When it comes to online directories, there are plenty of websites out there that can help you find help and services such as tradesmen or cleaners and the like. But I think it’s fair to say that no one has really and truly cracked it.
And that’s why I quite like the look of Graftr. It’s a real time directory that not only shows you who is out there and the services they are offering but also some information about their possible availability. The idea being, I guess, is that if you need your gutters cleared out then you won’t need to waste your time calling people who are busy or not currently available.
Co-founder Mark Riley explains how he came up with the concept with appealing candour: “A while back I woke up on a Saturday morning, a little worse for wear, and realised that my mum was coming to stay. My flat was a complete tip. I urgently needed a local cleaning lady. I tried various searches and directories, but to no avail. If only there was an online directory that told me who was near and free now.”
Obviously, this is a start-up and so far it isn’t hugely populated with people offering services, but it’s certainly a service that’s worth watching in the months to come.
