(I will be posting this on other local groups as it is a issue that I believe can be improved in all the local groups that allow clients and prospective contractors to post their services.) My family and I own a few local businesses here on Amelia Island, two of which are; home service related. I promote these businesses for them online. From my experience with online community building, some sort of rating/customer experience review system would be a tremendous help when someone post to the group, asking for a local service, i.e. plumbers, painters, preachers, lawn services, window cleaners, roofers, carpet cleaners, pet groomers, general contractors, etc, etc. The potential client and contractors can get overwhelmed with the current protocol and I believe there is a way to improve the experience for both parties. My idea is to start providing a rating/review file section here on AIFBYN, thinking something like what Angies List has done so well, connecting clients and contractors with real reviews. (I would be willing to help with implementing this project, but could not do it alone - if the admins approve.) There could be a basic rating system for our local groups- Stars would work - same principal in mind. Most people come to communities like AIFBYN with the idea of getting referrals from other members experiences versus mass self promotion. Again, the value of any quality group/community is to become a valuable resource, which assists members to find reliable information. Many come her looking for reputable and competitive home service companies that have proven to provide reliable service(s) that are being sought. However, when we list all of our services by name only, it becomes similar to looking in the phone book for a company - not much value, if any. :-/ Look at what happened today when a member posted for a landscaping contractor. (Present company included...) Here is a quick idea of what I have in mind -- this would allow members to weed out a lot of the competition and protect such members seeking services, here in this online community. A file could be created with each registered AIFBYN Vendor in the files section of this group briefly describing a job and/or ongoing monthly/annual services they have done for a local client. The current and/or previous clients can comment on their experience with listed contractor - these clients are currently using and/or have had services provided by such vendor. The registering of a vendor for services listed as approved AIFBYN Vendors process would involve verification prior to listing the business for hire. AIFBYN would confirm in writing the appropriate licensing, insurance coverages, and any and all applicable requirements to do business legally and ethically. If AIFBYN admins are too busy and do not have time to incorporate this idea, as it will involve some serious time commitment, then maybe a spin-off Facebook Group could be created strictly for local vendors services. THOUGHTS?
Posted on: Sun, 18 Jan 2015 20:42:18 +0000
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