Service Magic?

PressureWashE · 10-17-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magic Hammer

Like PressureWashE said it depends the area your in. We've used Service Magic for years and most of the leads are good and they do refund us if we ask them to because the lead was bogus.

If anyone is interested in trying them, But don't want to pay the $100 enrollment fee. For the rest of the month of October they are waiving the enrollment fee, all you have to pay is what ever you want to pre pay your lead account with.

Im going to try them, and put 200 into the lead account, and see where it takes me, If i lose 200 oh well, If i make 5000 great!

Magic Hammer · 10-20-2009, 06:14 PM

Of course you'll buy carpet cleaning, pressure wash and painting leads but also try leads like drywall repair.
Good Luck

mrmike · 10-20-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pro Builder

One of my clients (whom has given me permission to post with this account) is using Service Magic as an alternative to my unique lead generating service per his request. He was very impressed with their business model and while he is very pelased with the small bit that I do for him, most of his money has gone towards service magic.

I had spoke with a few representatives on the phone and email and I have to say that service magic is a really great company with incredible results. They have a great model from the consumer's point of view and should continue to grow at a healthy rate for years to come.

There are many concerns I have about service magic. I have heard many complaints, even from current clients of mine (past clients of SM).

I am going to start a thread about my experiences with service magic, and include my experiences with other lead generation companies, such as bidclerk and many others. I will include testimonials from contractors of all trades.

My goal is to make useful to those reading on the forum my experiences so that you can indeed avoid burning tens of thousands of dollars on unsuccessful internet marketing campaigns. I will start this thread soon, but at first I want to gather all my papers and be sure that I am delivering all accurate information. I will NOT bad-mouth companies that I feel are doing a dis-service to the contractor community, but I will create a 1-5 point system of each internet marketing firm/lead generation company that serves the needs of the contractor.

This information will be sold for $37 as a special report that will be updated as time goes on BUT...exclusively for contractortalk.com this information will ALWAYS be completely free of any charges.

The thread label will be: Lead Generation Scams: The good, bad and ugly.

Don't bother with any of this. I see your from the West Coast where SM is Located !!! We don't need anymore BS............................

Pro Builder · 10-21-2009, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmike

Don't bother with any of this. I see your from the West Coast where SM is Located !!! We don't need anymore BS............................

Need any more what?

KG007 · 10-23-2009, 03:49 PM

Service Magic is as close to a legal rip-off as you are going to get. Personal experience from when I was part of a franchise that signed us up for it was they were crappy "leads" and I stopped using them pretty quickly. They have some new schtick now and I agreed to a "try out" after telling them NO about a dozen times. Got screwed big time, virtually impossible to get them to stop charging your credit card.

Local BBB has hundreds of complaints against them.

kevjob · 10-26-2009, 10:59 AM

here they have over 300 complaints for the last couple years and they still have a A- rating on BBB.

Pro Builder · 10-27-2009, 01:01 AM

I'm just curious if mrmike thinks I'm from SM because I'm from the west coast.

SC sawdaddy · 10-27-2009, 10:08 AM

Service magic is very persistent in their effort to hook you. They have called me at least once a month to see "how many jobs I can handle on a monthly basis."

So far they have caught me on good days that I would actually explain that I didn't need their services and wasn't about to pay them for the leads that may or may not work out with the H/O. I get enough tire kickers as it is with the advertising that I pay for now.

I did sign up for Bidclerk for a couple of months and was pleased with the way they did business.

You go to their site, look at jobs available, see what stage they are in, (concept, bidding, sub bidding, etc.) look at contract documents, plans, If your interested you have the contact info right there.

I suspended my subscription with bidclerk but they still send me notifications of jobs in my area. I would have to activate my account to get the details if I had interest.

No high pressure sales pitch, no phone calls. I'd recommend them over SM.
Just my opinion.

Magic Hammer · 10-27-2009, 10:34 AM

The trouble with BidClerk is that you can get 20 contractors to compete with.

