The problems I see with services like auto mechanics, home services providers, etc. are three-fold:
1. The time it takes out of your day to fix the problem;
2. The knowledge disparity between the vendor and customer, exacerbated by the need to have the issue fixed quickly (no time to check veracity);
3. The fact that many of these services have business models that focus on upcharging after customer lock-in. For example, I've read that some quick lube shops are expected to get an additional 50% above the oil change cost out of each customer..
This service seems to help with the first issue, not so much the others. For example, if the mechanic comes over and diagnoses several, expensive problems and is now saying it will cost $X to fix, you either have to accept it and pay or send the person home, which wastes everyone's time. That recently happened to me with an electrician I found on a daily deals site. All I wanted was a pair of outlets installed, and he put together a work order for more than $1000 in "needed" repairs. I just asked him to leave. My house is still standing and my regular electrician disagreed about the necessity of those repairs.
It shouldn't be surprising that the best shops are always really busy and, frankly, I doubt they will have the time or interest in participating in something like this. (Not to be a downer, I love the idea...these are just the issues I see.)
1. The time it takes out of your day to fix the problem; 2. The knowledge disparity between the vendor and customer, exacerbated by the need to have the issue fixed quickly (no time to check veracity); 3. The fact that many of these services have business models that focus on upcharging after customer lock-in. For example, I've read that some quick lube shops are expected to get an additional 50% above the oil change cost out of each customer..
This service seems to help with the first issue, not so much the others. For example, if the mechanic comes over and diagnoses several, expensive problems and is now saying it will cost $X to fix, you either have to accept it and pay or send the person home, which wastes everyone's time. That recently happened to me with an electrician I found on a daily deals site. All I wanted was a pair of outlets installed, and he put together a work order for more than $1000 in "needed" repairs. I just asked him to leave. My house is still standing and my regular electrician disagreed about the necessity of those repairs.
It shouldn't be surprising that the best shops are always really busy and, frankly, I doubt they will have the time or interest in participating in something like this. (Not to be a downer, I love the idea...these are just the issues I see.)