Internet Growing As Sales Tool

GOLDEN, COLO. — Internet marketplace provider ServiceMagic Inc. (www.servicemagic.com) has reported that about 31,000 residential contractors and home service professionals are now marketing their services on the Internet through its online marketplace.

While traditionally consumers have turned to the Yellow Pages to find residential contractors, the use of print directories is projected to decrease by about 20% over the next four years, according to The Kelsey Group, a Yellow Pages consulting and research firm.

A recent survey by The Kelsey Group and Bizrate.com reveals that 61% of consumers feel that the quality of online information is better than the quality of offline sources, including the print Yellow Pages.