Amazon rolls out Home Services in 20 new markets

Amazon's Home Services business is now available in 20 additional markets, the company announced Monday.

First launched in 2015, Amazon Home Services is an Angie's List-style, hyper-local marketplace that connects consumers with service providers. Amazon aims to simplify the process by handling many of the backend details that come with hiring a skilled laborer, such as vetting background checks and references, assuring the maintenance of proper licenses, and verifying service quality.

Home Services also removes much of the price bartering that can come with hiring a skilled worker. All of the billing and payments run through Amazon, and worker aren't compensated until a project is completed.

As a bonus to consumers, the professionals using the service are required to offer the same price on Amazon as they would if called directly -- even though Amazon takes a cut of between 10 percent and 20 percent of every service arranged through its site. Amazon is also guaranteeing customer satisfaction, offering a redo or a refund in instances where the service failed to meet expectations.

At launch the service was available in roughly 30 markets, and with today's announcement it moves into cities including Boulder, Colorado; New Haven, Connecticut; Indianapolis, Indiana; Trenton, New Jersey; and San Antonio, Texas.

"We're thrilled to be offering more Amazon customers access to our network of trusted pros throughout the US," said Nish Lathia, GM of Amazon Home Services. "The availability of Home Services in more cities means that more customers can quickly find and schedule the help they need around the house heading into the holiday season."

Amazon faces a growing number of competitors in the on-demand labor space. Angie's List and HomeBuilder are among the more prominent players, and younger startups such as Handy are also making plays for market share.