Ebay is testing a new service-based market place in the UK which lists local tradesmen for hire from courier services, music teachers and antiques valuation experts.
The site called ebayHire works by submitting a form directly to the provider with details about what service is needed and the expert sends a quote or calls you. The transaction is then completed directly with the service provider.
On the beta test site each provider has a page with photographs and some personal details. Most of the examples list prices and some details of the different services available.
The site is apparently being tested in the UK first and there is, as yet, no US equivalent. The site states: 'eBay Hire is a pilot being run by a few folks at eBay in the UK. It is a separate business to eBay, but is part of the eBay, Inc. family.'
It appears to work as a 21st century Yellow Pages. It also develops ideas that have long been flirted with by companies such as B&Q trying to link home improvement needs with local tradesmen.
Clearly the success of the site will be in how many service providers it can attract to enable national coverage for different services. It will also depend on how it deals with complaints, poor service and possibly even unpopular customers.
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