If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about developing an on-demand home services app and want to know what features to include.
These apps have three main segments: customers, service providers, and admins. Each needs specific features to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential features for each segment and help you create an app that meets your users’ needs, boosts engagement, and makes managing your platform easier.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the must-have features for your on-demand home services app!
Features Needed in the Customers App
Let’s get to know the features that are already in existence and how to exploit those resources to the fullest!
1. Multiple Categories
The customer must be able to view all the services that are available within the app. So they can choose the one they needs.
2. Fare Estimation
An approximate fare estimate could be added in the app so that the customer will be able to know if the service fits into his/her budget and whether it is worth their money.
3. Multiple Payment Options
The customer must be assured that their money is reaching the stakeholders involved. There could be three payment options: Cash, Wallet, and UPI payment options.
The customer could add money in the wallet as and when required using their card details. The card payments can be directed via a payment gateway for instance: Stripe Connect (A 3D secure payment gateway).
4. Scheduled Booking
What if your customers can schedule their bookings well in advance? It makes everything so much better for your end-users as they’ll be able to pick a date and time to their convenience.
5. Real-Time Tracking
Implement real-time tracking so customers can see the status of their service request, including the location of the service provider, estimated arrival time, and progress updates.
6. In-App Chat and Communication
Provide an in-app messaging system that enables customers to communicate directly with service providers. This helps clarify any questions or details before the service is provided.
7. Push Notifications
Keep customers informed with push notifications about booking confirmations, service provider arrival, changes in schedule, and completion of services.
8. User Profiles and Preferences
Allow users to manage their profiles, including their contact information and frequently booked locations. This can help in personalizing the experience and speeding up the booking process.
9. Discounts and Promotions
Offer special discounts, promotions, or loyalty rewards to attract and retain customers. These could be in the form of percentage discounts, referral bonuses, or special offers for first-time users.
10. Multi-Language Support
Provide support for multiple languages to cater to a diverse customer base and enhance accessibility.
11. Feedback and Ratings for Providers
Allow customers to rate and leave feedback for service providers after the service is completed. This not only helps maintain quality but also builds a community of trusted professionals.
12. Service History
Maintain a record of past services and transactions. This can help customers track their service usage and expenses over time.
Features Needed in Service Provider App
1. Registration and Onboarding
Service providers should be able to easily register using their phone number, with a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification, facilitated through an SMS gateway like Twilio.
The registration process should be user-friendly and similar for customers to ensure consistency.
2. Payout Management
Service providers should be able to add and manage multiple bank accounts for payouts. They should have the option to set one card as their default payout method, which ensures that payments are sent to the preferred account promptly.
3. Multi-Language and Multi-Currency Support
To cater to a diverse user base, the app should support multiple languages and currencies. For specific regions, such as Arab nations, RTL (Right-to-Left) language support should be included to enhance usability.
4. Booking Management
Service providers should have access to a comprehensive dashboard where they can view and manage their current and past bookings. This feature should include detailed information about each booking, such as customer details, service specifics, and appointment times.
5. Push Notifications
The app should send push notifications for key events, including new bookings, customer messages, cancellations, and updates from the admin. This ensures that service providers stay informed and can respond promptly.
6. Cancellation Reasons
Service providers should have access to a predefined list of cancellation reasons provided by the admin. This feature allows service providers to select an appropriate reason if they need to cancel a booking to maintain transparency and consistency.
7. Earnings Reports
The app should provide detailed reports of earnings, including weekly summaries and total earnings. Service providers should be able to track their financial performance over time, including a breakdown of earnings by service or period.
8. Real-Time Job Tracking
Service providers should have access to real-time tracking of their job locations and updates. This feature helps them plan their routes efficiently and stay informed about any changes or delays.
9. In-App Messaging
An integrated messaging system should be available for service providers to communicate directly with customers. This feature facilitates clear and timely communication regarding service details, changes, or any additional requests.
10. Profile Management
Service providers should be able to create and manage their profiles, including their qualifications, expertise, and a profile photo. This helps in building credibility and attracting more customers.
11. Rating
The app should include a system for service providers to receive ratings from customers. This helps in maintaining high service quality and allows providers to improve based on customer input.
12. Service Customization
Service providers should have the ability to customize their service offerings based on their skills and preferences. This feature allows them to specify the types of services they offer and set pricing accordingly.
