Sears launches online marketplace for home repairs

Knowing that homeowners find home maintenance a major hassle, Sears Holdings has launched a beta version of ServiceLive.com, an online services marketplace enabling homeowners to name a price for home improvements and repairs.

According to recent survey by ServiceLive, 71% of homeowners say the repair, maintenance and improvement of their homes are more frustrating than making their mortgage payments. In addition, 89% have homes that need work, and of those, 44% say they haven't done the work because they don't think they can afford it.

“ServiceLive.com is going to change the way people hire services for their homes,” said George Coll, president of ServiceLive, in a statement. “We have created a marketplace that puts the homeowner back in the driver's seat by allowing them to name the terms and manage the process completely online. It benefits service providers as well by creating job opportunities and enabling speedy payment.”

“The benefit to consumers is the really exciting part of the ServiceLive.com model,” said a Sears spokesperson. “Consumers can save time and money, and really take control of the process.”

The new site combines online auction tools used by other sites with proprietary ServiceLive technology and processes. Users can review and select pre-screened service providers in their area and then describe a repair or improvement project in detail, including the price they want to pay and desired appointment time. The project is routed to selected providers after the user uploads funds to a ServiceLive account. The first provider to accept the terms wins the project.

Sear will initially market the program through paid search, online media and public relations. “We will be testing additional marketing vehicles throughout the year, including direct mail, and e-mail campaigns,” said the company spokesperson.