Frequently asked questions

The stuff people actually ask us, answered straight.

For homeowners

How do you vet these women?: Every application gets read by a real person — not a bot, not an algorithm skimming for keywords. We look at the license or certification info she gives us, how she describes her work, and whether the whole thing holds together. Nothing goes live until it's been reviewed and approved. We're not running background checks like it's a security clearance, but we're not rubber-stamping applications either.
What does it cost me?: Nothing. Browsing the directory and sending an inquiry is free, always. Whatever you pay is between you and the tradeswoman you hire — Birdie isn't a party to that and doesn't take a cut.
What if I'm not happy with the work?: That's between you and her, the same as if you'd found her any other way. We're a directory, not a contractor and not a mediator — we didn't do the work and can't guarantee it. Vet her the way you'd vet anyone: ask questions, check her license, get things in writing before work starts.
How fast will I hear back?: Depends on her schedule, but most of the pros on Birdie are running active businesses, not sitting on their phones — expect a response within a business day or two for most inquiries.

Why is this free — what's the catch?: No catch. We started Birdie because a lot of great tradeswomen are invisible right now — especially the ones a few years in who don't have a following or a marketing budget, just skill and a full calendar they built themselves. We want more people to know you exist, and we want you to know there's a whole family already here. That's the whole business model.
What does it take to get approved?: Fill out the application — business info, your trade, service area, a photo, and a bio in your own words. We read every submission and look for the basics: it's really you, the info holds together, and your license or certification info checks out as self-reported. We'll follow up if we need more.
Do you take a cut or sell my leads?: No and no. We don't take a percentage of your jobs, and we don't sell your contact info to lead-generation companies. When a homeowner reaches out, it comes straight to you.
Can I update or remove my profile later?: Yes, any time, from your dashboard — bio, photos, years in business, service area. No emailing us to change a typo. If you want off the directory entirely, there's a remove button for that too.