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Frequently Asked Questions About ServiceMagic, Inc.
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Q: What is ServiceMagic?
A: ServiceMagic, Inc. is the leading online marketplace for matching consumers with prescreened, customer-rated residential contractors.
To date, the company has facilitated more than 6.5 million consumer requests for home services, representing an estimated $16.2 billion in consumer spending. ServiceMagic’s member businesses include more than 40,000 professionals nationwide.
Q: How does it work?
A: Consumers visit the ServiceMagic Web site (www.servicemagic.com) and complete a free service request form, answering a series of specific questions, such as job type, scope and location, to ensure the appropriate professionals are approached with the right request. The company verifies consumer contact information and uses its proprietary technology to instantly rout the request to service members who have indicated an interest in leads in that specific area and field of work. The requests and consumers contact information are sent immediately to three to four ServiceMagic members via e-mail, cell-text messaging, phone, pager or fax so they can contact the consumer directly to discuss the requested project. At the same time, consumers are sent the service professionals’ profile information, contact information, Ratings & Reviews from previous customers and a link to each professional's Web site.
Q: What types of services does ServiceMagic provide?
A: ServiceMagic effectively connects consumers with qualified, local service professionals addressing more than 500 different home service needs that range from simple home repairs and maintenance to complete home remodeling projects.
Q: How are Service Professionals screened?
A: ServiceMagic.com uses the following criteria as part of its registration enrollment process ("registration") for new home service professionals applying for membership in our network:
- Verify Trade License
ServiceMagic checks to see if the business carries the appropriate state-level license.
- Verify Insurance
We contact the insurance agent of the pro to confirm general liability insurance (bonding information for maid services, or cargo valuation coverage for moving companies).
- Verification of State Business Filings
For business types that require a Secretary of State filing, we confirm that the business is in good standing in the state in which it is located.
- Criminal Records Search
ServiceMagic uses 3rd party data sources to conduct a criminal search for any relevant criminal activity associated with the owner/principal of the business.
- Sex Offender Search
We confirm that the owner/principal is not listed on the official state Sex Offender web site in the state in which the owner/principal of the company is located.
- Bankruptcy Search
We use 3rd party data sources to check the history of the principal/owner of the business for bankruptcy filings by or against them.
- Legal Search for Civil Judgments
We use 3rd party data sources to check the principal/owner of the business for state level civil legal judgments entered against them.
- Liens Search
We use 3rd party data sources to check the principal/owner of the business for liens placed against them.
- Identity Verification (SSN)
ServiceMagic verifies the social security number(s) of the owner/principal for identity check purposes. This check applies primarily to smaller business entities.
- Identity Verification (Reverse Phone Lookup)
We conduct a reverse business phone lookup to identify records matching the phone number information provided by the business.
NOTE:Member service professional information confirmed as described above may change or expire over time; while ServiceMagic attempts to maintain accurate and up-to-date information, and confirms changes when notified, we cannot guarantee that profile and screening information is accurate. Therefore, we recommend that before working with a service professional you verify that information presented is still current and/or acceptable to you. Last updated: 7/6/07.
**Only for U.S. service professionals
Q: Are ServiceMagic service professionals rated?
A: Yes. Consumers rate our service professionals online once they've completed a job. The rating process empowers consumers and encourages service professionals to offer optimal levels of service. This feature also provides critical decision-making information to future consumers.
Q: Can ServiceMagic service professionals be certified?
A: Yes. ServiceMagic provides service professionals the opportunity to differentiate themselves by earning certified status. To become certified, our service professionals must garner a minimum of three excellent ratings from consumers, providing yet another incentive for optimal levels of service.
Q: In addition to hiring a service professional can I get project information from ServiceMagic?
A: Consumers can learn about specific projects through an extensive online Homeowners Library that includes tips, guides and expert advice on hundreds of home improvement topics. Consumers can also access the homeowner’s toolbox for guides on contracts, licensing, project estimators and more.
Q: How much does the service cost?
A: The service is free to consumers and our member professionals only pay a fee for the targeted customer leads they receive.
Q: How does ServiceMagic generate revenue?
A: ServiceMagic generates its revenue through lead fees from service professionals. The service is free to consumers.
Q: What type of consumer uses ServiceMagic?
A: ServiceMagic's customers are generally Internet-savvy homeowners who are 25-55 years of age, earning in excess of $50,000.
Q: Who founded ServiceMagic?
A: Michael J. Beaudoin and Rodney S. Rice founded ServiceMagic in 1998.
Q: What is the Company’s vision?
A: ServiceMagic strives to revolutionize how people buy and sell local services by creating an efficient local services marketplace and being a trusted source for connecting the right consumer to the right local service professional.
Q: How long has ServiceMagic been in business?
A: ServiceMagic was founded in December 1998. However, our seven acquired home services companies across the country provide us with 70+ years experience in the home services business.
In September 2004, IAC/InterActiveCorp (NASDAQ: IACI) acquired ServiceMagic; terms of the agreement were not disclosed. ServiceMagic remains an independent brand within the IAC Local and Media Services Group.
Q: Where is ServiceMagic located?
A: ServiceMagic is headquartered in Golden, Colorado.
Q: What are the service areas for ServiceMagic?
A: ServiceMagic currently operates nationally.
Q: How can I learn more about ServiceMagic?
A: Simply visit our Web site at www.servicemagic.com, or call toll free (800) 474-1596.
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© Copyright 1999-2008, ServiceMagic, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
