I'm not aware of lead generators in other businesses (with the exception of mostly-unsuccessful Uber-for-x startups like Homejoy) that set the pricing for the services to be provided.
Do you have any examples?
Do you have any examples?
Franchise owners are independent businesses, which doesn't prevent McDonald's and KFC from advertising $5 special and requiring franchisees to accept that rate.
Large trucking companies are attracting independent owners/operators at advertised mileage rates with a "take-it-or-leave-it" implication. The owner/operator stays independent while accepting a truck load at a pre-determined rate.
On a broader scale though, nothing prevents me from posting a Craigslist ad "Looking for a ride to the airport this Saturday, my budget is $40". It does not constitute an employer-employee relationship, and an argument could be had that Uber/Lyft are just proxies for posting and fulfilling such requests. Extend that to moving, plumbing, etc.
Or am I completely off?