We're testing a new system using AI to connect customers with businesses. The trial will run in the Sydney Painting Industry. The system uses AI Agents to improve job quality, and match jobs with the best Painters over WhatsApp.
Q: Why are you running this trial?
A: We want to build a faster, smarter way to connect painting businesses with customers who are more likely to proceed.
We’re trialing a system that gets better leads from customers, gives them a more relevant selection of painting businesses to choose from, and an easier way for painters to find out about and accept the lead.
Our goal is to provide painters with higher quality leads and more jobs that match your service offering and location.
Q: Does it cost me anything to take part in the trial?
A: No—there are no additional fees at all during this trial. You can only participate if you have a paid subscription to Service Seeking.
Q: Will I be penalised if I don’t take part in the trial?
A: Not at all. If you don’t want to accept the invite that’s no problem, and there will be no penalty. Your regular Service Seeking subscription continues as normal.
Q: Why did you make a new system?
A: We know that there are frustrations on both sides of the marketplace, so we’re looking to design a better way to connect customers and businesses.
Q: How does the trial system work?
A: The trial system is only for jobs submitted through the Painters Near Me website AI agent, located in the Sydney region.
The customer gives the details of the job to the AI agent on the Painters Near Me website. Our system shortlists painting businesses who match the requirements, then sends the lead to them via WhatsApp.
The business can ask for more info about the job, or choose to accept or decline the lead.
If they accept, the customer’s contact details are shared instantly via WhatsApp. The painter then reaches out to the customer to set up a time to provide a detailed quote.
Q: How long will the trial run?
A: We expect it to run for a few months, starting July 2025. We’ll keep you posted on the exact end date.
Q: How many leads will I get from the trial?
A: We can’t predict how many leads will be sent to you during the trial, as it depends on the jobs submitted and where they are located. But you can choose not to participate in the trial at any time, simply reply STOP and we will remove you from the list of participating businesses.
Q: What happens when the trial is over?
A: We’ll review the results. We’ll be looking to see if the trial got us closer to our goal of higher quality leads. We’ll keep customers and businesses informed if we continue the trial.
Q: How do I accept or decline a lead?
A: It’s all done via WhatsApp. Just tap the "YES - I am available" or "NO - Not available" buttons in the message when you receive a lead from this number to accept or decline.
If you’d prefer more information before making up your mind, tap the “I need more info” button in the message. Then when you’ve decided, just tap the YES or NO buttons on the original message.
Q: What happens if I don’t reply to the message?
A: If we don’t hear back from you within one business day , we’ll assume you’re unavailable —no penalty. We’re looking to connect customers with available businesses ASAP, so we can’t wait longer than that.
With less competition for each lead, it’s worth your while to check your messages, so make sure you have notifications turned on for WhatsApp.
We’ll let you know if you respond too late and the lead has closed.
Q: What happens after I accept a lead?
A: We instantly share the customer’s contact details with you, so you can reach out directly to set up time for a detailed quote.
The customer will also be told that you have accepted the lead. We will send them your information and they will expect you to contact them to set up time for a site visit or conversation.
Q: What happens if I accidentally accept a job?
A: Just let us know in the chat and we will update it for you - no penalty.
Q: What if the customer doesn’t respond when I reach out to them?
A: Let us know in chat. We’ll follow up with the customer or re-assign the job if needed.
Q: Will I get leads from my usual regions?
A: We’re aiming to match leads with businesses in the right area, but you might also be offered leads from neighbouring areas during the trial. The job location will be listed in the lead information.
If a lead location isn’t convenient, simply decline the lead. There’s no penalty for saying no.
Q: How do I update my service areas or phone number?
A: Email support@serviceseeking.com.au and we’ll adjust it for you.
Q: Will this affect my regular Service Seeking leads?
A: No—your normal leads and profile continue as usual.
Q: Will leads I accept through WhatsApp affect my jobs or reviews on the main Service Seeking site?
A: No. The trial runs separately from the main site, so any trial reviews won’t automatically appear on your public profile. If a customer leaves feedback, we can add it to your profile manually.
Q: Will other painters see the same lead?
A: Only a select shortlist of painters will be offered the lead - not the whole marketplace.
Q: How can I give feedback on the Trial?
A: Reply in this chat any time or email support@serviceseeking.com.au. We’ll also send a short feedback form at some point.
Q: Can I opt out later?
A: Yes—send us a message saying “STOP” at any time and you’ll be removed from the trial.
Q: How were painters chosen for the trial?
A: We selected a group of Sydney painters who are active on Service Seeking, reliable, and well-reviewed. We want to make the trial work well for everyone, so we selected businesses whose profiles showed that they were likely to engage and make it a success.
Q: Why is it only for Sydney jobs?
We kept the trial focused on Sydney because there’s strong demand in that area. It’s a good way to see how the system performs in a busy, real-world setting.