ServiceMagic
Encyclopedia
ServiceMagic is a website operated by InterActiveCorp (IAC), in which homeowners in the United States and Canada are referred to home improvement
contractors
, who pay fees for leads. Contractors are pre-screened for contractor licenses and insurance as well as criminal and financial issues. There is no charge to homeowners to use the service. Homeowners choose a category that matches their home improvement need, enter their zip code and answer a couple of questions about their project.Service Magic presents three or four quotes from different contractors best suited for the project.Professionals in the ServiceMagic network are screened for criminal records, bankruptcy issues, bad reviews, sex offenses, and cases of malpractice.Member contractors are charged fees of $7 to $50 per lead referral, depending on the type of job. The site also includes articles and features on home-related topics.
. The website was acquired by InterActiveCorp in 2004 for an unknown price, though no jobs were lost in the process. Leading up to 2008, ServiceMagic matched 7 million home improvement requests by homeowners to its network of contractors and service professionals.
The website's main competitor, ImproveNet, was bought out by Service Magic in 2005 for $6.7 million.
In January 2008, IAC/InterActiveCorp appointed Craig Smith as CEO of ServiceMagic, Inc. He was the Senior Vice President of the company's Consumer Division. Co-founders Rodney Rice and Michael Beaudoin became co-chairmen and advisors. ServiceMagic remained part of the parent company when IAC split into five publicly traded companies.
In March 2008, Service Magic launched ScreenAPro, which allows homeowners to screen contractors.
In October 2008, ServiceMagic US acquired the French business 123Devis.com and Travaux.com as well as UK business 123GetAQuote.co.uk to create ServiceMagic Europe. In March 2009, the UK business was rebranded ServiceMagic.co.uk.
In April 2009, Service Magic announced that it had formed a "strategic alliance" with the National Kitchen and Bath Association
(NKBA) that would benefit both groups by bringing in more customers.
In February 2010, the company launched ServiceMagicBusiness.com, its B2B portal for commercial maintenance and improvement work.
As of 2011, ServiceMagic has more than 1,100 employees.
In April 2011, Chris Terrill was hired as Chief Executive Officer
Home improvement
Home improvement, home renovation or remodeling is the process of renovating or making additions to one's home.-Types of home improvement:...
contractors
General contractor
A general contractor is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction site, management of vendors and trades, and communication of information to involved parties throughout the course of a building project.-Description:...
, who pay fees for leads. Contractors are pre-screened for contractor licenses and insurance as well as criminal and financial issues. There is no charge to homeowners to use the service. Homeowners choose a category that matches their home improvement need, enter their zip code and answer a couple of questions about their project.Service Magic presents three or four quotes from different contractors best suited for the project.Professionals in the ServiceMagic network are screened for criminal records, bankruptcy issues, bad reviews, sex offenses, and cases of malpractice.Member contractors are charged fees of $7 to $50 per lead referral, depending on the type of job. The site also includes articles and features on home-related topics.
History
Service Magic was founded in 1998 by Rodney Rice and Michael Beaudoin who were part of the founding management team of Einstein Bros. BagelsEinstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels is a bagel and coffee chain in the United States. As of 2010, there were 587 restaurants with the Einstein Bros. name.Einstein Bros. was created by a chain restaurant corporation, Boston Chicken in 1995, as a way to market breakfast foods...
. The website was acquired by InterActiveCorp in 2004 for an unknown price, though no jobs were lost in the process. Leading up to 2008, ServiceMagic matched 7 million home improvement requests by homeowners to its network of contractors and service professionals.
The website's main competitor, ImproveNet, was bought out by Service Magic in 2005 for $6.7 million.
In January 2008, IAC/InterActiveCorp appointed Craig Smith as CEO of ServiceMagic, Inc. He was the Senior Vice President of the company's Consumer Division. Co-founders Rodney Rice and Michael Beaudoin became co-chairmen and advisors. ServiceMagic remained part of the parent company when IAC split into five publicly traded companies.
In March 2008, Service Magic launched ScreenAPro, which allows homeowners to screen contractors.
In October 2008, ServiceMagic US acquired the French business 123Devis.com and Travaux.com as well as UK business 123GetAQuote.co.uk to create ServiceMagic Europe. In March 2009, the UK business was rebranded ServiceMagic.co.uk.
In April 2009, Service Magic announced that it had formed a "strategic alliance" with the National Kitchen and Bath Association
National Kitchen & Bath Association
The National Kitchen & Bath Association is an international non-profit trade association for kitchen and bath professionals with over 36,000 members across North America. The NKBA provides resources for consumers and industry professionals and promotes professionalism and ethical business practices...
(NKBA) that would benefit both groups by bringing in more customers.
In February 2010, the company launched ServiceMagicBusiness.com, its B2B portal for commercial maintenance and improvement work.
As of 2011, ServiceMagic has more than 1,100 employees.
In April 2011, Chris Terrill was hired as Chief Executive Officer