What is ServAsk.com?
ServAsk is an Internet directory connecting you to very small,
independent service-based businesses like piano teachers, cleaners, painters, etc.
ServAsk is a new website containing a searchable database of microbusiness services, along
with customer ratings. ServAsk.com connects the public, both individual and business,
to microbusinesses. We also publish articles of interest to micros' customers,
and for micros themselves.
What is RAMP?
Refer-a-Micro program, or RAMP, is where you have the opportunity to help out all
of those very small businesses you have hired, like the person who teaches piano
lessons to your kids, and the one who does your taxes. Many micros, or very
small businesses, rely on word-of-mouth leads. Here at ServAsk you can turn
your word-of-mouth recommendations into a visual lead by referring the micro to
this website. In return, you get $15 per successful referral, when the conditions
are met in the
RAMP contract. Get
started right now by
registering.
How much does ServAsk cost?
Look up services for free and without registering! It is free to search for services in your local area.
How do I look up a service?
To find piano teachers, for example, enter "piano" at the top of the page where you see
"Service or Skill:", then click on the "Find" button. You can also search by zip
code or area code. For example, click on the Area code radio button at the top of
the page, then enter "608" in the first box (text box), then click on the "Find" button.
How do I advertise my services?
To list your services, first Register. Click on the "Register" button at the top of the page. Fill out all of the information
on the form and submit. You will then receive an email giving you further instructions.
The MemberID that you create will be visible to the public. Starting April 2006,
there is a $35 fee per
listing per year.
What if I'm a micro, but I sell product, not services?
If you customize your product, then you provide a service. List how you customize
your product.
Why is ServAsk needed for people looking for services?
Finding someone with the exact skills you need in your local area can be difficult
and time-consuming. Many home-based businesses, especially those with limited marketing
budgets,do not advertise. Traditional word-of-mouth is time-consuming.
You can now read customer feedback and ratings.
Why is ServAsk needed for microbusinesses?
Microbusinesses do not have a visible referral system nor an inexpensive mode of
traditional advertisement.
How do I know I can trust a microbusiness?
First, ServAsk neither endorses nor verifies the information in the ServAsk directory. However,in
order to build trust between the potential client and the microbusiness, we offer
a feedback and rating system. Customers may rate and comment
on the services of the microbusinesses they hire from the ServAsk directory. Each
microbusiness
can thus establish a visible referral trail.
What about my privacy?
First, read our
policies. ServAsk respects your privacy. The extent to which you reveal personally
identifiable information in the directory is up to you.
What kinds of services and skills are listed in ServAsk?
ServAsk contains all kinds of skills and services such as cleaning, child
care, home repair, piano teaching, painting, tutoring, dog sitting, lawn mowing,
custom artwork, musical performances, etc. ServAsk is the place to list your services,
whether you own a very small business, or you are a full-time contractor, or you
just want to advertise for part-time, occasional projects.
How do I choose a microbusiness?
Again, we neither endorse nor verify the information in ServAsk's directory. But
we do offer helpful articles, often written by experts,on how to select the microbusiness
you need. Use common sense and ask for proof of insurance, references, etc. Also,
here is helpful information regarding home repair work
http://datcp.state.wi.us/cp/consumerinfo/cp/top-complaints/home_improvement.jsp
Don't forget to treat your account numbers and other personally identifiable information
the same as your other valuables.
What is a microbusiness?
A microbusiness is a very small business, generally with less than five
employees, although this is no strict
rule. Actually, 90% of all U.S. businesses have less than five employees (SBA's Office
of Advocacy 2003 statistics). Furthermore, over 76% of U.S. businesses have zero employees, and 94.9% have less than 10 employees.
What geographical region?
ServAsk is not limited to any particular region. However, during our start-up, we may focus more on the
greater Madison, Wisconsin area, since that is where we are located ourselves.
last updated 4/14/06