13. Availability Management
Providers should be able to set and manage their availability within the app. This feature enables them to specify the days and times they are available to take bookings, helping to avoid scheduling conflicts.
14. Document Upload and Verification
Service providers may need to upload and verify documents, such as licenses or certifications, to ensure compliance and maintain a high standard of service.
Features Needed in the Admin Panel
Finally, let’s dive into what you should be controlling when it comes to overall operations.
1. User Management
The admin panel should offer robust tools for managing both service providers and customers. This includes viewing and editing user profiles, monitoring user activity, verifying service providers, and managing permissions or restrictions for specific users.
2. Geo-Fencing
Admins should have the ability to implement and manage geo-fencing, restricting services to specific locations or expanding service areas as needed. This feature allows for targeted service delivery, which ensures that only users within a defined geographical area can access certain services.
3. Promo Code Management
The admin panel should include tools for creating, managing, and monitoring promo codes and discounts. Admins should be able to set expiration dates, usage limits, and specific conditions under which promo codes can be applied.
4. Auto-Payout
The admin panel should support an automated payout system to streamline payments to service providers. Admins should also have the option to manually hold payouts, and process refunds.
5. Dashboard
A comprehensive dashboard is essential for real-time monitoring of all platform activities. It should display key performance indicators (KPIs), such as active users, completed bookings, revenue, and service provider performance.
6. App Setting Management
Admins should have control over various app settings, including user interface preferences, notification settings, language and currency options, and other configurations that affect the app's functionality.
This allows for flexibility in adapting the app to different markets or user needs.
7. Service Fee Management
The admin panel should include tools to set and adjust service fees or commissions taken from each transaction. Admins should be able to define different fee structures based on service categories.
8. Earnings Management
Admins need access to detailed financial reports, including platform earnings, service provider payouts, and transaction histories.
This feature should provide insights into the financial health of the platform and allow for easy export of data for accounting purposes.
9. Service Category Management
The admin panel should allow for the creation, modification, and deletion of service categories. Admins should be able to manage the availability of services, add or remove service types.
10. Bookings Management
Admins should have oversight of all bookings made through the platform. This includes the ability to view, modify, or cancel bookings, and monitor service provider availability.
11. Content Management
The admin panel should allow for the management of all content within the app, including images and service descriptions. This feature ensures that the content is up-to-date, relevant, and engaging for users.
Building Your Home Services App
Now that you know the necessary features and functionalities needed in a home service app, you can get to building your app.
If you want to know how you can proceed with development, we can guide you with that as well.
When it comes to building your home services app, you have two options: custom development and readymade app solutions.
Custom Development
The first possible approach is custom development, where you typically hire a development firm and build the app from scratch for your business.
This can be an extensive process, which includes:
- Planning your app requirements and creating a basic visual guide.
- Designing the app's interface.
- Developing the functional aspects of the app based on the design.
- Testing the app for issues.
- Launching the app and maintaining it.
This process requires a significant investment of time and money and is carefully carried out by the company to meet your exact needs.
Moving on to the next possible option.
Readymade App Solution
To explain simply, a readymade app solution is a pre-built app that includes the essential features and functionalities you need in your business app.
Choosing a readymade app solution is different from custom development because here the process involves:
- Purchasing the readymade app solution.
- White-labelling the app to match your brand (done free of charge by the provider).
- Customizing the app to add unique features (if needed).
- Launching your app.
Since the functionalities and features are pre-developed, readymade app solutions also offer a cost-effective option to launch your app.
These are your two main options for launching your home services app. Custom development requires more time and investment but offers a fully tailored solution. A readymade app solution comes with pre-built features, is quickly launched, and is more cost-effective.
What you choose depends on your individual goals and budget, so think it over and then make a careful decision.
If you happen to choose a readymade app solution, you can consider our handyman app solution to launch your home services app.
With our solution, you get:
- Android and iOS apps for both users and service providers.
- An admin panel to help you manage the platform.
- Free tech support, which covers white-labelling, server installation, app launch, and support following app rejection.
- 100% source code, so you may change its functionality if necessary.
End note
Launching a successful on-demand home services app requires thoughtful planning and the right features for customers, service providers, and admins.
Whether you choose custom development or a readymade solution, having these essential features will help you:
- Deliver a seamless user experience
- Attract and retain users
- Manage your platform efficiently
By focusing on these key areas, you'll be well on your way to building a thriving home services app.
Launch your Home Service App with Us!