I've long thought there should be eBay for services. Have thrown the idea out there in various brainstorming sessions over the years. It never really stuck & was always told "it's too local" to aggregate. Well ... while was looking the other way, ServiceMagic.com launched.

Free for consumers, ServiceMagic.com, screens remodeling contractors and has made more than 8 million matches between homeowners and members of its nationwide network of 52,000 prescreened contractors and other types of home service professionals, including plumbers, electricians, landscapers, housekeepers, etc. The site's slogan: "We screen 'em. Neighbors Rate 'em. You pick 'em. Makes perfect sense if you're looking for a service or have one to offer & are looking for leads.

To use ServiceMagic.com:

- Select the category of contractor you need and describe your need in detail.
- ServiceMagic matches your request to the appropriate pre-screened professionals (usually 3 or 4) based on their expertise & preferences.
- ServiceMagic Introduces the prescreened professionals to the customer by providing company profiles
and ratings & reviews.
- Connection by customer and contractor are made via e-mail, text message or telephone.

At the completion of your project, ServiceMagic contacts you to find out which contractor your selected and asks you to rate the contractor in a number of areas, including: Timeliness, Cleanliness, Budget, Quality and Value.