This should be an interesting battle: Amazon (AMZN) said it plans dive into the local services marketplace — challenging established companies Angie’s List (ANGI) and Yelp (YELP).
The company plans to debut later this year a marketplace that will connect local and regional businesses/professionals to consumers.
As first reported by Reuters, the marketplace will be based on a city-by-city basis, similar to its grocery delivery service, Amazon Fresh.
Tapping into the regional market offers untapped billions for companies — and many are moving into local waters with gusto.
eBay is currently testing eBay Hire, which aims to place the profiles of services and businesses next to products that consumers are already shopping for.
Angie’s List and Yelp have shown wild success in the local marketplace but it’s still not a proven winner for consumers.
While Angie’s List and Yelp providing potential customers with a list of ranked businesses, it’s still not the easiest way for consumers to find what they’re looking for.
To help with the issue, along came a marketplace service called Thumbtack — potential customers post a job and businesses and professionals then bid and compete for that job.
Amazon is likely to combine the marketplace aspects of Thumbtack with the more established lists of ranked services.
The retailer giant will use its already strong customer base to edge itself into an arena that is quickly becoming a consumer goldmine.
AMZN stock is up 2.3% in morning trading.
