California web pilot: registration and matching are available, but providers cannot purchase leads or unlock contact details until checkout is connected.
Exclusive lead routing
Handshake keeps the flow simple for homeowners and fair for providers.
Homeowners describe the project, review one provider at a time, and only move forward when the fit feels right. Providers see anonymized lead summaries first, then pay the fixed lead fee only when they accept the opportunity.
- Categories
- 122
- Approved pros
- 1
- Open requests
- 4
- Contact releases
- 2
Homeowner flow
One project, one visible provider at a time.
- 1. Start a request with the service category, ZIP code, job description, urgency, and contact preference.
- 2. Review the first eligible provider profile Handshake finds for that category and ZIP combination.
- 3. Skip forward if the fit is wrong, or accept the provider so they can review the anonymized lead summary.
- 4. Ask for the next provider later if the relationship does not work out.
- 5. Leave a review after the work is complete.
Provider flow
Approval, acceptance, then contact release.
- 1. Build the business profile, select service categories, and upload ZIP coverage plus vetting documents.
- 2. Wait for Handshake approval before entering live rotation.
- 3. Review anonymized lead details when a homeowner accepts the profile.
- 4. Accept and pay the fixed $20 lead fee to unlock homeowner contact details.
- 5. Request a manual refund if the lead is bad or unresponsive.
Matching safeguards
What the routing engine checks before a provider is shown.
Provider approval
Only approved, active providers who are accepting new leads remain in the eligible pool.
Category and ZIP fit
Providers must explicitly cover the selected service type and the homeowner's ZIP code.
Rotation fairness
Declined leads rotate downward, while approved refunds can boost the provider back toward the top of the queue.
Manual refund review
Handshake reviews disputes and refund decisions so bad-lead handling stays deliberate.
Reference documents
Method of operation
Effective date: June 22, 2026
Handshake connects homeowners with home-service providers through a one-provider-at-a-time matching process.
1. A homeowner crea...
Read the full document
Homeowner registration
Effective date: June 22, 2026
Homeowners can use Handshake to request help from home-service providers through a guided matching process.
Information needed t...
Read the full document
Refund policy
Effective date: June 22, 2026
Handshake uses a lead acceptance fee when a provider chooses to unlock homeowner contact details. This policy explains when a pro...
Read the full document
Above ground pools
Acoustic ceiling removal
Appliance installation
Architecture / Plans
Artificial turf
Asbestos removal
Auto repair
Baby sitter
Backyard remodeling
