Skip to main content
Back to Case Studies

GivingStump

Contractor-First Marketplace for Tree Services

Enrollment PhaseMarketplace Platformgivingstump.com

The Challenge

Traditional marketplace platforms for home services have created an unsustainable ecosystem for contractors:

  • Excessive Platform Fees: 20-30% commissions force contractors to raise prices or lose profit
  • Global Competition: Local contractors compete with providers from across the country
  • Cost Impact: Contractors lose $300-500 per $2,000 job to platform fees
  • Emergency Response: Homeowners struggle to find reliable contractors during storm emergencies

The tree services industry needed a contractor-first platform that prioritizes fair pricing, local networks, and emergency readiness.

The Solution

GivingStump disrupts the marketplace model with a contractor-first approach built on three core principles:

5-10%

Platform Fee

vs 20-30% industry

50

Early Adopter Spots

Locked 5% for 3 years

4.8+

Customer Rating

Verified quality

Fair Pricing Model

Early adopter contractors lock in a 5% platform fee for 3 years. Over 100 jobs, this saves $30,000-$50,000 compared to traditional platforms charging 20-30%.

Local-Focused Network

DC metro area focus reduces competition and builds community trust. Contractors aren't competing against providers from other states.

Storm-Ready Alert System

Push notifications and PWA offline capabilities ensure contractors can respond to emergency tree work even during power outages and network disruptions.

Key Features

Storm-ready alert system for emergency tree work
Verified contractor network (licensed & insured)
Fair pricing model (5-10% vs competitors' 20-30%)
Secure payment processing
Real-time bid management system
Customer rating system (4.8+ average)
Local-focused network reducing competition
PWA with offline capabilities and push notifications

Technical Implementation

Progressive Web App (PWA)

Built as a full-featured Progressive Web App to ensure reliability during emergencies:

Service Workers

Offline-first architecture ensures the platform remains functional even during network outages - critical for storm emergencies when tree services are most needed.

Push Notifications

Real-time storm alerts and job notifications reach contractors instantly, even when the app isn't open. Critical for emergency response coordination.

Install to Home Screen

Native app experience without app store friction. One-tap access for contractors responding to emergencies.

Marketplace Architecture

Real-Time Bidding System

Contractors submit bids that update in real-time. Homeowners see competitive pricing transparently while contractors maintain their margins with fair platform fees.

Secure Payment Processing

Integrated payment system holds funds securely until job completion, protecting both homeowners and contractors with escrow-style settlement.

Contractor Verification

Automated license and insurance verification ensures all contractors meet professional standards. 4.8+ average rating system maintains quality.

Tech Stack

Next.js
React
TypeScript
PWA (Progressive Web App)
Service Workers
Push Notifications
Offline Capabilities

Project Stats

Category

Marketplace Platform

Status

Enrollment Phase

Launch Date

March 2025 (Homeowners)

Early Adopter Spots

50 Contractors

Service Area

DC Metro Area

Business Impact

$30k-$50k Savings

Per contractor over 100 jobs vs traditional platforms

Fair Pricing Disruption

5-10% fees vs industry standard 20-30%

Local Network Effect

Reduced competition, community trust building

Emergency Ready

PWA offline mode for storm response

Current Status & Roadmap

Phase 1: Contractor Enrollment (Current)

50 early adopter spots for contractors
Locked 5% platform fee for 3 years
Contractor verification and onboarding
PWA infrastructure development complete

Phase 2: Homeowner Launch (March 2025)

Full homeowner platform launch
Real-time bidding system activation
Storm alert system live testing
DC metro area marketing campaign

Key Achievements

4.8+

Customer Rating Average

50

Early Adopter Contractor Spots

DC Metro

Service Area Focus

Technical & Business Highlights

Two-sided marketplace with complex business logic
Progressive Web App for offline emergency use
Real-time bidding and payment systems
Fair pricing disrupts industry (5-10% vs 20-30%)
Local network strategy reduces competition
Storm-ready push notification system
Contractor verification and rating system
Secure escrow-style payment processing

Need a Marketplace Platform?

From two-sided marketplaces to PWA development - let's discuss building your platform with fair business models and technical excellence.