- ServiceMagic
ServiceMagic is a web service operated by
IAC/InterActiveCorp for homeowners in the United States and Canada to findhome improvement contractors.According to IAC/InterActiveCorp Service Magic was established in 1999, has more than 850 employees, generated $1.25 billion in project revenue for its service professionals in 2007 and serves more than 53,000 contractorscite web|url=http://www.iac.com/Our-Businesses/ServiceMagic|publisher=IAC|title=Service Magic] , categorized by geographic profile and more than 500 home
remodeling and other project and service preferences. IAC further claims these vendors are pre-screened for contractor licenses and insurance as well as criminal and financial issues.cite web|url=http://www.servicemagic.com/servlet/FAQServlet#howmember|title=Consumer FAQ's|publisher=ServiceMagic]There is no charge to homeowners to use the service. Member contractors are charged fees of $5 to $120 per lead referral, depending on the type of job. The site also includes a feature for consumers to rate and review contractors, and a "Homeowners Resource Center" that includes tips, tools, guides, galleries and advice on home-related topics.
History
Service Magic was founded in 1998 by Rodney Rice and Michael Beaudoin who were also part of the founding management team of Einstein Bros. Bagels. Leading up to 2008, ServiceMagic matched 7 million home improvement requests by homeowners to its network of contractors and service professionals.cite web|url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/Jan/14/service-magic-links-homeowners-contractors/|publisher=Rocky Mountain News|title=Service Magic]
In January 2008, IAC/InterActiveCorp appointed Craig Smith as CEO of ServiceMagic, Inc. Mr. Smith was the Senior Vice President of the company's Consumer Division. Co-founders Rodney Rice and Michael Beaudoin transitioned to co-Chairmen of Service Magic, serving as advisers to the senior management team.cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/01/21/daily27.html|publisher=BizJournals|title=Service Magic Appoints New CEO]
In March 2008 Service Magic launched a service called ScreenAProcite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS107784+25-Mar-2008+PRN20080325|publisher=Reuters|title=Service Magic Announces Launch of Screen-A-Pro] to help cut down on home improvement fraud. The Wall Street Journal suggested Screen-A-Pro as a place to get "free licensing, insurance, bonding, civil judgment and criminal record information on any contractor in the country."cite web|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120777090848402527.html|publisher=Wall Street Journal|title=Screen-A-Pro Mentioned as Resource for Homeowners] ScreenAPro gives homeowners the ability to perform a background check on any home service professional in the U.S., even if they are not part of the Service Magic network.
In August 2008, ServiceMagic remained one of IAC/InterActiveCorp's operating companies after the parent company spun off Ticketmaster, LendingTree, HSN and Interval Leisure Group into separately traded entities and boosted 2nd quarter profits 33 percent.cite web|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=axCIZ9vRlNPU&refer=us|publisher=Bloomberg|title=Service Magic Remains With IAC]
References
External links
* [http://www.servicemagic.com/ Official site]
* [http://www.servicemagic.com/screen/ Screen-A-Pro]
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