Overview
Bark has a rating of 3 stars from 1,642 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers dissatisfied with Bark most frequently mention great job, quick response and next day. Bark ranks 1st among Service Marketplace sites.
Bark.com is a predatory platform designed to drain your wallet while delivering nothing in return. They strong-arm you into an overpriced membership just to buy credits, promising "quality leads" that almost always go nowhere. If you have a non-UK area code, forget it—most leads won't reply, and some will even block you. And when you inevitably realize you've been scammed? Bark will only refund your credits once. If you still get nothing the second time, too bad. Their rude, dismissive customer support will just brush you off, refusing any refunds while continuing to push their useless services. Bark does nothing to protect the people actually putting money into their platform. It's a blatant cash grab, and you'll get better results throwing your money in the trash. Avoid them at all costs.
There are lots of leads I purchased and are time wasters,they either looking for a job or they are not the person that registered the add,some don't even answer your calls.I still up to now didn't sign up 1 job yet.
Hi there,
We're sorry to hear about your experience with the leads you've purchased. We understand how frustrating it can be when customers don’t respond. While we can't guarantee that every lead will convert, we do have a Credit Return Policy in place for leads that contain invalid contact details, inaccurate information on the request, or if the lead is actually looking for a job. If you've encountered any of these issues, please reach out to team@bark.com, and our team will be happy to review them for you.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
Although I have purchased credits and I have replied within a few minutes and reached out within the app to SMS, phone call by way of WhatsApp, and sent an email, I have gotten only one meaningful response which was from a minor.
Another person replied to my email. She let me know she did not realize that the leads would cost people money. I hope Bark returns my credits for her as she put that in her reply email.
Lastly, one of the leads was a University student who saw the app and simply inputted the information just to see. When she answered my call she did not realize, again, that her putting that in with Bark would cost people money.
So do I have a suggestion? Heck, yes.
The people completing the leads must have skin in the game. They must pay some small fee to input the data. And it could be they know when they work with someone for a paying session, they can get the money back...something like that.
Otherwise yes this feels like a big scam.
Hi Regina,
Thank you for your feedback, and we’re truly sorry to hear about the challenges you’ve experienced with Bark.
We understand your frustration when it comes to the quality of leads and the issue you mentioned about people not realizing that responding to leads could come with costs. While we try to ensure that leads are genuine and are fully aware of the platform's payment structure, we’re always working on improving the experience for our professionals.
As for your suggestion, we appreciate the thought, and we have shared your comments with our team for further consideration. Regarding the issue with the minor and the student, we do have a Credit Return Policy in place to review these kinds of leads, and we can look into these cases further.
If you'd like to pursue the credits for these particular leads, please reach out to our team at team@bark.com for assistance.
We genuinely want to ensure your success on the platform, and we appreciate your patience as we continue to refine our service.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
I was very excited to give Bark a try. It's really hard finding new business and Bark seemed like a great idea. However, I haven't had much luck. Maybe its me. I've followed all the tips and have had conversations with a number of potential clients. But I've found that the people who I do speak with never have a budget for their project. I can't work for free.
Hi there,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We understand how challenging it can be to find new business, and we're sorry to hear that you haven't had the results you were hoping for.
First and foremost, we want you to know that we are committed to delivering high-quality leads to our professionals. We invest a lot of time and resources into attracting genuine customers to our website, and we have a dedicated team that works around the clock to ensure a robust lead-generation process.
We use an automated system to screen all leads, and we have a credit return policy in place to cover any non-functional contact details. We believe in fairness and we want to make sure that everyone is happy with the service we provide.
If you'd like more personalised support or tips on improving your experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at team@bark.com. We're here to help!
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
It's ok. After using the platform for a while, I learned a lot of the people are just looking for pricing. I think bark should only charge us if the customer hired us otherwise sooner or later I will not use bark.
Hi there,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We understand it can be frustrating when potential customers are only price-checking. Bark operates on a pay-per-lead model, as our service is to connect you with potential customers by providing their verified contact details. To increase your chances of conversion, we recommend responding to leads promptly and following up with a call shortly after reaching out.
