When you need a plumber or electrician in India, you have roughly three kinds of platforms to choose from: raw phone directories, managed marketplaces that set prices, and verified directories like Solve24. They look similar on the surface but work very differently under the hood — and the difference shows up in your final bill.
Business model at a glance
| Feature | Raw Directory | Managed Marketplace | Solve24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worker status | Paid listing | Platform partner | Independent, self-listed |
| Worker keeps | 100% (you pay them directly) | Platform takes a cut | 100% |
| Customer sees phone | Usually free | Only via platform | Via ₹11+ subscription |
| Verification | Often just paid listings | Platform-vetted | Phone + ID |
| Reviews | Limited | Strong | Growing |
| Pricing set by | Worker | Platform | Worker |
| Best for | Quick phone lookups | Standardised home services | Hyperlocal & long-tail services |
When a raw directory wins
A raw directory is a great tool if you already know exactly what you want and just need a phone number fast. Restaurants, big shops, chains — these directories often have the largest databases in India. Downsides: profiles are thin, many listings are bought rather than verified, and you're on your own for quality.
When a managed marketplace wins
Managed marketplaces shine for standard, packaged services — deep cleaning, salon-at-home, AC service. The prices are fixed, the professional is trained, the experience is predictable. Downsides: the markup over the worker's own price is usually significant, and availability can be patchy outside the biggest metros.
When Solve24 wins
Solve24 is built for hyperlocal needs — a plumber two streets away, a grocery shop that still takes phone orders, an AC technician who knows the quirks of your building. Profiles are verified, ratings are real, and you contact workers directly. You pay the worker their own rate — Solve24 never marks up the job. The premium subscription (from ₹11 for 3 days) unlocks phone numbers; the worker keeps every rupee you pay them.
Which should you use?
- You need a fixed-price, standard service (deep clean, AC service) → a managed marketplace
- You need a quick phone number for a known business → a raw directory
- You want a verified local worker, independent pricing, direct contact → Solve24
Most households end up using different platforms at different times. That's fine — but be aware of what each one is optimised for. A ₹99 Standard plan on Solve24 often pays for itself in one avoided platform markup.