Amazon already delivers your toilet paper. Now it wants to deliver your plumber.
The online retail giant debuted a new service today called Home Services. It’s designed to take the simplistic Amazon ordering approach and apply it to real-world service needs, like fixing your home computer, cleaning the gutter or teaching aerial yoga lessons.
After selecting the service you need on Amazon’s website, you give the time you want the contractor/teacher/interior designer to show up. Amazon handles the rest, and you’re charged once the job is completed to your satisfaction.
“Order a random person to come to work on my house over the internet?” You might be thinking, “No way!” Amazon’s program is invite-only and its “pros” are vetted by background checks. They must also have “any required trade licenses and insurance on file.” Customer reviews are based on real Amazon users, not robots or firms hired to make a company look good.
To sweeten the deal, Amazon is offering a $20 gift card for a limited time when you buy a service.
More of the 700-plus services will be offered in bigger cities, but you can enter your ZIP code on Amazon’s website to see what’s available in your area.
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
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Steve Jobs the Plumber