SE Construction · 11-19-2009, 12:27 AM

I just started with Sm 2 months ago on the Tacoma WA area. I receive many leads that are low quality but I have also landed two jobs. One was a 10K patio cover and deck, the other was a 1800.00 tile job. So far they are getting 10% of my gross. Not very good but in these lean times it helps. I have NEVER had to use a lead company until 2 months ago. I spend a lot of time calling the bogus leads and that tends to piss me right off! They are not qualitying the leads but sooner or later one pops. I have been in business for 9 years and have done 500K a year the past two years. Hope this info helps your research.

DHWOOD · 11-21-2009, 09:34 PM

We have done some sub work for a company that is getting their jobs from service magic. They seem to be doing rather well- well enough that we are looking to start with service magic very soon. Based on what Ive seen, the initial costs- background check, gl insurance and the cost of leads is definitely a good investment.

NormW · 11-21-2009, 10:20 PM

To all you guys who have a gazillion posts....

At what point will the new guys, who support Service Magic, or give away killing sell secrets on their first couple posts, stop irking me...

Is it ok to keep bashing them? Have they always been here? Or is it just lately?

This is turning into a video game...

"Whack a MOLE"

chris n · 11-22-2009, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NormW

To all you guys who have a gazillion posts....

At what point will the new guys, who support Service Magic, or give away killing sell secrets on their first couple posts, stop irking me...

Is it ok to keep bashing them? Have they always been here? Or is it just lately?

This is turning into a video game...

"Whack a MOLE"

Bash away, as far as I am concerned.

DavidC · 11-22-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NormW

To all you guys who have a gazillion posts....

At what point will the new guys, who support Service Magic, or give away killing sell secrets on their first couple posts, stop irking me...

Is it ok to keep bashing them? Have they always been here? Or is it just lately?

This is turning into a video game...

"Whack a MOLE"

You get a bit jaded after awhile I think. I still have a sore spot for price cutting to sell and calling employees subs. That's enough for me to get excited about.

Good Luck
Dave

Stevelsc8721 · 11-22-2009, 09:51 AM

A good contractor of mine was called up again to sign up, Well he stated his concerns and guess what the person on the phone said they have changed?

He asked about their lies about only 3 contractors will be given the lead?

He caught them red handed in the past with a dumy lead he set up and on record 17 called the lead.

Well he said ,siqn me up again but beware of what you say because I will record what you are now saying about only three contractors will get the lead and I will do onto you the same test lead that I did in the past.

If the homeowner gets more that 3 contractors calling I will sue you and have proof that SM cannot tell the truth and start a class action suit.

Guess what they haven't called back I wonder why????????

DHWOOD · 11-22-2009, 07:53 PM

After reading the experiences most of you guys have had with sevice magic, I'm more than a little apprehensive. I saw a post somewhere on this sight about some deal where 8 percent of the job total was the charge. Anybody know anything about that?

Magic Hammer · 11-22-2009, 08:52 PM

They charge a flat fee per job, decks leads are $35- 50.

kanodulator · 11-23-2009, 04:41 AM

I use to use their service a few years back. when they bought out I forget the name, even though I was using them also, they got too big for their britches and the service really went downhill. it appeared that they were no longer verifying leads with the homeowners, so it was a waste of money. when I called them on it, they didn't make good. I got busy and had my leads turned off. when checking up on them, the webpage didn't reflect that, so I changed the setting. two weeks later i was getting billed for leads that I couldn't do anything with - I was too busy. I went round and round with these guys, they sent it to collections, and I told them the same thing - I WASNT GOING TO PAY IT. finally, I had to call corporate and had them remove me from their list of contractors. I want no part of their service. its a shame because they started out kool. I was signing 60% of the leads that I got, but then it dropped to 10% when they bought out that other company, not to mention that collection fiasco. its been 2 or 3 years since I used them. I liked that other service, the one they bought, better. with them, you could choose which leads you wanted. with servicemagic, you get what they send you and have to like it and pay for it, even if you dont like it.

kanodulator · 11-23-2009, 04:49 AM

actually, they charge a flat fee based on the size of the job in dollar amount

kanodulator · 11-23-2009, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DHWOOD

