Home service marketplaces Handy, HomeAdvisor and Porch are now collaborating on Facebook Marketplace in an effort to open a new channel for connecting homeowners and service providers.
Chris Terrill, CEO of HomeAdvisor parent company ANGI Homeservices, says that Facebook Marketplace fills the hole between social media and the search process, yet not all experts are convinced. Daniel Shaked, CEO and founder of home service provider ClipCall, tells The Washington Post, “While this might appear convenient for the average user, the reality is that it’s essentially just a referral process. What these companies should be building instead is a controlled marketplace providing a cohesive and secure platform connecting users with certified home repair professionals from the beginning to the end of the transaction, minimizing the risk of subpar service.”
The site will include ratings, reviews, credentials and location information for the service providers. Users can request several simultaneous quotes by describing their project and sending it to several providers at once. Consumers can search and be matched with home services providers and request quotes through Facebook Messenger. According to Facebook, 1 in 3 people on the site use Facebook Marketplace already. The new service will allow users to browse through thousands of providers.
