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I know how this story ends: the app has basically arranged to introduce a service-provider to a client, and unlike Uber where you're getting services at differe
by Pxtl 11y ago
I know how this story ends: the app has basically arranged to introduce a service-provider to a client, and unlike Uber where you're getting services at different locations where different providers are needed every time, Alfred is providing the same service over and over again. This makes it trivial for the provider and the client to eliminate the middle-man. Service agencies of all kinds have been struggling with this problem since time immemorial, putting them on an app solves nothing.
I'd actually rather a "pay for recommendation" engine where I can pay the app to just put me in touch with a reputable service-provider for whatever - like HVAC or an electrician or a local housekeeper.
- sremani 11y agoThere is an app for that, its called Angie's list.
- Pxtl 11y agogoogles Holy crap that's an ugly website. Also, doesn't realize it's US only because it lists my Canadian city like everything's kosher but only accepts a US zipcode.
- shostack 11y agoI tried the latter--Home Advisor (formerly ServiceMagic). Filled out my project details, but they ignored my explicit decision to NOT be immediately submitted/sold as a lead to contractors and instead chose to see their list to read reviews. Unfortunately, they ignored that, and I got pestered by a contractor who was very push on the sales side without answering questions, etc. Very unpleasant experience. It highlighted for me an issue which is that I'm not sure I can trust a provider like that if they are selling the leads. They might have an interest in selling me to whomever pays more, or to new contractors to get them hooked, when I just want to go with those that have the most happy customers at a fair price. Still haven't found a solution to this that I'm happy with.