Every startup wants to be the next “Uber for (insert vertical here).” Our world is becoming increasingly on-demand and mobile, so if new businesses want to compete, it’s certainly beneficial for them to have mobile or on-demand as part of their business model.
Out of Chicago comes Otobots, a startup that is attempting to be the “Uber of car repair.” They want to bring automotive repair to the customer’s driveway (or worksite, or parking lot of their favorite restaurant). By pairing up customers who need maintenance with experienced mechanics, it gives both parties flexibility in choosing a time and place for the work to be done.
“Not only is this the most convenient way to get your auto repair work done in Chicago when you have a busy schedule,” said Otobots’ CEO Arun Simon, in a statement, “but it is also giving users an opportunity to save 20 to 50 percent on the work being done on their vehicle.”
Otobots mechanics will do the work at a pre-determined price, so there’s no anxiety or guesswork on the part of the customer about the final bill. And since the mechanics are mobile, they can go to wherever the customer happens to be, even if they’re not at home. All appointments are made on their website or through the Otobots mobile app.
Mechanics who partner with Otobots must have at least five years experience in the industry, and must be certified mechanics who are fully qualified to perform the work that is required. No customer will have to worry about some high school kid doing irreversible work on their car. As an added security measure, Otobots back the work done by their mechanics with a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty.
The company was recently a finalist at Techweek Chicago’s LAUNCH competition. Techweek is one of the nation’s leading technology conferences and festivals showcasing entrepreneurship and innovation.
Otobots and their delivery service is just one example of several trends happening in startups right now. It’s another way that entrepreneurs are innovating ways to make all of our lives easier.
Image Credit: Flickr/Ferrous Büller