Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get bids on my project?
It depends on your project category, location, and how many service professionals are actively bidding in your area — there is no fixed timeline, but most projects start receiving bids soon after posting.
Do I have to hire someone once I post a project?
No. Posting a project and reviewing bids does not obligate you to hire anyone. You only pay if you choose to hire a professional.
How does a service professional get paid?
Payment happens directly between you and the professional you hire for the work agreed on — Project Genie does not charge customers a platform fee to post a project or compare bids.
What if my project is an emergency and cannot wait for bids?
For situations that cannot wait, Genie 911 skips the bidding process entirely and connects you with an available local pro directly instead of opening your job to bids.
What happens if no service professional bids on my project?
This can happen if your budget looks out of range for the work described, the details are too thin for a pro to bid confidently, or demand is high in your category right now. You can edit the project with more detail (photos, timeline, budget range) and repost it, or try a related category if the scope was ambiguous. There is no charge either way since you only pay if you hire someone.
What details should I include when I post a project?
The more specific you are — photos, your timeline, a rough budget range, and any details about the problem — the more accurate the bids you get back will be. A vague post tends to get vague bids, since pros can only price what you actually describe.
Is Project Genie available in my area?
Project Genie is expanding city by city rather than launching everywhere at once, so coverage depends on where you happen to be located. Check our Service Areas page for a current list of cities already live, or simply post a project yourself — you will quickly see whether local pros in your area are actively bidding once it is posted.