AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Robin, the lawn care provider that promises 21st century convenience at a competitive price, launches officially in Austin, Houston and Dallas today after raising $1.2 million from notable private investors including Brett Hurt of Bazaarvoice. This web-based service takes on the frustrations of finding and managing quality lawn care service, a $40 billion industry in which 30 percent of homeowners participate. Robin lets customers put their lawn care on autopilot, offering an instant quote online, automating payment and guaranteeing quality service.
“With Robin, we’ve taken an industry that often causes frustration and changed it into an effortless experience for both the customer and the provider,” said Justin Crandall, founder and CEO of Robin. “By creating a better customer experience and helping providers improve their business, we’re making everyone a whole lot happier.”
There are over 90,000 lawn care providers in the U.S., but little information exists about the quality of those providers. For customers, finding reliable lawn care is often a frustrating experience of poor communication and unmet expectations. Just getting a quote is a taxing process that involves asking neighbors, multiple phone calls, and home visits from providers. Payment still requires cash or a check under the doormat – an outdated system in today’s cashless society.
For providers, acquiring customers near existing routes is necessary to keep costs low, but presents a major challenge. Communication is time-consuming and is therefore regarded as an afterthought, leading to poor service. Additionally, unpaid bills cost 6-8 percent of revenue and even more in profits.
How Robin Works
Using just a street address, Robin’s technology delivers an instant quote to potential customers in seconds. Through a careful selection process, Robin can guarantee quality service performed by a preferred vendor in the local neighborhood. Customers are notified automatically of any changes in scheduling, so they’re always in the know.
Vendors with the highest ratings are rewarded with more jobs in close proximity to increase efficiency. Additionally, weekly payments mean that Robin can guarantee a steady cash flow for providers. With Robin’s online payment system, providers never have to worry about unpaid bills.
“In just a few weeks, we’ve added over 100 recurring jobs,” said Matt Brady, owner of Terra Turf in Plano, TX. “All of these new customers are located on our current routes which has helped to increase our efficiency.”
Backed by Experience
Founders Justin Crandall and Bart Lomont developed the service within Dialexa Labs. Crandall brings his knowledge of building fast-growing startups and local marketplaces through his work at Bazaarvoice and FrontYrd. Lomont, a military operations veteran, former political aide to the Governor of Indiana and former Uber driver, adds real world experience of the sharing economy and operations to the venture. A previous finalist at TechCrunch Disrupt, the UX design and development team from Dialexa Labs brings its expertise to Robin’s customer experience.
While a number of startups have made a play for the lawn care industry, none have managed to make significant inroads to change the existing model. In just four months, Robin has raised $1.2 million from twenty personal investors with impressive track records in technology, including Brett Hurt, founder of Bazaarvoice (NSDQ:BV) and founder of Hurt Family Investments, Derek Chapin, co-founder and former CFO of Woot!, John Jaggers of Sevin Rosen Funds, Mahesh Chukkapali, director of Google for Work, Jeff Williams of Covara Ventures and previously Hunt Ventures, Josh Deckard of Hammerstone Capital and George Baker Sr., founder of ParkHub.
“With a smartphone in every pocket, technology has disrupted industries from car service to home cleaning,” said Robin investor and advisor Brett Hurt, former CEO of Bazaarvoice. “Given the support to both the customer and the provider, Robin will completely change the way homeowners and lawn care providers interact.”
To celebrate the launch, Robin will be hosting a competition between May 21st and Memorial Day in which 50 participants (10 per day) will win free lawn care for the summer. To enter, simply visit www.tryrobin.com/freesummer and follow the instructions.
For more information about Robin, visit our website or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook.
About Robin
Robin has created the kind of customer experience for lawn services that we expect from every other aspect of our 21st century life. Our trusted professionals, money-back guarantee, online customer service, and credit card payments mean you can spend time enjoying your yard...not managing the maintenance of it!
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.tryrobin.com
Competition:
www.tryrobin.com/freesummer
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/robinhomeservices
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/robinservices
