Tips for hiring a pro

FivsPro is a meeting place. Pros are independent businesses, and the decision to hire is yours. These tips help you choose well.

Before you hire

Compare two or three pros. Read their reviews, look at their portfolio and ask how long they've been in business.
The “ID verified” badge confirms who the pro is. It isn't a background check and says nothing about their skills — ask for references for larger jobs.
Ask for a copy of any licence or certificate the job needs, and check it with the issuer. In Ontario, for example, Skilled Trades Ontario lists certified tradespeople, the ESA licenses electrical contractors and the TSSA certifies gas technicians.
Ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm it with the insurer. For bigger jobs, ask whether the pro has a WSIB clearance certificate.
Documents shown on a profile are “provided by pro” — FivsPro doesn't check them.

Agree the scope, price, materials, timeline, clean-up and any warranty before work starts — a written quote or contract protects both of you.
Keep your conversation in FivsPro chat so you have a record of what was agreed.
Ask who is responsible for permits. Your municipality's building department can tell you what the job needs.
For home renovations and repairs, Consumer Protection Ontario publishes guidance on contracts, deposits and your cancellation rights.

FivsPro doesn't handle payment for the work — you pay the pro directly, on terms you agree.
Avoid paying the full amount upfront. A reasonable deposit, with the rest paid as work is completed, is common.
Use a payment method that leaves a record. Be wary of anyone who insists on gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers.
Get a receipt or invoice for every payment.

Share your address and phone number only when you're ready to book.
Never share passwords, banking logins or one-time codes. FivsPro will never ask for them, and never sends text messages.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, you don't have to go ahead — you're never obliged to hire a pro you contacted.

Try to resolve it with the other person first, and keep your messages, quotes and receipts.
Report a user who breaks our rules by emailing support@fivspro.com. We may remove them from FivsPro, but we can't settle disputes about the work or refund payments you made to a pro.
If you think you've been defrauded, contact your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501).
For contract problems with a business, Consumer Protection Ontario can help you understand your options.
In an emergency, call 911.

Confirm the job details, address and price in writing before you travel.
Be clear about deposits, payment timing and what happens if the scope changes.
Watch for overpayment scams — a “customer” who sends too much and asks for the difference back.
Only take on work you're licensed and insured for. Keep your documents current in the app.

These tips are general information, not legal advice. See our Terms of Service for the rules that apply to everyone using FivsPro.