive leads compare?
| Factor | Shared leads | Exclusive leads |
|---|---|---|
| Who gets the lead | Several contractors | One contractor |
| Speed pressure | Race to call first | Time to respond properly |
| Price pressure | Often competing on lowest bid | Quote on value |
| How you pay | Usually per lead, closed or not | Sweet Leeds: commission on closed jobs, then optional flat rent |
| Customer relationship | Split attention | Yours |
What is pay per lead?
Pay per lead is a model where a contractor pays a fee for each inquiry received, whether or not it becomes a job.
What is rank and rent?
Rank and rent is a model where a marketer ranks a local website for a trade and city, then sends all of its leads to one contractor who pays for them.
Pay per lead vs rank and rent: which fits you?
Pay per lead can be useful for testing a new area, but leads are often shared and you pay even when a job doesn't close. Rank and rent suits contractors who want steady, exclusive calls in one city and trade. With Sweet Leeds, pricing starts with a commission on closed jobs, typically 7-10%, and you can move to a flat monthly rent once leads are steady. Contact us for current rates.
How do I buy exclusive home service leads?
Find your city and trade on the cities page, then apply to claim it. Read how rank and rent leads work for the step-by-step process.