Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ZipServ.
For Homeowners
What is ZipServ? +
ZipServ is a directory of local service providers — plumbers, HVAC techs, electricians, handymen, and more — recommended by real neighbors in your ZIP code. Every business on ZipServ was put there by someone who actually used them, not by a paid placement or an algorithm scraping the web.
Is ZipServ free for homeowners? +
Yes — searching for businesses and requesting free quotes is always free for homeowners. We never charge you to find or contact a local pro.
How do I request a quote? +
Find a business in your ZIP code, then click "Get Free Quote." Enter your name, phone number, and a short description of what you need. We'll pass that directly to the business. You can also call or text them directly using the number on their profile page.
Are these businesses licensed and insured? +
Some listings show license and insurance badges where that information was provided. However, we recommend always asking any contractor directly before hiring them. ZipServ does not independently verify licensing — we rely on neighbor trust as our primary quality signal.
What do the neighbor ratings mean? +
ZipServ shows a ★ icon with a neighbor count — for example "★ 4 neighbors recommended." This is not a 1–5 star scale. It means 4 real neighbors in your area submitted recommendations for this business. A higher neighbor count means more people in your community vouch for them.
Recommending a Business
How do I recommend a local business? +
Go to /recommend and fill in the business details and your contact info. It takes about 2 minutes. We review every submission before it goes live.
What happens after I submit a recommendation? +
Our team reviews it, confirms the business information is accurate, and then approves it. Once approved, the business listing goes live and your recommendation appears on their profile page (showing your first name, neighborhood, and city/state). If we can't verify the business, we'll reach out to you or decline the submission.
Can I recommend a business I own or work for? +
No. Recommendations must come from real customers who have used the business. Recommending your own business or a business where you have a financial stake violates our terms and will be removed.
For Businesses
How does my business get listed on ZipServ? +
Two ways: a neighbor who has used your service can submit a recommendation at zipserv.net/recommend, or you can sign up your business directly at zipserv.net/signup. Either way, we review every listing before it goes live.
How much does it cost to be listed? +
Free — and it will stay that way. We will never charge businesses for listings on ZipServ.
How is ZipServ different from Angi or HomeAdvisor? +
Other platforms sell leads — businesses compete in auctions and pay per inquiry, which drives up costs and rewards the highest bidder, not the best contractor. ZipServ is free for businesses, with no lead auctions and no pay-per-lead fees. Every listing comes from a real neighbor recommendation, not a paid placement. Your reputation is built by your actual customers, not your advertising budget.
General
What cities and ZIP codes does ZipServ cover? +
We started in Allen, TX (75013) and are expanding ZIP by ZIP across the DFW area. You can search any ZIP code — if there are no listings yet, you can nominate a business you trust. We'll reach out to them.
How do I contact ZipServ? +
Email us at support@zipserv.net. We're a small team and typically respond within 1 business day.