Introducing Lakeland’s new local service platform, BidSimple

The Lakeland Chamber just launched BidSimple, a brand new online platform to connect local businesses with Lakelanders in need of services.

Here’s an example of how it works. I’m looking for someone to paint my kitchen cabinets a gleaming, fresh white (goodbye, 1970’s wood grain). I do my online research, but it’s kind of overwhelming. It seems like there are a million options, and I don’t want to annoy my Facebook friends by asking for their recommendations with pricing. So, I go onto BidSimpleOnline.com.

1. I put in my zip code (33801)
2. and fill out my user request form (business categories, description of exactly what I’m looking for, and how local businesses can contact me).
3. Then I wait.
4. Local (vetted) businesses + contractors start bidding on my job; reaching out within 24 hours with quotes or follow-up questions so they can give me a quote. And I can use all that time I would have spent on the phone getting quotes for catching up on work… or binging Schitt’s Creek.
5. I select the best bid, check out that business’ ratings on their BidSimple profile just to be sure, and then respond to them to schedule the paint job. Simple as that.

The best part is that it’s free for the public to use, and free for all ~1,500 businesses who are part of the Lakeland Chamber to offer their services. (If you’re a local biz owner + this intrigues you, look into joining the Chamber here.)

Services offered range from plumbing + construction to nail techs. Businesses must be vetted by the Chamber before they can offer their services, so you know you’re working with a reputable biz when you use the platform. Unlike other popular sites with the same approach, businesses can’t pay to be ranked as a top business on BidSimple; they’ll be ranked by real locals who’ve used them IRL.

The Lakeland Chamber came up with the idea for BidSimple to offer added value to their biz members + the community. This launch period is part of their 6-month beta test in LAL to see how it goes – eventually, BidSimple could grow into a national platform.

Try BidSimple here. May the bids be ever in your favor. Ⓟ

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