How HomeStars for Arborists Puts you At Risk

We had a real eye-opener recently that made us appreciate why picking the right tree service is so crucial. A homeowner reached out to us through our website for a quote. Our awesome Officer Manager Kimeka gave her a call to schedule the appointment, and instead of the usual warm reception, the homeowner was suddenly very skeptical and concerned.

“Why are you calling?” she demanded. “How did you get my number?”

It turned out, she thought we were from HomeStars. We explained it was from her request on our website.

“I’m sick of all these calls. I don’t want anyone else on my property,” she snapped. We assured her this was the first contact we had, and only because she contacted us! It was very stressful being yelled at without understanding why. Eventually we came to understand what had gone so wrong for her.

HomeStars.

Usually, when we get a request for a free quote, we reach out by phone or email and book an appointment. So, why was this person so upset with us? Turns out she had also put in a request on HomeStars for the same work, hoping to get several quotes and the best price. But she got way more than she bargained for.

Table Of Contents:

The HomeStars Quote Experience

Instead of having a few professionals reach out to arrange a free quote, our client received a ton of unscheduled visits. Most of them didn’t bother trying to knock, call or reach her – they just showed up, sent a quote and left.

Nine to ten different people showed up randomly at her property, some knocking on her door and others just wandering into her backyard. Her kids were home, but she was at work, and they kept calling her to report strangers repeatedly showing up.

Who are these people trespassing?

The situation escalated to the point where she had to call the police and rushed home. Recently in Toronto with the car theft crisis and increasing home break-ins (some in daylight), you can never be too sure. she was deeply distressed.

After the police inquiry and quotes started appearing in her mailbox, she pieced it together—these random contractors were from HomeStars. Had she asked for some quotes? Yes. But she expected to be contacted. She expected it to be 3-5 at most. She didn’t expect they would show up unannounced and let themselves into her property without permission.

When we called her to book an appointment for a free quote, she was understandably anxious. “Who are you and where did you come from?” she demanded.

What is HomeStars?

Companies like HomeStars and Angi.com are typically referred to as “home service marketplaces” or “online service marketplaces.” These platforms connect homeowners with service professionals for various home improvement and repair needs. Here are a few key features and common terms associated with such companies:

1. Home Service Marketplaces: These platforms allow users to search for, compare, and hire service providers for home-related tasks, such as plumbing, electrical work, landscaping, and more.
2. Online Service Marketplaces: A broader term that includes any online platform connecting service providers with customers, not limited to home services.
3. Service Aggregators: These websites aggregate information about various service providers, including reviews, ratings, and sometimes pricing, to help consumers make informed decisions.
4. Review and Rating Platforms: Part of their function is to provide user reviews and ratings for service providers, helping to ensure quality and reliability.
5. On-Demand Service Platforms: They often provide the ability to quickly book services on-demand, catering to immediate needs.

Examples of similar companies include Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, and Porch. These platforms typically offer features like detailed service provider profiles, user reviews, booking and payment systems, and sometimes even background checks on service providers.

Does HomeStars do Toronto Tree Care?

No, HomeStars does not provide tree services themselves. They operate as a middleman or lead generation platform, connecting homeowners with service providers such as contractors, arborists, and other home service professionals.

HomeStars lists various businesses and allows them to promote their services on the platform, often for a fee.

They do not perform any of the actual services; instead, they facilitate the connection between homeowners and service providers. This model means that HomeStars does not take responsibility for the quality, credentials, or reliability of the service providers listed on their site.

Why we don’t use HomeStars – and Never Will

We explained that we don’t use HomeStars. We have a profile there only to prevent others from misusing our name, but we’ve never paid them for leads and never will. Why? Because we don’t want to be lumped in with shady operators and fly-by-night companies.

We pride ourselves on our premium services, impeccable record, and top-notch insurance. We don’t want our reputation to legitimize bad companies and scams.

