What is a shared lead?

A shared lead is delivered to a small set of providers in the same area at the same time. The fastest provider to respond and qualify the customer typically wins the job. Per-lead price is lower because more than one provider can monetize each lead.

What is an exclusive lead?

An exclusive lead is delivered to one provider only. There is no competition; the lead is yours to convert. Per-lead price is higher, but close rates are materially better because the customer is not also being called by competitors.

Which model has higher close rates?

Exclusive leads close at materially higher rates because customers do not field calls from multiple providers. Shared leads can still convert well for fast responders, but speed-to-lead becomes the dominant variable.

Which model is cheaper?

Shared leads are cheaper per lead. Whether they are cheaper per booked job depends on your close rate. A provider with a fast intake process and high close rate may achieve lower customer acquisition cost on shared leads; a provider whose strength is craftsmanship and trust often does better on exclusive.

Yes. Many providers run shared leads in some service categories or markets and exclusive in others. You can change the mix at any time from the admin portal.

How do I decide which to start with?

If you respond to leads in under five minutes and have a competitive intake script, start with shared. If your strength is consultative selling, longer ticket sizes, or a premium service, start with exclusive. You can adjust after the first month based on actual close rates.

Comparison Guide

Shared vs
Exclusive Leads

The two main lead-delivery models in the home and professional services industry — what they are, how they price, who wins on each, and how to choose.

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Quick Definitions

Shared lead: a verified inbound lead is delivered to a small set of providers in the same area. The fastest, most prepared provider typically wins.

Exclusive lead: the same verified lead is delivered to one provider only. No competition.

Side-by-Side

	Shared	Exclusive
Per-lead price	Lower	Higher
Competition for the job	Yes — small set of providers	None
Typical close rate	Lower	Higher
Speed-to-lead matters	Critically — fastest wins	Less critical
Best fit	Fast responders, scrappy intake	Premium services, longer cycles
Volume	Higher	Lower (one per area)

When Shared Leads Win

You answer the phone within five minutes, every time.
Your intake process and quote turnaround are well-rehearsed.
Your service is mid-ticket and the customer compares two or three providers anyway.
You want higher lead volume to keep crews busy.

When Exclusive Leads Win

Your strength is consultative selling, not speed.
Your service is high-ticket (large roofs, full HVAC replacement, complex legal matters) where customers do not want to talk to four providers.
You want to dominate a specific neighborhood and not see competitors in your inbox.
Your operations are not built for high-volume intake.

How To Decide

Start with the model that matches your strongest existing capability. If your team already wins on speed, start with shared. If your team already wins on trust and craft, start with exclusive. Run for 30 days, look at booked-job cost rather than lead cost, and adjust. PeakIntent lets you change the mix at any time without contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing, close rates, and how to mix the two models.

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