A new online service which provides end-to-end service for consumers looking to redesign or renovate their homes could offer appliance retailers and distributors new ways to do business with customers by connecting with them through their smartphone or tablet.
Oneflare is a home services marketplace where homeowners can plan and design their home improvement projects, and then hire a local tradie for the job. The website, iPhone app and the iPad app (which launched today) matches consumers to over 40,000 Australian businesses signed up to the service.
Homeowners plan the redesign of their house through the Scrapbooks feature of the app, which Oneflare describes as “Pinterest for home improvements”, an online pin board for design ideas.
Once consumers have an idea of the type of renovation they want, they post a job and receive quotes from relevant service providers such as designers or tradesmen.
Currently the selection of major appliances is left up to the designer or the consumer, but in the future shopping for whitegoods could be integrated directly into the Oneflare app, by signing up affiliates.
CEO and co-founder of Oneflare Marcus Lim said the business is “looking to bring suppliers on board” in a similar way Pinterest is exploring purchasing items by clicking on images you have collected.
Lim said Oneflare wants to be able to connect its users with the relevant manufacturers and suppliers of major appliances. For example, Oneflare it is currently exploring the option of partnering with Allure Bathrooms, an online retailer of bathroom products.
But for now the app is a place for find inspiration for home renovation and the workforce to get the job done.
Since the iPhone app was launched late last year it has been downloaded more than 5,000 times.
“We already have thousands of users planning their home redesigns and the feedback from those early users has been tremendous. The iPad app streamlines the entire home renovating process, saving people time and allowing them to get on with more important things,” Lim said.
“No one wants to spend hours online, on the phone or flicking through the Yellow Pages, looking for a good quote. It’s a lot easier to post a job on an app, and receive quotes from different workers in your area.
The app also offers advantages to business, allowing them to contact clients as soon as a job ad is posted.
“For businesses, the Oneflare app provides timely, pre-qualified leads when workers are on the move. The new Oneflare app empowers businesses and their employees to quote and accept jobs whenever and wherever they like.”