There are “tree companies” in Toronto listed on HomeStars with zero training, zero insurance, and zero customer service. These are just a few guys with a chainsaw and a pickup truck, doing substandard work and risking huge fines for illegal work. In our industry, this is called “riding dirty,” and we’re not about that life.

What’s the big deal if you can save a few bucks?

So, what’s the problem with joining HomeStars? Imagine going to a party where you don’t want to be seen with certain people. That’s how we feel about being associated with companies that lack insurance, training, and care. They might use chainsaws, but that’s where the similarity ends.

Middlemen that don’t have you covered

HomeStars has tried to recruit us many times, offering “low-cost” plans for lead generation. When we asked about their standards and how they protect homeowners from unscrupulous contractors, they said it wasn’t their business—they’re just a middleman.

But they imply they know better than you, do a better job than Google, and will keep you safe. The reality is they take no responsibility for the work done through their platform. They sell leads to anyone willing to pay, regardless of skill or ability, leaving you to figure it out.

You’re Left Holding the Bag with Scammers

If a tree company you hire from HomeStars causes damage or injury but lacks insurance, guess who’s on the hook? You are. Not HomeStars, not the so-called company.

These scammers exist in all industries, but with HomeStars, it seems like everyone is good to go. They create a quick profile, add some photos and fake credentials, and suddenly they’re in business.

This is bad for homeowners, bad for real local businesses, bad for the community..but great for HomeStars who gets a cut of every lead, and scammers.

Find Reputable Tree Companies with Google

Using HomeStars to find a contractor is a gamble that can put your home and finances at risk. The platform’s lack of verification for licensing, education, credentials, insurance, or experience means you could easily hire unqualified and uninsured contractors.

This increases the likelihood of poor workmanship, safety hazards, and legal liabilities. If an accident occurs or your property is damaged, you might find yourself financially responsible with no recourse.

The false sense of security HomeStars provides can lead you to neglect crucial steps in vetting contractors, ultimately leaving you vulnerable to substandard service and higher costs.

How to Find and Contact Local Businesses Directly

1. Use Google and Google Reviews: Google offers a more reliable way to find local businesses. Search for tree care services in your area and pay close attention to Google Reviews. These reviews come from verified users and provide a more authentic representation of the contractor’s reliability and quality.
2. Verify Credentials: Once you’ve identified potential contractors, visit their websites or contact them directly to verify their credentials. Ensure they have the necessary licenses, insurance, and certifications.
3. Check References: Ask the contractors for references from previous clients and follow up on these to understand their experience and satisfaction levels.
4. Get Detailed Quotes: Request detailed written estimates from multiple contractors. This helps you compare services, costs, and timelines to make an informed decision.

By using these methods, you can avoid the pitfalls of unverified platforms like HomeStars and find trustworthy, qualified local businesses that meet your needs.

Conclusion: Skip HomeStars

At Vista Tree Management, we do things differently. We ensure every contractor is qualified, insured, and experienced, providing you with the best service and peace of mind. So, skip the uncertainty of HomeStars and go directly to a trusted, reliable local business like ours. You’ll be glad you did.

Michael Co-Founder

Michael is a Certified Arborist and founder of the company. He holds a Certificate in Urban Arboriculture (Honours) from Humber College, Certificate in Project Leadership from Cornell, has post-graduate studies in Urban Forestry and Arboriculture from Oregon State College of Foresty and holds a BAH in Ancient History with a minor in Business. In addition to being an ISA Certified Arborist, he is a TCIA Certified Tree Safety Professional, Tree Appraisal Qualified by Arboriculture Canada and holds a Landscape Exterminator license. Michael sat on the Board of Director for the Ontario Commercial Arborist Association in 2022 and 2023. He worked at some of the top arboriculture companies in Southern Ontario before starting Vista Tree Management. Before that, he was an award-winning Executive Director in the nonprofit sector and published marketing consultant. On the rare days off, Michael can be found at home with his family - a loving wife, two daughters and two cats in Central Toronto.

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