When a platform shares a lead, the same homeowner request goes to several roofers at once. An exclusive lead goes to one roofer only. The two are priced differently on every platform, so compare them per booked job. That comparison depends on two things you can measure: how often you close, and how fast you reach the homeowner.
How the two models differ
| Exclusive lead | Shared lead | |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers per lead | One | More than one. The number varies by platform. |
| Your competition | Whatever bids the homeowner solicits on their own | The other buyers of the same lead, plus those bids |
| Price per lead | Set by the seller. Ours is published. | Set by the platform. Ask for it in writing. |
| Speed pressure | Lower, but a fast call still helps | High. Others are dialing the same number. |
| Homeowner experience | One call | Several calls |
The break-even test
Suppose a shared lead costs $150 and closes at 10%. That is $1,500 per booked job. For an exclusive lead at $175 to match that, it needs to close at about 11.7%, since $175 divided by $1,500 is that share. Any close rate above it and the exclusive lead is cheaper per job. Any below, and it is not.
The shared price and the 10% are made-up inputs for illustration. Replace them with your own. Pull the last 90 days of leads by source, count signed jobs, and divide.
What we know and what we don't
We do not know of a reliable published close rate for either model. Figures that circulate online tend to trace back to lead vendors' own blogs. So we don't claim that exclusive leads close at some particular rate. We claim only what the design ensures: nobody else holds the same request in their queue while you do.
How exclusivity works here
- Each lead goes to one contractor's portal queue with a 30-minute exclusive claim window.
- You see job type and general area before you accept. Name and phone unlock after you accept and pay.
- The homeowner has consented to be contacted, and we screen phone format, block disposable emails and remove repeat submissions within 24 hours.
- Price: $99 flat in the founder pilot, then $150, $175 or $225 by market. See lead pricing.
The catch
An exclusive lead is only as good as the homeowner behind it, and a homeowner can still take three other bids on their own. Exclusivity removes rival buyers of the same lead. It does not remove competition. Volume is also low for us right now, so you may see few leads. Try the first 3 free and count what they are worth to you. The cost guide has the full cost-per-job table.
Frequently asked questions
What is an exclusive roofing lead?
A homeowner request sold to one contractor only. On PickARoofer it is held in one portal queue for a 30-minute claim window, and no other roofer sees the contact details.
Are exclusive leads always cheaper per job?
No. Exclusive leads usually cost more per lead. They win only if the higher price is offset by a higher close rate, and we can't promise yours. The table on this page lets you test that with your own numbers.
How many contractors get a shared lead?
It varies by platform and by lead. Ask the platform how many buyers each lead is sold to, and whether that number is in your contract.
Does exclusivity change how bad leads are treated?
No. The same credit rules apply: request within 7 days if the lead was unreachable after 3 documented attempts over 48 hours, fake, duplicate or out of area. Losing the job to another bidder does not qualify.
How can I test exclusive leads cheaply?
Use the 3 free leads that come with a new account. Log how many you reach and how many sign, then rerun the break-even math with your own figures.
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