Handshake
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Exclusive lead routing

Handshake keeps the flow simple for homeowners and fair for providers.

Homeowners describe the project, review one provider at a time, and only move forward when the fit feels right. Providers see anonymized lead summaries first, then pay the fixed lead fee only when they accept the opportunity.

Categories
122
Approved pros
1
Open requests
4
Contact releases
2

Homeowner flow

One project, one visible provider at a time.

  1. 1. Start a request with the service category, ZIP code, job description, urgency, and contact preference.
  2. 2. Review the first eligible provider profile Handshake finds for that category and ZIP combination.
  3. 3. Skip forward if the fit is wrong, or accept the provider so they can review the anonymized lead summary.
  4. 4. Ask for the next provider later if the relationship does not work out.
  5. 5. Leave a review after the work is complete.

Provider flow

Approval, acceptance, then contact release.

  1. 1. Build the business profile, select service categories, and upload ZIP coverage plus vetting documents.
  2. 2. Wait for Handshake approval before entering live rotation.
  3. 3. Review anonymized lead details when a homeowner accepts the profile.
  4. 4. Accept and pay the fixed $20 lead fee to unlock homeowner contact details.
  5. 5. Request a manual refund if the lead is bad or unresponsive.

Matching safeguards

What the routing engine checks before a provider is shown.

Provider approval

Only approved, active providers who are accepting new leads remain in the eligible pool.

Category and ZIP fit

Providers must explicitly cover the selected service type and the homeowner's ZIP code.

Rotation fairness

Declined leads rotate downward, while approved refunds can boost the provider back toward the top of the queue.

Manual refund review

Handshake reviews disputes and refund decisions so bad-lead handling stays deliberate.

Reference documents

Method of operation

Effective date: June 22, 2026 Handshake connects homeowners with home-service providers through a one-provider-at-a-time matching process. 1. A homeowner crea...

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Homeowner registration

Effective date: June 22, 2026 Homeowners can use Handshake to request help from home-service providers through a guided matching process. Information needed t...

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Refund policy

Effective date: June 22, 2026 Handshake uses a lead acceptance fee when a provider chooses to unlock homeowner contact details. This policy explains when a pro...

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Popular launch categories

Where the first requests are expected to cluster.

Browse the full category catalog
Above ground pools Acoustic ceiling removal Appliance installation Architecture / Plans Artificial turf Asbestos removal Auto repair Baby sitter Backyard remodeling