After a test in the UK, it looks like eBay is launching its new local service provider marketplace eBayHire in the U.S.
eBayHire is similar to Angie’s List in that the site will get you in touch with service providers. For now, eBay Hire in the U.S. is only accepting requests from service providers. But the company has revealed a little bit more info on its plans for the marketplace. Through eBayHire, service providers can sell their services to eBay users in their neighborhood. You can find traditional service providers like plumbers, movers, contractors, drivers and more; but you can also access more specialized providers like photographers, coaches, those who specialize in antique valuations, upholstery cleaners and more.
Each provider has a profile page, where they can list services, bios and rates. eBay says that in future rollouts, ads featuring these pros will show up in product search result pages on eBay’s marketplace. So if you are searching for tennis rackets on eBay you would see an advertisement for a local tennis pro.
How does it work on the consumer side? You pick a provider you want to hire and submit a form via the site of what type of service you need. The provider then sends you a quote or calls you, and if you proceed with the service, you book and pay directly with the professional.
eBay Hire does not charge a fee to sign up, and it does not make any commissions. But we’re told that after the current promotional period ends, eBay will start charging fees for each booking, similar to the fees charged when users list and/or sell items on eBay.com. eBay also says that it is working with coaches and service pros from the Professional Tennis Registry, the U.S. Golf Teachers Federation and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
Steve Yankovich, vice president of innovation and new ventures at eBay, tells us that eBay Hire will provide professionals and customers with a “smart and seamless experience.” “This limited beta launch is another example of eBay Inc. using technology to connect buyers and sellers in new ways,” he said in a statement.
It’s an interesting move for eBay to enter the services provider industry, even as a test. There is some crossover with Angie’s List, Home Depot’s Red Beacon and TaskRabbit or Exec. But the marketplace giant has been eyeing local and mobile, and this could be part of this strategy. The advertising tie-in is also worth noting — clearly eBay sees potential promise in cross-promotion and leveraging data from each marketplace. We’ll know more as eBay rolls this out more broadly and opens up eBay Hire to the public.
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