Please do get in touch by emailing team@bark.com so we can provide you with specialist support and advice to help maximise your success on our platform.
We appreciate your feedback and will continue exploring ways to improve your experience on our platform.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
Bark is an outstanding company that provides high-quality leads and excellent customer service. We are very satisfied with our partnership and plan to continue working with them!
Hi Tony,
Thank you so much for your fantastic feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you're satisfied with both the quality of leads and the customer service we've provided. It’s our goal to support professionals like you, and we're excited to continue this partnership.
If you ever need anything, feel free to reach out to us.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
I appreciate the system when it functions as intended. However, it is frustrating when individuals submit requests without a genuine intent to hire a service provider. On numerous occasions, I have encountered requests from individuals who have already secured a resource and are not truly seeking a service. Additionally, some people post simply to explore what is available, which could be done before submitting a request. Since providers incur a fee for responding, this results in us offering information without compensation. Furthermore, some posts appear to be made under the influence of alcohol or as a prank, leading to a waste of both time and financial resources.
Hi Rachel,
Thank you for your feedback. We understand how frustrating it can be when clients don’t follow through after submitting a request. To ensure quality, we have a rigorous screening process in place for every enquiry, including verifying contact details and filtering out suspicious activity.
While we strive to minimize non-serious requests, client intent can sometimes vary. We also have a Credit Return Policy in place for leads you believe to be invalid, and we’re happy to review them further. If you ever come across a request that you feel violates our policies, please reach out to us at team@bark.com so we can investigate.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
I've used bark for over 5 years now, it used to be worth my investment.
Now, not so much anymore:(
If you don't mind spending over $20.00 per leads contact info, I average a 35% reply rate then compete with other vendors quoting on the same lead.
Overall, it can be very frustrating and expensive to use Bark.
Most leads do not reply or can't afford a professional at fair value.
Hi Ivan,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We appreciate your long-standing use of Bark and understand your concerns about lead costs and response rates.
We strive to connect professionals with genuine clients and continuously refine our lead-generation process. While we can't control a client's budget or responsiveness, we do have measures in place to ensure lead quality, including verification checks and a Credit Return Policy for invalid leads.
If you’d like, we’d be happy to discuss ways to improve your conversion rate. Feel free to reach out to us at team@bark.com.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
I spent over $1500 in credits. That translated into over 100 leads. I never received a single job from the leads. Even leads that reached out for me to contact them, did not return phone calls, text messages or emails.
So far, Bark has been a complete waste of time and money.
Customer Service has been very courteous and professional.
Hi Greg,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience hasn’t met expectations. We understand how frustrating it can be when leads don’t respond despite your best efforts.
While we work hard to verify lead quality, we unfortunately can’t control whether a customer decides to engage after their request is sent. That said, we do have a Credit Return Policy in place for leads that are deemed invalid.
We’d also love to offer some guidance on improving response rates and maximizing your success on Bark. If you're open to it, please reach out to us at team@bark.com—we're here to help.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
No one ever answers the phone - in the last year - unfortunately this has been quite pointless
I have not been able to speak to anyone
The majority do not answer
I have not sold one kitchen in over one year - when this block runs out I will not renew
Hi there,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We understand how frustrating it can be when potential customers are unresponsive. While we can't guarantee every lead will convert, we recommend contacting leads within 20 minutes of receiving their details for the best chance of engagement. Additionally, if you ever encounter leads with incorrect contact information, please report them to our team for review.
You can click this link to see our credit return policy: https://help.bark.com/hc/en-gb/articles/13256562638108-Credit-Return-Policy.