After reading the experiences most of you guys have had with sevice magic, I'm more than a little apprehensive. I saw a post somewhere on this sight about some deal where 8 percent of the job total was the charge. Anybody know anything about that?

actually, they charge a flat fee based on the size of the job in dollar amount

10-20-2009, 06:14 PM	#22
Magic Hammer View Profile Magic Hammer Remodeling Contractor Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (235) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Remodeling Contractor Trade: Remodeling Contractor Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Maryland / Northern Virginia Posts: 235	Re: Service Magic? Of course you'll buy carpet cleaning, pressure wash and painting leads but also try leads like drywall repair. Good Luck __________________ Skye Builders, inc. Decks,Sunrooms,Windows and Siding www.skyebuilders.com

10-23-2009, 03:49 PM	#25
KG007 View Profile KG007 Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (385) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Flooring & cabinetry Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 385	Re: Service Magic? Service Magic is as close to a legal rip-off as you are going to get. Personal experience from when I was part of a franchise that signed us up for it was they were crappy "leads" and I stopped using them pretty quickly. They have some new schtick now and I agreed to a "try out" after telling them NO about a dozen times. Got screwed big time, virtually impossible to get them to stop charging your credit card. Local BBB has hundreds of complaints against them.

10-26-2009, 10:59 AM	#26
kevjob View Profile kevjob Remodeling GC Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (2,033) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Remodeling GC Trade: Remodeling General Contractor Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 2,033	Re: Service Magic? here they have over 300 complaints for the last couple years and they still have a A- rating on BBB. __________________ Kevin Basement Finishing Highlands Ranch Colorado Littleton Colorado, Basement Remodeling Kitchen Remodeling Denver

10-27-2009, 01:01 AM	#27
Pro Builder View Profile Pro Builder The Contractor's Advocate Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (79) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity The Contractor's Advocate Trade: Contractor Marketing Specialist Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Luis Obispo CA Posts: 79	Re: Service Magic? I'm just curious if mrmike thinks I'm from SM because I'm from the west coast. __________________ New York Marketing San Luis Obispo Advertising I love to barter. If you offer a product or service and would like to increase your sales, contact me and let's make a deal.

10-27-2009, 10:08 AM	#28
SC sawdaddy View Profile SC sawdaddy Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,388) Photos (8) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: General Contractor Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 1,388	Re: Service Magic? Service magic is very persistent in their effort to hook you. They have called me at least once a month to see "how many jobs I can handle on a monthly basis." So far they have caught me on good days that I would actually explain that I didn't need their services and wasn't about to pay them for the leads that may or may not work out with the H/O. I get enough tire kickers as it is with the advertising that I pay for now. I did sign up for Bidclerk for a couple of months and was pleased with the way they did business. You go to their site, look at jobs available, see what stage they are in, (concept, bidding, sub bidding, etc.) look at contract documents, plans, If your interested you have the contact info right there. I suspended my subscription with bidclerk but they still send me notifications of jobs in my area. I would have to activate my account to get the details if I had interest. No high pressure sales pitch, no phone calls. I'd recommend them over SM. Just my opinion.

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10-27-2009, 10:34 AM	#29
Magic Hammer View Profile Magic Hammer Remodeling Contractor Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (235) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Remodeling Contractor Trade: Remodeling Contractor Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Maryland / Northern Virginia Posts: 235	Re: Service Magic? The trouble with BidClerk is that you can get 20 contractors to compete with. __________________ Skye Builders, inc. Decks,Sunrooms,Windows and Siding www.skyebuilders.com

11-19-2009, 12:27 AM	#30
SE Construction View Profile SE Construction Registered User Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (2) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Registered User Trade: Remodel Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2	Re: Service Magic? I just started with Sm 2 months ago on the Tacoma WA area. I receive many leads that are low quality but I have also landed two jobs. One was a 10K patio cover and deck, the other was a 1800.00 tile job. So far they are getting 10% of my gross. Not very good but in these lean times it helps. I have NEVER had to use a lead company until 2 months ago. I spend a lot of time calling the bogus leads and that tends to piss me right off! They are not qualitying the leads but sooner or later one pops. I have been in business for 9 years and have done 500K a year the past two years. Hope this info helps your research.

