eBay has partnered with three service providers to book home installation or assembly services: Handy, Porch and InstallerNet. All three companies connect shoppers with pre-screened local service professionals across the U.S.
When purchasing items that require installation or assembly, eBay shoppers will have the ability to add a service from the most appropriate provider as part of the checkout process. The placement of the services purchase option is designed to streamline the entire checkout, making it easier for shoppers to buy the product and schedule an appointment at the same time.
The three companies specialize in:
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- Handy: home cleaning to TV mounting, smart home setup to furniture assembly;
- Porch: TV mounting and furniture assembly, as well as large remodel projects and ongoing home maintenance; and
- InstallerNet: installation of consumer and commercial electronics products
The partnerships follow eBay’s entrance into tire installation services in late 2017, which allows eBay shoppers to bundle new tire purchases with professional installation in their area.
Handy already has established a nationwide presence in Walmart. The services company provides indoor installations such as hanging televisions or assembling furniture.
These partnerships are gaining popularity as retailers seek to differentiate themselves by adding services to product sales. Amazon added its Home Services feature in 2015 and now offers a range of product assembly services covering both in-home and yard items such as grills, trampolines and basketball hoops. IKEA expanded its TaskRabbit furniture assembly services in March 2018 after acquiring the company in October 2017. Best Buy, long known for its Geek Squad tech support, announced plans in June 2018 to take the service nationwide as part of its “New Blue” growth strategy.
