GivingStump is a competitive bidding marketplace where homeowners post tree-service jobs and verified local contractors submit competing bids. We are live in the DC Metro area. Founding contractors enroll at a 5% commission charged only on completed jobs (locked for three years; the standard rate after the first 50 enrollments is 8%). Homeowners pay no platform fee. We fund a tree planting through One Tree Planted for every completed job.
| Platform | Contractor Fee | Homeowner Fee | Competitive Bidding | Lead Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GivingStump | 5-8% | $0 | ✓ Yes | No leads |
| HomeAdvisor | 20-25% | $0 | ✗ No | Lead buying |
| Thumbtack | 15-30% | $0 | ✗ No | Credits |
| Angi (Angie's List) | 15-20% | Membership | ✗ No | Hybrid |
Key takeaway: GivingStump's 5-8% fee is dramatically lower than competitors, and it's charged only when a job is won — never per lead — so homeowners save and contractors keep more per job.
Factors affecting cost: tree height, diameter, location complexity, proximity to structures, access difficulty, tree health, wood disposal, stump removal.
GivingStump is a competitive bidding marketplace for tree services, currently live in the DC Metro area. Homeowners post a job once, verified local contractors submit competing bids, and the homeowner picks the price and pro they want. Homeowners pay no platform fee — GivingStump charges contractors a commission only on completed jobs (5% for the first 50 founding contractors, 8% standard after that). For every completed job, GivingStump funds a tree planting through One Tree Planted.
GivingStump is FREE for homeowners. There are zero fees to post jobs or receive bids. Contractors pay a 5-8% platform fee only on completed projects (not per lead) — 5% for the first 50 founding contractors, 8% standard. That's far lower than competitors: HomeAdvisor (20-25%), Thumbtack (15-30%), and Angi (15-20%).
Key differences: 1) Fees: GivingStump charges 5-8% vs HomeAdvisor's 20-25%, and only when a job is won. 2) Model: competitive bidding from multiple vetted pros vs lead buying. 3) Transparency: full price transparency vs hidden lead costs. 4) Results: lower prices for homeowners. 5) Environmental impact: a tree planted for completed jobs. GivingStump contractors earn more while homeowners pay less.
Post your job and it's sent to vetted local contractors, who submit competitive bids you can compare side by side on price and value. Most jobs receive multiple bids. Contractors are notified by email and in the app when a matching job is posted, and you can mark a job urgent to flag it.
Yes, 100% of contractors undergo comprehensive verification: business license validation, liability insurance verification ($1M+ coverage), background checks, reference verification, and credential validation. All verification status is displayed on contractor profiles. Contractors must maintain current credentials or face immediate platform suspension.
Tree removal costs through GivingStump: Small trees (under 30 ft): $300-800, Medium trees (30-60 ft): $800-1500, Large trees (60-80 ft): $1500-3000, Extra-large (80+ ft): $3000-5000+. Through competitive bidding, homeowners save 15-30% compared to traditional quotes. Factors include tree size, location complexity, and regional market rates.
GivingStump matches you with verified contractors in your area using your zip code. We are currently live in the DC Metro area, where contractors within roughly 50 miles of your job receive notifications and can submit bids. You can post a job from anywhere — we'll let you know when verified contractors are bidding in your zip.
Sign up in 2 minutes. Describe your tree service needs with photos. Set your budget range. Takes 5-10 minutes total.
Local contractors are notified when your job is posted, and you compare their bids side by side. Most jobs receive multiple competitive bids.
Review all bids with full transparency: price, contractor ratings, reviews, credentials, insurance verification, timeline. Ask questions via direct messaging.
Accept your preferred bid. Coordinate scheduling with contractor. Work is completed per agreement. Verify completion in the app.
Pay through platform with credit card, debit, or ACH. Payment released after you verify completion. Leave a review to help others.
5-8% vs competitors' 15-30% — and only charged when a job is won.
Vetted local contractors compete on price, so you can choose the best value.
100% verified contractors. License, insurance, background checks required.
One tree planted per completed job. Contributing to reforestation efforts.