New app HelloJack! matches Hong Kong’s best handymen with local renovation projects

What motivated you to launch this venture? “Doing home renovation projects has been a hobby of mine for years and after our family came back to Hong Kong [from Canada], in 2009, I started thinking about [starting a related com­pany]. It wasn’t until last year that we got to do it. Hong Kong’s renovation trade is de­regulated. Everyone works for them­selves and local handymen are known to have an attitude. They may be scruffy, or grumpy. Some might pick up a project, and within a couple of days they just take off – or do a lousy job.”

How can you vouch for your workers? “We interview them to see if they are the right fit. We ask to see photos of their work and get recommen­dations from clients. Our platform uses GPS to locate workers in a particular area and match them with users within a 500-metre radius. No one has ever done it before.”

Why should we hire your workers? “Most contractors finish work at 3.30pm and it’s difficult to get someone after hours. Or they will only take on big projects and are not interested in small jobs like a leaky tap, squeaky floor, or peeling wallpaper. We can have a worker on site if not within hours, then within three days.”

Would I know the cost upfront? And the quality? “We always quote first – usually based on a photo of the problem sent in by the user. For bigger projects, we send someone on site to quote. We have quality assurance people who check every job. If the customer is not happy, we will go back and rework it at no additional charge. In addition, HelloJack! has comprehensive third-party insurance to cover all people and property.”

Tell us about your team. “I have a team of advisers, including architects, builders, interior designers, building managers and accountants. We have a stable of 10 to 15 handymen and are recruit­ing. [HelloJack! has an incentive scheme in place to recruit quality workers.]”