Thursday, June 6, 2013
ClubLocal Debuts In Bay Area, As ReachLocal Ramps Services
ClubLocal, the home services booking company which is owned by ReachLocal, said today that it has launched its services in the Bay Area. According to ClubLocal, it allows users to book home services both through their mobile phone and online, and also handles payments and a guarantee for the work booked with service professionals through the service. ClubLocal is part of a strategic move by ReachLocal to get more involved in the transactions between consumers and small and medium sized businesses.
As part of the launch into the Bay Area, ClubLocal said its first 1,000 customers will get $100 in free home services to try out the new service. ClubLocal pre-screens the service providers it refers consumers to, include running background checks and tracking the experience of users with those providers. The company also pre-negotiates pricing for the services those providers give to consumers.
In describing the service, ClubLocal's Zorik Gordon said in the announcement that home service booking "hasn't changed significantly in decades and doesn't leverage current technology". The new website and iPhone app lets users find service providers, pick a 2hour window appointment time, give updates when service providers are en route, and handles estimates, receipts, and warranties. The service is launching with providers in the areas of Plumbing, Handyman, Electrical, Heating and Air Conditioning, Appliance Repair, and Mobile Auto Detailing, and has plans to expand over upcoming months. ReachLocal has been in early testing of the service in Dallas since earlier this year.