Question 1

What is GivingStump?

Accepted Answer

GivingStump is a competitive bidding marketplace that connects homeowners with verified local tree service contractors. We offer transparent pricing through real-time bidding, with platform fees of only 5-8% compared to competitors' 20-30% fees — so homeowners can save versus a single quote. We're now live across the Washington DC metro area (Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland) and growing our founding network of verified contractors.

Question 2

How does GivingStump work?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners post their tree service needs with photos and details. Multiple verified contractors within the service area receive notifications and submit competitive bids in real-time. Homeowners see all bids with contractor ratings, reviews, credentials, and insurance verification. They select the best contractor based on price, experience, and reputation. Payment is processed securely through the platform upon job completion. The entire process typically takes 24-48 hours from posting to contractor selection.

Question 3

How much does tree removal cost?

Accepted Answer

Tree removal costs vary by tree size, location, and complexity. Small trees (under 30 ft): $300-$800. Medium trees (30-60 ft): $800-$1500. Large trees (60-80 ft): $1500-$3000. Extra-large trees (80+ ft): $3000-$5000+. Through GivingStump's competitive bidding, homeowners typically save 15-30% compared to traditional quotes. Additional factors affecting cost: tree health, proximity to structures, access difficulty, stump removal, debris hauling, and local market rates.

Question 4

What are GivingStump's fees?

Accepted Answer

GivingStump charges contractors 5-8% platform fees on completed projects - the lowest in the industry. Homeowners pay ZERO fees to post jobs or receive bids. This is significantly lower than competitors: HomeAdvisor (20-25%), Thumbtack (15-30%), Angi (15-20%). Our low-fee structure means contractors can offer better prices while earning more per job, and homeowners get the best rates through competitive bidding.

Question 5

How much can I save using GivingStump?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners can save 15-30% on tree services through GivingStump's competitive bidding process versus accepting a single quote. For a typical $2000 tree removal job, that's roughly $300-$600. The savings come from: competitive contractor bidding driving prices down, lower platform fees allowing contractors to offer better rates, transparent pricing eliminating hidden markups, and direct contractor comparison without lead-buying costs.

Question 6

How do I find tree removal services near me?

Accepted Answer

GivingStump automatically matches you with verified tree service contractors in your local area. Simply post your job with your address or zip code, and local contractors receive instant notifications and can bid right away. Our geolocation system ensures only qualified contractors with proper licensing and insurance in your jurisdiction can bid. We're currently live across the Washington DC metro area — Washington DC, Northern Virginia (including the I-95 corridor to Fredericksburg), and suburban Maryland — and expanding from there.

Question 7

Are there tree service contractors in my area on GivingStump?

Accepted Answer

GivingStump is currently live across the Washington DC metro area — Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland — and growing our founding network of verified contractors. To check availability in your specific location, enter your zip code when posting a job; matching local contractors are notified instantly. Every contractor is verified as a real local business, carries a certificate of insurance with at least $1M in general liability, and is manually reviewed before their bids are visible.

Question 8

How quickly can someone remove a tree near me?

Accepted Answer

Through GivingStump, many non-emergency tree removals can be scheduled within about a week, depending on contractor availability. For hazardous trees or storm damage, contractors are notified instantly and you can flag the job as urgent. Timeline factors: contractor availability in your area, job complexity, weather conditions, and permit requirements. Contractors specify their availability when bidding, allowing you to choose based on your timeline needs.

Question 9

What makes GivingStump different from HomeAdvisor?

Accepted Answer

GivingStump vs HomeAdvisor: 1) Fees: 5-8% vs 20-25% (60% lower). 2) Bidding: Real-time competitive bidding vs lead buying. 3) Transparency: Full price transparency vs hidden lead costs. 4) Contractor earnings: Higher contractor profits mean better service quality. 5) No lead spam: Contractors see real jobs only, not shared leads. Result: Homeowners save 15-30%, contractors earn more, better quality matches.

Question 10

Is GivingStump better than Thumbtack?

Accepted Answer

GivingStump offers significant advantages over Thumbtack: Lower fees (5-8% vs 15-30%), real-time bidding instead of credit-based leads, full contractor verification (Thumbtack's is limited), transparent pricing with no hidden costs, specialized focus on tree services ensuring expert contractors,. GivingStump contractors don't pay for leads they don't win, resulting in better economics and service quality.

Question 11

Are GivingStump contractors licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every GivingStump contractor provides a current certificate of insurance (we parse it and require at least $1M in general liability) and is verified as a real, operational business through Google before being approved. Each contractor is manually reviewed, and expired insurance automatically blocks new awards. Verification status is shown on each contractor profile.

Question 12

Can I see contractor reviews before hiring?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every GivingStump contractor profile includes: verified customer reviews with detailed ratings, star ratings (1-5 scale), total completed jobs count, response time metrics, completion rate percentage, customer satisfaction scores, before/after photos of work, insurance verification badges, license status, and years in business. All reviews are from verified GivingStump customers who completed jobs. You can filter contractors by rating, review count, and specialty.

Question 13

What tree services are available on GivingStump?

Accepted Answer

GivingStump facilitates all tree services: Tree Removal (all sizes, hazardous trees), Tree Trimming/Pruning (aesthetic and health), Stump Grinding/Removal (complete extraction), Emergency Tree Services (24/7 storm damage, fallen trees), Tree Health Assessment (certified arborists), Land Clearing (multiple trees), Tree Planting, Crown Reduction, Cabling/Bracing (support systems), and Debris Removal. All services performed by licensed, insured contractors with specialized equipment.

Question 14

Do you have emergency tree removal services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GivingStump supports urgent tree removal across the Washington DC metro area. Mark your job as urgent and local contractors receive immediate notifications for situations involving: storm-damaged trees, trees fallen on structures, hazardous leaning trees, trees blocking roads/driveways, and utility line interference. Emergency services typically cost 1.5-2x standard rates due to immediate availability requirements.

Question 15

How long does it take to get bids on GivingStump?

Accepted Answer

When you post a job, matching local contractors are notified instantly and can submit a competitive bid right away. How fast bids arrive depends on contractor availability in your area, job complexity, season, and time of day. Our real-time notification system alerts contractors via the mobile app and email, and you'll see bids appear live as contractors respond — you choose when you've seen enough to pick.

Question 16

How do I pay contractors through GivingStump?

Accepted Answer

GivingStump uses secure payment processing through Stripe Connect. Process: 1) Accept a bid, 2) Contractor completes work, 3) You verify completion, 4) Payment processes automatically. Payment methods: credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover), debit cards, ACH bank transfers, and digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). All transactions are encrypted, PCI-compliant, and backed by fraud protection. Funds are held securely until job completion is verified.

Question 17

What if I'm not satisfied with the work?

Accepted Answer

GivingStump offers comprehensive dispute resolution: 1) Contact contractor directly through platform messaging, 2) If unresolved, file a formal dispute with evidence/photos, 3) GivingStump mediates between parties, 4) Payment can be held until resolution, 5) Partial refunds available for incomplete work. Most issues resolve through mediation. For serious violations (unlicensed work, safety issues), contractors face immediate removal and we assist with remediation.