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How to Write a Service Request on a Local Services Marketplace (Client's Guide)

Tap through each step to see how to write a request that gets good quotes.

  1. Choose the service category you need

    Searching or browsing for the service you need (tutoring, moving, interior work, lessons, etc.) brings up a request form tailored to that category.

  2. Answer the condition questions specifically

    Location, preferred schedule, budget range, and desired outcome should all be as specific as possible so the request reaches genuinely relevant pros.

  3. Add extra details and reference photos

    Use the free-text field for anything the standard questions don't cover, and attach photos of the site or examples of what you want to improve quote accuracy.

  4. Set a realistic budget range

    Setting your budget too low can mean you simply don't get quotes at all -- searching typical prices beforehand helps you set a realistic range.

  5. Compare the quotes you receive before choosing

    Once your request is posted, several pros will typically send quotes -- weigh profile, reviews, and communication style alongside price before making a final choice.

Specific Requests Get Better Quotes

Answering "anything is fine" to condition questions tends to widen the range of quotes you get, making comparison harder. The more specifically you describe your desired outcome, schedule, and budget, the more relevant the quotes that come back.

Put the agreed terms in writing before work starts

Once you've chosen a pro based on quotes, it's worth putting the scope of work and terms in a written agreement. See our contract review checklist for the key items worth double-checking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay as soon as I post a request?

No, posting a request itself has nothing to do with payment. You review the quotes you receive and decide whether to move forward only after choosing a pro.

Can I edit a request after posting it?

Many platforms let you adjust details afterward, but since quotes you already received were based on the original terms, a major change is often cleaner to post as a new request.