Caroline O'Donovan reports at Buzzfeed that Google plans to announce a new product aimed at connecting Google search users with local home-service providers — like plumbers and electricians.
Currently, Google searches for things like plumbers and electricians return links to service providers along with associated AdWord advertisements. Sources said the new product would go beyond this presentation format to actually connect search users with service providers.
Google isn't the only tech company looking to tap into the huge and rapidly expanding home services industry. Amazon just launched its new Home Services site, which allows Amazon shoppers to search, select, and pay for things like landscapers and car mechanics without ever leaving the site.
Amazon is offering more than 700 services that include just about anything that might require a professional to come to your door. Tasks are searchable on Amazon, just like any other product, and there are no estimates — offers will be priced by the professional before the job takes place. Amazon says it vets all the professionals for the invite-only program before inclusion. "It's a pretty natural extension of our business to move into the service space," says Peter Faricy, vice president of Amazon Marketplace. "In talking to customers, they don't feel like anyone serves their needs end to end. You can pay a subscription to get reviews, but why not just do that on Amazon for free?"
(Score: 2) by Leebert on Tuesday April 14 2015, @01:46AM
One other thing I forgot to address is one of scale. If you're spending upwards of $10,000 on a roof, it's a different ballgame.
Amazon, at least for the time being, seems to be sticking with common tasks: Replacing switches, moving receptacles, replacing faucets, etc. For some people, it's not worth maybe saving 50% of a $175 job to deal with the hassle of shopping. Same as why I stopped by 7-11 this morning and paid $2.00 for an orange juice: It's way overpriced percentage-wise, but in absolute terms it's worth the convenience of a quick in and out without taking so much time that I'll miss my train.