We truly value your experience and will continue working to improve lead quality.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
Our company has had a very satisfactory experience with the Bark Website and/or App. We have secured projects and we are very satisfied. We will continue to use this site as our Primary source of work
Hi Nazsha,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you’ve had a satisfactory experience using Bark. It’s great to know that our platform has helped you secure projects and become your primary source of work. We look forward to continuing to support your business moving forward.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
I have invested in Bark credits and have responded (with care and attention) to 9 users looking for my service. Often I was *apparently* the only professional, or one of 2, to respond. So far I have had returned emails, incorrect phone numbers, and a total of zero replies and success. I haven't even had a rejection. I will continue to see how the situation evolves but so far it has been very disappointing, and I could not recommend it.
Hi Gemma,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re sorry to hear that you haven’t had success with your responses so far.
While we strive to provide quality leads, we understand that not every customer will reply immediately. We always recommend following up multiple times and trying different contact methods, as some customers take longer to make a decision. If you’ve received leads with incorrect contact details, please report them to team@bark.com, and we’ll review them in line with our Credit Return Policy.
We appreciate your patience and your feedback, which we will pass along to our team. If you need any further support or advice on increasing engagement, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
Simply put most people I engage with never reply or convert. Very frustrating situation as one can imagine. I was lucky at first would this be a strategy to get people hooked on the platform. I don't know.
Hi Michel,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We understand how frustrating it can be when leads don't convert or respond. Our goal is to connect you with genuine prospects, and while we do our best to ensure quality, there can be cases where leads don't result in conversions.
If you'd like, feel free to reach out with specific lead details, and we can assist you with reporting any issues in line with our credit return policy.
Best regards,
The Bark Team
I think if Bark continually improves, it will be a good source of business. Occasionally there are too many contacts that are inaccurate. Phone numbers are disconnected or emails bounce. My experience is still To Be Determined.
Hi Marcia,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you see potential in Bark. We understand that inaccurate contact information can be frustrating, and we’re always working on improving the quality of the leads.
If you’d like to discuss any issues further or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at team@bark.com. We’re here to help!
Best,
The Bark Team
I've been using Bark for a while now, and I have to say their customer service is top-notch! I recently had an issue, and the customer support representative handled it immediately—quick, efficient, and professional. Every time I've needed assistance, they've resolved my concerns without any hassle. Great service and highly recommended!
— Karl
Hi Karl,
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you've had such a positive experience with our customer service team. Providing quick, efficient, and professional support is our priority, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. If you ever need anything, we're always here to help!
Best,
The Bark Team
There is not enough information left by people in the lead detail to know if it's worth purchasing. Leads are expensive-why the different "cost" to each lead? Have had zero actual clients after purchasing 2 packages. Disappointing.
Hi Team,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We’re sorry to hear that your experience on Bark hasn't met your expectations so far, and we truly value your input.
We understand your concern regarding the varying prices for leads. The cost of leads can vary based on a number of factors, such as the type of service requested, the location, and the level of competition in your area. Our goal is to ensure that we provide you with leads that are relevant to your services, and we strive to offer a fair pricing structure based on the specifics of each request.
If you feel like a lead doesn't include enough information, we offer an option in your lead settings to suggest a question to ask potential customers. This allows us to refine the process and gather more helpful details for you. If you don’t see this option, please reach out to us at team@bark.com, and we’ll be happy to help process a category or question request for you.
We also understand your disappointment with not having secured any clients yet. While Bark cannot guarantee business, our platform is designed to connect professionals like you with potential clients. On average, professionals see a conversion rate of about 1 in 5 leads. It's important to note that Bark operates on a non-commission basis, so once you've purchased a lead's contact details, it’s up to you to follow up and secure the business opportunity.
We’d love to assist you further and help you make the most of your experience with us. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any additional questions or concerns. We're here to help!
The Bark Team
I have bought two jobs now with coins even though it says one out of five people have bidded for it surely you should put on your site. You should have at least free quotes. I just don't think it's very fair and not worth the money.
Hi Team,
We understand your concerns, and we're sorry to hear you're feeling this way. Bark is designed to connect professionals with potential customers, and we strive to ensure transparency.