11-21-2009, 09:34 PM	#31
DHWOOD View Profile DHWOOD Registered User Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (4) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Registered User Trade: ceramic tile, marble and stone installatiion Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wilmington,NC Posts: 4	Re: Service Magic? We have done some sub work for a company that is getting their jobs from service magic. They seem to be doing rather well- well enough that we are looking to start with service magic very soon. Based on what Ive seen, the initial costs- background check, gl insurance and the cost of leads is definitely a good investment.

11-21-2009, 10:20 PM	#32
NormW View Profile NormW Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (306) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Builder Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Berkshire County Posts: 306	Re: Service Magic? To all you guys who have a gazillion posts.... At what point will the new guys, who support Service Magic, or give away killing sell secrets on their first couple posts, stop irking me... Is it ok to keep bashing them? Have they always been here? Or is it just lately? This is turning into a video game... "Whack a MOLE"

11-22-2009, 09:51 AM	#35
Stevelsc8721 View Profile Stevelsc8721 Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (113) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: We perform landscape design and construction Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LongIsland NY Posts: 113	Re: Service Magic? A good contractor of mine was called up again to sign up, Well he stated his concerns and guess what the person on the phone said they have changed? He asked about their lies about only 3 contractors will be given the lead? He caught them red handed in the past with a dumy lead he set up and on record 17 called the lead. Well he said ,siqn me up again but beware of what you say because I will record what you are now saying about only three contractors will get the lead and I will do onto you the same test lead that I did in the past. If the homeowner gets more that 3 contractors calling I will sue you and have proof that SM cannot tell the truth and start a class action suit. Guess what they haven't called back I wonder why????????

11-22-2009, 07:53 PM	#36
DHWOOD View Profile DHWOOD Registered User Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (4) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Registered User Trade: ceramic tile, marble and stone installatiion Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wilmington,NC Posts: 4	Re: Service Magic? After reading the experiences most of you guys have had with sevice magic, I'm more than a little apprehensive. I saw a post somewhere on this sight about some deal where 8 percent of the job total was the charge. Anybody know anything about that?

11-22-2009, 08:52 PM	#37
Magic Hammer View Profile Magic Hammer Remodeling Contractor Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (235) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Remodeling Contractor Trade: Remodeling Contractor Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Maryland / Northern Virginia Posts: 235	Re: Service Magic? They charge a flat fee per job, decks leads are $35- 50. __________________ Skye Builders, inc. Decks,Sunrooms,Windows and Siding www.skyebuilders.com

11-23-2009, 04:41 AM	#38
kanodulator View Profile kanodulator Registered User Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (3) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Registered User Trade: room additions and remodels, new construction Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: pomona, ca Posts: 3	Re: Service Magic? I use to use their service a few years back. when they bought out I forget the name, even though I was using them also, they got too big for their britches and the service really went downhill. it appeared that they were no longer verifying leads with the homeowners, so it was a waste of money. when I called them on it, they didn't make good. I got busy and had my leads turned off. when checking up on them, the webpage didn't reflect that, so I changed the setting. two weeks later i was getting billed for leads that I couldn't do anything with - I was too busy. I went round and round with these guys, they sent it to collections, and I told them the same thing - I WASNT GOING TO PAY IT. finally, I had to call corporate and had them remove me from their list of contractors. I want no part of their service. its a shame because they started out kool. I was signing 60% of the leads that I got, but then it dropped to 10% when they bought out that other company, not to mention that collection fiasco. its been 2 or 3 years since I used them. I liked that other service, the one they bought, better. with them, you could choose which leads you wanted. with servicemagic, you get what they send you and have to like it and pay for it, even if you dont like it.

11-23-2009, 04:49 AM	#39
kanodulator View Profile kanodulator Registered User Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (3) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Registered User Trade: room additions and remodels, new construction Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: pomona, ca Posts: 3	Re: Service Magic? actually, they charge a flat fee based on the size of the job in dollar amount

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