HouseOfAtlas
09-04-2008, 11:58 PM
Hey guys and girls! This is sort of long, but worth the 5 minutes :D
I started a forum where contractors can go to find work and customers can go to find reputable contractors.
MODS: If I'm not able to post this due to advertising reasons, I can understand and if this thread needs to be deleted, I can understand that also.
Basically, it will go something like this:
First, a homeowner will post a message stating the project(s) they want done. This could be anything from replacing a faucet to replacing a driveway. They can upload pictures of what they want done to better help the contractor understand the project more before bidding/looking at the job. This is not necessary and is optional, but a picture is worth a thousand words.
Next, contractors who are members will "apply for the job" by posting a message that includes their bids, telling the customer when the job can be completed, what type of materials they will be using and other important information. The homeowner can make their decision and contact the contractor of their choice.
When a homeowner finds a contractor, either party can post any information about the job on the forum. Anything from verbal agreements to questions to praises can be put on the forum and it is also encouraged. If it is a larger job, the customer or contractor can take pictures of the project, put them up in thread to show the progress and give other members ideas for future projects.
Finally, once the project is done, the homeowner and contractor will fill out a questionnaire form stating how the job went. After this, the homeowner and the contractor will both get a rating.
The reason why I thought this would work better than other lead services and/or places like Angie's List is because myself (along with other admins/moderators) would mediate between the two parties if a conflict would ever arise. Also, other parties would have feedback. Customers and Contractors. So if a customer has good feedback, contractors will be more inclined to do work for them and not having to worry if they are going to get paid or not and contractors with good feedback will have more customers inclined to have them do the work.
It's almost like Ebay, Craigslist, Service Magic, and Angie's List thrown into one. It isn't as fancy as Service Magic or Ebay, but it's just starting out :D
It is a vBulletin based forum so it is pretty user friendly.
I'm just curious if you guys and girls think this is a terrible idea or a good idea. My website doesn't favor the customer or contractor (that's my main pro compared to other sites). It just favors the truth and what is right. I know my website has its pros and cons, but every other successful website out there (Angie's List, Service Magic, eBay, etc.) has many flaws also.
Thanks for spending the time to read this and reply. Any questions about the website/forum are welcomed!
I started a forum where contractors can go to find work and customers can go to find reputable contractors.
MODS: If I'm not able to post this due to advertising reasons, I can understand and if this thread needs to be deleted, I can understand that also.
Basically, it will go something like this:
First, a homeowner will post a message stating the project(s) they want done. This could be anything from replacing a faucet to replacing a driveway. They can upload pictures of what they want done to better help the contractor understand the project more before bidding/looking at the job. This is not necessary and is optional, but a picture is worth a thousand words.
Next, contractors who are members will "apply for the job" by posting a message that includes their bids, telling the customer when the job can be completed, what type of materials they will be using and other important information. The homeowner can make their decision and contact the contractor of their choice.
When a homeowner finds a contractor, either party can post any information about the job on the forum. Anything from verbal agreements to questions to praises can be put on the forum and it is also encouraged. If it is a larger job, the customer or contractor can take pictures of the project, put them up in thread to show the progress and give other members ideas for future projects.
Finally, once the project is done, the homeowner and contractor will fill out a questionnaire form stating how the job went. After this, the homeowner and the contractor will both get a rating.
The reason why I thought this would work better than other lead services and/or places like Angie's List is because myself (along with other admins/moderators) would mediate between the two parties if a conflict would ever arise. Also, other parties would have feedback. Customers and Contractors. So if a customer has good feedback, contractors will be more inclined to do work for them and not having to worry if they are going to get paid or not and contractors with good feedback will have more customers inclined to have them do the work.
It's almost like Ebay, Craigslist, Service Magic, and Angie's List thrown into one. It isn't as fancy as Service Magic or Ebay, but it's just starting out :D
It is a vBulletin based forum so it is pretty user friendly.
I'm just curious if you guys and girls think this is a terrible idea or a good idea. My website doesn't favor the customer or contractor (that's my main pro compared to other sites). It just favors the truth and what is right. I know my website has its pros and cons, but every other successful website out there (Angie's List, Service Magic, eBay, etc.) has many flaws also.
Thanks for spending the time to read this and reply. Any questions about the website/forum are welcomed!