Avito Services will launch a new service for ordering services and making payments between customers and performers

Avito Services began testing a partner service that will change the order of service orders and settlements between customers and performers.

The company explained that we are talking about the mechanics of protecting the transaction. The new service will allow you to record agreements between the parties and structure the payment process.

“All conditions are fixed at the start, and payment is reserved until the service is accepted by the customer. Calculations are based on the escrow principle: the contractor receives money only after confirmation of the result by the client. At the current stage, the pilot is focused on business services, where a significant part of the functionality has already been implemented. The tool is also being tested in the repair and finishing segment and the Transportation and Delivery category,” explained representatives of Avito Services.

The secure settlement model is the standard for international service platforms, while in the Russian market such solutions are still in the development stage.

The new service will work as follows. Even before the start of the provision of services, the volume, essence of the task, duration and cost will be recorded. After this, the customer will confirm the terms and pay for the service, but the contractor will receive them only after the successful completion of the transaction. Until then they will be reserved. An independent arbitrator will help resolve controversial situations.

According to a study by Avito Services, 48% of customers expect from such tools, first of all, protection from sudden price increases and violation of agreements. Among performers, 30% say the main advantage is the guarantee of payment: if you provide a service, the money will come.

“The services market is largely built on direct agreements between customers and performers. In practice, this often leads to conflict situations: from changes in cost during the provision of services to refusal of payment or complaints about the quality of the service performed. Pilot testing of secure transactions will allow us to test how such mechanisms can increase the transparency of interaction and reduce risks for both parties,” said Alexander Kuroptev, senior director of Avito Services.

At the moment, the service is being tested in pilot mode in the following categories: graphic, web and mobile design, promotion and advertising, accounting, texts and translations. In the repair and finishing category, tools are available in 14 areas, including plumbing work, electrical services, furniture assembly and repair, window and balcony repair, as well as a number of repair and finishing works (laying floors and tiles, wallpapering, plastering and roofing).

The service was implemented jointly with partner Avito Consult LLC. Based on the results of the pilot, it is planned to develop and refine the mechanics.

Main photo: freepik.com