If you're looking for more information on the process or have questions about how the platform works, please feel free to reach out to our support team at team@bark.com for further assistance.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
I very much enjoyed my first experience of a cleaner. Bark had subcontracted the job to an outfit in Newark called Sure Care. The person who came was called Rowena. She was excellent. However yesterday another cleaner turned up with a student. It was not as good. I would like the same person and standard each visit!
Hi Caroline,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad to hear that your first experience with a cleaner was positive and that Rowena provided excellent service! We understand your concern about the change in cleaners and the inconsistency in the service quality.
We recommend reaching out directly to the cleaning service provider you worked with to request Rowena for future visits, as this will help ensure you get the same standard of service.
If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us at team@bark.com.
Best regards,
The Bark Team
The title says it all. I've brought this up before, only to fall on deaf ears, ignored, and never answered. People have preferences, but Bark will not make it an option... you can choose gender and language... but not race! And clearly there isn't enough diversity in the csuite to inform the company. However, I know why they do what they do... I guess when a competitor offers the choice, that will get their attention.
Hi Team,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We want to assure you that our goal at Bark is to promote fairness and inclusivity across all professions. We take all feedback seriously, and we’d appreciate hearing more about your experience. Please reach out to us at team@bark.com with further details so we can assist you properly.
Kind regards,
The Bark Team
I had seen advertisements about Bark and decided to give it a try. I find that 75% or more of the leads are garbage. The other 25% of leads feel completely overwhelmed because the vendors in my category swarm them like flies on honey.
So it's not a very positive experience for the leads looking for the vendors.
Then the worst part is that Bark advertises very low prices, as if we work for them and that establishes a low expectation in the mind of the customer! Then when the lead gets our legitimate price they are surprised and discouraged.
I've spent a good amount of money with Bark to truly see what it was all about and I can tell that Bark does not care at all about the users or the vendors who are on the platform. As long as Bark is making money. I will not be staying because it is such an amazing waste of my advertising dollars!
Hi Mike,
Thank you for sharing your experience, and I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been disappointed with the platform. We understand your frustration regarding the quality of leads and the price expectations that may arise from them. We continually strive to improve the experience for both vendors and clients, and your feedback is valuable in helping us identify areas for improvement.
If you'd like to discuss this further or need any assistance, we’re here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at team@bark.com.
Best,
The Bark Team
We take the hassle out of finding the right professional for any job. Whether you’re looking for a cleaner in Nottingham, a web design in Boston or a personal trainer in Auckland - with over 2000 professional services in 8 countries, you’re bound to find the perfect professional for your project on Bark. Simply tell us what you need and will send you a list of professionals - for free!
Need new customers? We’ve helped thousands of businesses of all sizes keep find new clients. We’re passionate about helping businesses of all sizes find customers for life.
Life’s better with Bark.
Business History
January 2015 - Website launches to the public
February 2015 - Acquisition of Skillpages
May 2016 - 100,000th Bark
February 2017 - 100,000 professionals now registered
April 2017 - Launched in the US
December 2017 - Millionth Bark placed
September 2018 - Move into our state of the art HQ in Paddington, London after outgrowing 6 previous offices
January 2019 - Customer Success team moves to 7 day a week
February 2019 - Launch in Canada, Ireland and South Africa
March 2019 - Reach 500,000 professionals registered
July 2019 - New branding and fully upgraded website launched
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Hello Brian,
Thank you for sharing your concerns. We’re truly sorry to hear that you feel this way about your experience with Bark. Our goal is to provide a valuable platform where professionals can connect with potential customers, and we take concerns like yours seriously.
We are committed to delivering high-quality leads and invest significant resources into attracting genuine customers. While we cannot guarantee that every lead will convert into a job, we do have a credit return policy in place to cover invalid contact details or inaccurate request information.
We understand how important it is for professionals to see value in the platform, and we’d be happy to review any concerns you have regarding your leads or experience with our team so we can provide further assistance and tailor your experience with us. Please reach out to us at review@bark.com - we look forward to hearing from you shortly.
The Bark Team