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I (American) started an extremely similar VC-backed business in Germany. We were focused on car maintenance and detailing, but otherwise we had the same busines

I (American) started an extremely similar VC-backed business in Germany. We were focused on car maintenance and detailing, but otherwise we had the same business model that you describe: our major selling point was upfront, fixed pricing without a diagnostic appointed, supplied by a network of independent mechanics and backed by a guarantee. We also had a sister company who focused on home services, although their initial market entry point was paint jobs. I think this is a very viable business model that can provide tremendous value to consumers. If you guys want to chat, shoot me a DM — I’d be happy to share my experience.

gingerlime 5y ago
what’s the name of the sister company? is it available in English? (as a non German speaker in Berlin I have an even bigger problem finding crafts people, let alone negotiate or explain the problem or repair job… but I guess that’s a lot to ask) p.s. there’s no way to DM on hacker news, unless you leave some details on your profile.
- maxdjacobson 5y ago
  Oh, I didn’t realize that, thanks for the headsup. The sister company was named Homebell, but I don’t think they’re in business anymore. I used in live in Berlin too, and yes, figuring these things out without knowing German is probably very difficult. Honestly, I think your best bet is probably to ask a German-speaking friend for help.
  - gingerlime 5y ago
    oh what happened to them? yeah we get help, but it obviously adds one more link to an already tricky chain trying to find and coordinate home repair jobs, plumbing etc
vm 5y ago
Vineet, one of the cofounders here. Would love to chat! Don’t see your contact info anywhere - could you email myhomebreeze at gmail?
- maxdjacobson 5y ago
  Sent!
DavidSafai 5y ago
Were you able to raise VC money easily for this? I have created this concept here - HomeLux.ai where the idea is to bring all the people in-house

gingerlime 5y ago

what’s the name of the sister company? is it available in English? (as a non German speaker in Berlin I have an even bigger problem finding crafts people, let alone negotiate or explain the problem or repair job… but I guess that’s a lot to ask) p.s. there’s no way to DM on hacker news, unless you leave some details on your profile.

maxdjacobson 5y ago
Oh, I didn’t realize that, thanks for the headsup. The sister company was named Homebell, but I don’t think they’re in business anymore. I used in live in Berlin too, and yes, figuring these things out without knowing German is probably very difficult. Honestly, I think your best bet is probably to ask a German-speaking friend for help.
- gingerlime 5y ago
  oh what happened to them? yeah we get help, but it obviously adds one more link to an already tricky chain trying to find and coordinate home repair jobs, plumbing etc

vm 5y ago

Vineet, one of the cofounders here. Would love to chat! Don’t see your contact info anywhere - could you email myhomebreeze at gmail?

maxdjacobson 5y ago
Sent!

DavidSafai 5y ago

Were you able to raise VC money easily for this? I have created this concept here - HomeLux.ai where the idea is to bring all the people in-house