At ServiceSeeking.com.au, we’ve spent almost 20 years helping Aussies get jobs done by connecting them with local tradies. But we know it hasn’t always been perfect. Sometimes it takes too long. Sometimes it’s too hard. Sometimes the job details are a bit thin.
So we’ve gone back to the drawing board. The result? An innovative new system, aimed to simplify the job process, improve lead quality, and make sure the right customer gets matched with the right business.
For the next few months, ServiceSeeking will trial the new system with real customers and businesses, specifically for painting jobs located in Sydney and submitted via a dedicated microsite PaintersNearMe.net.au.
How will it work?
This isn’t just about tech for tech’s sake. The trial is aiming to test solutions to real frustrations we’ve heard from both sides of the marketplace.
Whether you're a busy homeowner wanting a simpler way to find the best business for the job, or a painter sick of vague or incomplete leads, this system has been designed to make life easier for everyone.
Here’s how it will work:
1. Better descriptions of the job to be done
We know that sometimes customers don’t share enough information about the job, because they may not know what information to share.
The new system uses an AI agent, trained to ask customers clever, relevant questions to build out a detailed description of the job to be done.
We also know that some customers are simply researching prices, so, in some cases, the agent can give the customer a rough idea of what their job might cost before deciding to proceed.
2. Leads shared selectively with the best businesses for the job
We know customers can be overwhelmed by the number of businesses who contact them after posting a job, and that businesses can struggle to stand out in the crowd.
The new system only shares the lead with a smaller group of painters, chosen based on the customer’s preferences, the quality of the business and the location of the job.
Leads are sent to the selected group directly via WhatsApp, instead of an open callout. This streamlined approach makes the selection more relevant and manageable for the customer. And with fewer tradies matched and invited to quote per job, it’s worth it for businesses to respond to the lead.
3. Everyone saves time
We know that customers don’t want to be checking everyone’s availability, and that tradies don’t want to waste time quoting on jobs they can’t do.
This new system saves customers and businesses time. First, by checking business availability before connecting them with the customer. And second, by allowing tradies to find out more about the lead before choosing to accept the invite. All via the convenience of WhatsApp.
If a business is interested and available to quote on a job, the system passes on customer details directly to the painter to organise an on-site quote. And since all communication happens via the website or on WhatsApp, there’s no login required. No more jumping through hoops to remember forgotten passwords.
Who can take part in the trial?
The trial is only for painting jobs in Sydney, submitted via a dedicated microsite, PaintersNearMe.net.au. The trial will start in July 2025 and run until further notice.
Customers can choose to use the new AI-powered system to submit their job, or use the existing system on PaintersNearMe.net.au or ServiceSeeking.com.au. Only jobs submitted with the AI agent will use the new system.
We will be inviting painters in Sydney to participate in the trial. They must have a paid ServiceSeeking subscription and WhatsApp activated to receive the invitation, and they can choose to opt out at any time.
The goal is to ensure that each customer is quickly connected with a select group of the best painters for their job, and that painters get more detailed and certain job leads.
What should I know about taking part in the trial?
We're using external software systems for the trial, so jobs and leads from the trial will NOT be visible in either the customer or tradie's Service Seeking account or mobile apps.
Customers who choose to submit a job using the trial system will be kept informed via email, and can contact painters@serviceseeking.com.au for any questions or feedback throughout.
Customers who choose to use the trial system will also not be able to leave feedback for jobs in the regular way, but will be invited to provide feedback over email..
The trial isn’t just a test of technology. It’s a deep dive into whether a new system actually works for customers and businesses. We’ll be observing closely with live dashboards, internal testers, and real-time feedback so we can improve throughout.
A Smarter Future for Getting Jobs Done
We're excited to see what we learn from the trial, and what this new system might mean for tradies and customers alike.
It’s time to make job matching feel less like a chore and more like a smarter, simpler solution that works the way you’d like it to.
