Amazon launches Home Services offering in UK
Online retail giant Amazon has launched its Home Services offering in the UK to enable customers to buy guaranteed professional assembly and installation services.
The move means that customers purchasing products like televisions, household appliances, garden furniture and exercise equipment on Amazon can now schedule installation or assembly support from professional tradespeople during checkout.
Shoppers can also browse, purchase and schedule a selection of professional services even if they have bought their products elsewhere.
Amazon said the service features a curated list of handpicked tradespeople and service providers who offer upfront pricing with ratings and reviews from verified customers. Amazon also offers a ‘Happiness Guarantee’ to back all service purchases. If a customer is not satisfied with the completed work, Amazon will work with both the customer and the provider to ensure the job gets done to the right standard or issue a refund.
Amazon said tradespeople taking part in the scheme will be background checked and required to carry any applicable insurance and licenses.
Scott Webster, general manager of Amazon Home Services Europe, said: “We’re thrilled to be expanding Amazon Home Services to the UK as a simple way to book trusted, service professionals.
“Following our successful launch in the US, customers have told us they love the convenience and peace of mind that comes with trusted, professional installation of their products. We’re delighted to be able to offer this same experience to UK customers through a network of handpicked, local tradespeople and service providers.”
The new service will be available across Greater London, Birmingham and Manchester with tradespeople including handymen, electricians, plumbers and home cinema specialists. New cities and services will be added over time.
Each service comes with a pre-defined scope of work and upfront pricing. Customers can add pre-packaged services direct to their Amazon.co.uk baskets and are only charged when the service is completed.
Prior to the launch, Amazon commissioned independent research which revealed that of the 1,500 adults surveyed, 61% said they would prefer to enlist the help of a professional to carry out household tasks. In addition, one in four confessed to having suffered a DIY disaster in the past.
