Frequently Asked Questions
How matching works, why there's no public directory to browse, what pros need to join, and how we keep the network honest — for homeowners and pros alike.
For Homeowners
Requesting a pro
How does matching work?
Fill out the request form with what you need and where you are, and we match you instantly — right here on this site. If a pro in our network offers that service inside your ZIP code, you see who they are as soon as you submit. No list to scroll, no marketplace, and your request is never broadcast to a crowd of companies.
Why can't I browse a public directory of pros?
For privacy — yours and the pros'. Matches are shown only to the person who submitted the request, so your project details and contact information never sit on a public page for anyone to scrape or spam. Some companies separately choose a public listing on our Local Partners page, but the matching network itself is private by design.
What happens if no pro covers my area yet?
You'll see a message that we're currently looking for pros in your area for that service — and your request is still saved. We hold onto it, and the moment a pro joins covering your ZIP code, we contact you. Uncovered areas are exactly where we recruit next, so your request genuinely helps.
Does it cost anything to request a pro?
No — requesting a pro is completely free for homeowners and property owners. The pros in our network pay for referrals, and that's what keeps the service free on your side.
For Pros
Joining & staying in the network
What does a company need to join as a pro?
You must be insured — a certificate of insurance is required to apply, and the application won't submit without the upload — and you must hold a license wherever your trade requires one. We verify your insurance and license documents before your company receives its first lead.
Are the companies vetted?
Yes. Before a company is activated, we verify its insurance certificate and, where its trade requires one, its license. We re-check a company's status when its documents expire and whenever a complaint comes in, so the network stays current — a company that lets its documents lapse doesn't keep receiving leads.
What happens if a customer complains about a pro?
Every complaint is reviewed by the Gold Star Referrals team. A company with an upheld complaint — or repeated or serious complaints — may be removed from the pro network at Gold Star Referrals' discretion. If you had a problem with a pro we matched you with, tell us through our private feedback form: feedback is never published, and it's one of the ways we decide who stays in the network.
What counts as a valid lead?
A valid lead is simple: (1) the person fills out our form and requests your service, and (2) we place that person in contact with you. No charge will be applied to a lead that has an invalid phone number and an invalid email address — both have to be bad for a lead to be free.
How much do leads cost?
You start with a $200 deposit as your draw balance. Shared leads start at $15 each (you're recommended with up to two other contractors); Exclusive leads start at $25 each (you're the only company recommended inside your radius). Prices rise $5 per lead for each 10-mile radius step above 10 miles. We warn you at a $50 balance to top up, leads pause at zero, and there are no contracts and no monthly fees for the core service.
How do the Google reviews work?
Three days after we match you with a homeowner, we email them a private feedback form — that feedback comes to Gold Star Referrals, and it's part of how we keep the network honest (see the complaints answer above). Every customer is also offered a direct link to review your company on Google: one tap, no hunting for your listing. We do the asking for you on every job — and because the private feedback reaches us first, a problem surfaces while it can still be made right, instead of showing up unannounced in a public review.