Quikr launches QuikrServices to help users find service providers

Online classifieds firm Quikr has launched a new vertical that will help users find local service providers from cooks to carpenters.

The new facility, named QuikrServices, lists a range of services such as interior designing, home cleaning and repairing, appliances repairing, catering, broadband installation, packers and movers, and pest control.

"Marketmaking in the services category is a hard problem to crack standalone," said Pranay Chuler, founder and CEO of Quikr Technologies Pvt Ltd. "The unorganized and fuzzy nature of supply and demand is the biggest challenge in this sector and now QuikrServices is here to bring some structure to this chaos."

QuikrServices allows consumers to instantly connect with the service providers through a free and anonymous two-way conference call. It has features such as on-demand services with a pre-defined price list and confirmed booking, and a "Needs Dashboard" to help track conversations with service providers from the time of booking till delivery. It also allows users to rate and review the service providers.

"QuikrServices will help customers meet these needs much faster and save their effort and money in the process. We want to provide our consumers all services under one roof without having to compromise on the authenticity of the service," said P.D. Sundar, head of QuikrServices.

The move is part of Quikr's plan to have separate verticals for key segments such as real estate, cars, electronics, jobs and education. It had launched QuikrHomes, its real estate vertical, in early September followed by QuikrJobs later in the month. Its other verticals include QuikrC2C and QuikrCars.

Quikr's investors include Warburg Pincus, Kinnevik, Tiger Global Management, Matrix Partners India, Norwest Venture Partners, Nokia Growth Partners, Steadview Capital, Omidyar Network and eBay Inc.