Cleaners, electricians, plumbers, removalists, pest controllers, painters, accountants, renovators, landscapers, gardeners, and the like… we only need these guys every once in a while but when we do, it’s always urgent. Trust me; nothing spells urgency like a broken toilet when you’re expecting company…
Now, there is a tech start-up that is looking to change how we access these local services when we need them, for the better.
Founded by entrepreneurs Adam Dong and Marcus Lim, Oneflare is an online marketplace connecting Australians with 35,000 local businesses. There has already been $17 million worth of job requests.
The pair transitioned from the traditional working world to the hard-knock world of entrepreneurship and recently raised $500,000 in funding from local investors.
Lim has previously worked for corporate powerhouses Deloitte and Westpac. Dong ran his own web development company that he founded while still at university.
How does Oneflare work?
- Once you need a home service, be it installing a new fence or a leaking pipe in your kitchen, you head over to Oneflare and request the service, this by the way is free.
- Your request is matched with qualified businesses in your local area, and Oneflare contacts them for you about your job. Their licences, insurance and qualifications are checked so you know who is reliable and trustworthy.
- Oneflare collects up to five competitive quotes from top-rated local businesses interested in your work, and with each business’ full profile, verification status and past customer reviews at your disposal, you hire the business of your choice.
One particularly interesting feature about Oneflare is their Oneflare Guarantee. Should something go wrong with your job, Oneflare will pay up to $500 to send another Oneflare business to repair your job and set things right. Now how cool is that?
How does Oneflare benefit consumers and businesses alike?
For the average Joe who needs help, Oneflare saves you the trouble of having to look around for weeks on end for a service provider who will deliver excellently. Each business’ job history and ratings from previous customers are available for your scrutiny.
You can also secure a considerably cheaper quote than usual. In fact, even lower income earners can now afford the services of say, cleaners, which were often reserved for the middle and upper class. There is an almost even spread of searches for services from household incomes under $50,000, to those up to $150,000 and even higher.
If you run an Australian service business, Oneflare provides you with pre-qualified leads ready for you to tap into for revenue as well as a wider network of customers.
You can even secure bookings outside of the traditional working hours. Plus, you can grow and enhance your reputation in your particular niche. Nothing says bragging rights like a string of 5 star reviews from satisfied past clients.
