When I submit a search for a set of dates and what I require, I get a numbered list. How are these people ranked as a 1, 2 and so on?
Great answers above. But don't go by rankings. Rankings can and do change daily. Especially if a host just opened from "repeats only" to the public, or had their profile set to "away" because the were on vacation and just opened, which can affect ranking. To many variables that affect rankings.
Go by the services you want and need for your fur family member and the best location for you. Do you want someone close to your home, airport, etc. Read the profiles "in full" so you don't pick someone that only takes small dogs and you have large dogs, etc. Does your dog need medication or injections? Look to make sure the hosts can provide the services you need.
Based on the other's answers, it's obviously complicated (ha!) but my understanding is that it's a combination of popularity AND location. The numbers do correspond with the map on the side of the page, and when you go to another page of sitters, the numbers start over from 1-10 again.
Rover doesn't disclose its "ranking" algorithm, but I think it's a combination of reviews, response rate, completeness of profile, how they compare to other sitters in the area, etc. Sitters know how Rover measures some of this information, but not all of it. It also seems that Rover will provide a boost towards to top for new sitters in order to increase their exposure, at least for a period of time.
So no one but Rover employees know how to fully answer your question Michelle! I would take their ranking order into consideration, but with a grain of salt. Read the profiles and reviews to determine who is the best fit for you and your dog!
As Deb wrote, the numbers are not a ranking, but correspond to the locations on the map so you can get an idea of where the sitter resides.
I don't agree, they are the rankings using all the Rover performance stats and client preferences selected in the search.
So you are going to tell me that new sitters, with no reviews and no performance stats, who appear at the top of the list are ranked #1 or #2 of all the sitters in the area? I don't think so. In fact, I know it isn't so.
I believe the algorithm Rover uses includes many factors, how responsive are you to clients, size of pups you will take, there is a long list. And how the client searches, is it city name or zip code. I have been the top walker for a long time in my area regardless how folks search, city, zip, etc
Well, good for you, bur I maintain the rumbering does not wholly reflect sitters' performance stats, given the fact that Rover's algorithm places new sitters at the top. You'll find many discussions here about the search algorithm and how nonsensical it is from a customer standpoint.
And thanks for the downvoting.
I also agree with Karen. New sitters are listed above me, no matter the location. I have been a sitter on here for quite some time and have amazing performance scores, and the new sitters are getting more exposure than I am at the moment. I'm glad somebody noticed this too.
I read in some of the Rover literature that they give new sitters a boost in rankings for a short time. I definitely experienced this myself, I was BOMBARDED my first month and now its a much more realistic flow of requests.
That is just for ease of viewing, but not an actual ranking. The numbers indicate where the sitter is located on the map, which is very helpful when looking for someone in or near your neighborhood, because often the search shows results for a a rather large area, which may be further than you'd want to travel. Zooming in on the map area you want and clicking update search results helps in this regard.
Verified Reviews and number of Repeat Stays booked through Rover shows number of stars assigned by previous customers, and that combined with testimonials, profile, and pictures can help one decide who to meet with.
Most likely several pages of results (#s at bottom) came up based on what was submitted and that does not truly indicate rank. For example, rover gives new sitters with no booked stays (no verified reviews nor repeat stays shown) a chance to develop their business, by listing them higher than experienced sitters who have great response rate times, verified reviews from rover bookings, and repeat stays (which is indicative of happy returning guests).
Wait. What??? Then why has Rover been after us to do certain things to raise our position in the "rankings" (their word, not mine)
Because they really want us (as their employees) to do all of the things they deem as good customer service, thereby keeping pet parents happy and using Rover. They will ding you for things like canceling appointments late, being slow to respond or constantly declining requests.
We aren’t River employees - we are independent contractors.
The numbers are to show you where that person is on the map. If you put in a different zip code you'll find the results re shuffle.
The more "popular " sitters are listed first. These are ones with multiple repeat stays