Vendor evaluation

The home-services lead vendor checklist.

Bring these questions to a source-onboarding call. Ask for a record, a document or a test result behind each answer.

The practical answer

Evaluate the source, the actual lead product and the operating terms separately. A strong pitch is not a substitute for seeing the capture page, agreeing on billable criteria and testing delivery.

Source and ownership

Ask for a representative record linked to its source context. A brand name alone does not tell the buyer where the inquiry was captured or which offer generated it.

  • Who runs the ads and controls the page where the homeowner submits?
  • Which channels are in scope for this campaign?
  • Does the supply include third-party publishers or resold records?
  • Can we inspect a representative capture page and the offer shown there?
  • How will a source or campaign change be communicated?

Lead definition and exclusivity

Write the definition in terms your receiving system and review team can use. “Good lead” is an opinion; “replacement-window inquiry in an approved ZIP with required contact fields” is something a team can check.

  • Is this a web inquiry, live call, transfer or booked appointment?
  • Which project categories, property types and ZIP codes qualify?
  • Which fields are required, and what does an unknown value mean?
  • Is the record sold once, shared at capture or eligible for later resale?
  • Are territory rights separate from per-lead exclusivity?

Capture and consent records

Have the responsible privacy and legal teams determine the requirements for the actual contact workflow. A certificate is evidence of a capture event, not a blanket guarantee that every later use of the data is appropriate.

  • What disclosure does the homeowner see at submission?
  • What evidence accompanies or references the lead?
  • Who retains that record and for how long under the agreement?
  • How are the captured contact details matched to the evidence?
  • Who handles a consumer inquiry or a request to investigate the source?

Delivery and operational controls

Test failure cases with synthetic data as well as the accepted path. Confirm who owns the fix if a record passes the buying platform and fails to reach the appointment team.

  • What platform and source-specific posting documents govern delivery?
  • What distinguishes ping approval from final acceptance?
  • Which fields, values and response codes are required?
  • How are duplicate checks, caps, pauses and timezones handled?
  • What happens after a timeout or an uncertain acceptance?
  • Can we trace an accepted lead into the right CRM queue?

Commercial and review terms

Keep the pilot proposal and final operating agreement consistent. If the website, sales conversation and posting specification describe different products, settle the differences before traffic starts.

  • Which event creates a billable lead?
  • What are the price, payment terms and purchase limits?
  • Which rejection or credit reasons are eligible?
  • What evidence and timeframe apply to a dispute?
  • How are credits reflected in the reconciliation?
  • What are the pause, ramp and termination arrangements?

Pilot and reference checks

Use the first review to decide whether to expand, revise the specification or pause. Write the decision criteria before looking at the results so the same standards apply to each source.

  • Who owns launch approval on each side?
  • Which markets and project types are included in the initial test?
  • What delivery and quality measures will be reviewed?
  • How are dispositions returned against the original lead ID?
  • Are relevant references or representative records available for review?
Questions buyers ask

Before we get started.

Can I use this checklist with Adsora?

Yes. Use it to structure a buying discussion with Adsora and identify the documents and operating details needed for your program.

Does this checklist certify a vendor?

No. It is a practical evaluation aid. The buyer still needs to inspect the evidence, confirm requirements and agree the actual terms.

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