Getting more work
Exclusive vs shared leads: which actually pays
Exclusive leads cost two to four times more. Whether that is worth it comes down to one number you can measure this month.
4 min read · Updated August 8, 2026
What you are actually buying
A shared lead goes to three or four contractors at once and it becomes a race. An exclusive lead is sold to you alone. The homeowner is identical — the only variable is how many other people are dialling their number at the same moment.
The comparison that matters
Compare cost per booked job, never cost per lead. Shared leads at $20 converting at 10% cost $200 per job. Exclusive at $60 converting at 40% cost $150. The expensive lead is the cheaper job, and the headline price told you the opposite.
When shared genuinely wins
If you answer within two minutes every time and quote on the spot, you will win a large share of the race and shared leads become very cheap work. That takes real discipline — usually a dedicated phone and someone whose job it is to answer it.
When exclusive is the only sensible option
If you are on a roof, under a sink, or driving with your phone in your pocket, you will lose most races. Buy exclusive and call back within the hour rather than buying shared and losing four out of five.
Licensing requirements change and vary by county. Always confirm current rules with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the Department of Business and Professional Regulation before relying on anything here.