Got a leaky toilet, a flat screen TV that needs to be installed, a floor that needs refinishing, or some other home-fix it project you can’t DIY? Sears has launched a new contractor service, called ServiceLive.com that directs you to handymen and contractors in your area, and the best part: you can name your own price for the job. Or theoretically you can. The site sends you suggested labor costs so you know where to start your bidding. If you’re too low-ball, the service may turn your job down. Also, you have to pay $10 to list a job (and the site collects a 10% commission on any job performed).
I got on right away because I’m looking for someone to refinish my floors. So I just typed in my zip code, clicked on the type of job I needed done, and a bunch of local names popped up. I clicked on a few names and a handy map also popped up so I could see how close they were my house.
So far so good. But there were a couple of potential bummers: Though Sears says it’s vetted all 9,000 providers listed on their site, so far there’s little feedback from satisfied customers. And be sure to read the provider’s profiles carefully; the Sears’ site says that some don’t have licenses on file with them! So before you start haggling with a contractor you’re considering, it wouldn’t hurt to call the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints on file. You’ll also want to see if the contractor is properly licensed and insured, a key indicator of their professionalism and competency.
