A NEW network has been launched in Torbay which enables consumers to buy whatever service or product they need, by simply posting the work they need doing online.
The idea for the new Buzwon site was born in a Torquay taxi.
Cabbie Matt Jones was driving a client to Heathrow and on the journey back he realised there should be a way via the web that he could have filled the taxi for the return journey.
“There must have been someone from the South West who was landing at that time and needed a ride home. But how to find that customer?”
Mr Jones quickly came up with the concept of Buzwon.
If you need some gardening work done, list it on Buzwon to advertise the work, show photographs of what’s needed and invite gardening services to come to you by bidding for the job.
The gardeners can also provide references, qualifications and membership of guilds or trade associations.
Mr Jones enthused fellow cabbie Nick Holtom who joined the business and they turned to Torquay harbourside-based IT company Createanet to build the site, which features more than 150 categories ranging from education to entertainment, home maintenance to healthcare.
Mr Jones, now managing director of Buzwon, said: “It’s a bit like Yellow Pages in reverse. Instead of the customer ringing round for quotes, they post the job (known as a Buzwant) and the service providers respond. But the difference is that the customer can compare quotes, look at qualifications, insurance details and testimonials. And they also have the opportunity to post feedback after the work is completed.
“We also live in times of consumers giving star ratings for service where people expect to rate their experience if they feel like it.”
This will help to guide other users.
Torquay born and bred Mr Jones also wants to help the local economy. He said that while registration and the posting of Buzwants is free, they will be offering five free credits to everyone who registers with a TQ postcode.
“This is great for local businesses who can find new potential customers and quality business for nothing,” he said.
Mr Jones is full of praise for Createanet who he says have designed a site that is not only eye-catching but quick and easy to use.
He said: “It needs to appeal to Buzwon customers all over the world as we see this concept going international, and they have really achieved that. We’re absolutely delighted with it.