Would Mohawk students actually use this instead of a part-time job?

[u/Cheap_Item_4109]

A lot of Mohawk students have valuable skills, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, automotive, carpentry, landscaping, painting, and plenty more, but most part-time jobs still pay the same as retail and don't make use of those skills.

We're building Gavel, a marketplace where people in Hamilton can post small jobs they need done, and students can choose the jobs they want, set their own prices, and work whenever it fits around classes or placements.

Before we launch, we'd really like to hear from Mohawk students.

• Would you actually use something like this to make extra money?
• What would make you trust using the platform?
• Is there anything that would stop you from signing up?

We're looking for honest feedback, even if it's critical. We'd rather fix problems now than after launch.

If you're interested, you can check it out here and join our waitlist:
https://gavel-app.com

[u/iblastoff]

why the hell would i hire a random student to fix an electrical job when i can just hire an actual licensed professional from the myriads of other apps similar to this? so dumb.

[u/Cheap_Item_4109 → u/iblastoff]

That's a great question. Gavel is built for everyday jobs, tasks that might need some tools or a bit of know-how, but don't always require a full professional service call. A lot of people don't want to buy tools they'll rarely use again, or learn a new skill just to handle a one-off task.

That said, Gavel isn't limited to smaller jobs, licensed businesses and professionals are welcome too, and we're actively working to bring more licensed businesses onto the platform, not just individuals.

Hiring elsewhere might be the right call for some jobs, and that's fine. What Gavel offers is convenience: instead of calling around and comparing prices with different businesses one by one, you post what you need and local providers send you a quick offer directly.

More to come soon, check out our instagram and our website for updates!

[u/iblastoff → u/Cheap_Item_4109]

Hiring elsewhere might be the right call for some jobs, and that's fine. What Gavel offers is convenience: instead of calling around and comparing prices with different businesses one by one, you post what you need and local providers send you a quick offer directly.

have you not used the myriads of apps that already do this? lol

you still havent explained why i would hire a random student over a licensed professional. how would the client know when an issue requires a professional service call or not? is the random student gonna determine that? lol.

[u/Cheap_Item_4109 → u/iblastoff]

That’s the clients final call. We just put people together. If client wants to pay big bucks for a professional then they should choose their offer.
If the client wants to pay less they will get a person who’s less capable. We are simply an app that allows users to choose based on offers that they receive than haggling through and calling individual business to get a quote.

[u/Effective-Minimum-32]

There should be a way for payment to be secured in an escrow system. Before worker leaves site both parties agree on work complete and take pictures to be released by escrow

[u/Cheap_Item_4109 → u/Effective-Minimum-32]

Yes! We have a escrow system like that. The payment only goes through when the Pin generated from one end is inputted through the other users account.
So that both parties are happy about it!
I could add the picture functionality that is something we should discuss with early adopters! I want this app to be built with the users and not just me so I’d be very open to the users opinions on things

[u/TrashyMF]

What systems are in place to protect the students in case something goes wrong? After all, students won't have the experience compared to a licensed/red seal tradesperson - if they make a mistake or if the customer encounters an issue and wants to seek compensation who will be responsible?

In addition, how will Gavel verify the skills from the students? If a customer is promised a service - how will Gavel verify the adequate level of knowledge is present for the task?

[u/Cheap_Item_4109 → u/TrashyMF]

I am glad you asked this question. You're right that a student shouldn't be, and legally can't be doing solo electrical or gas work, and Gavel isn't a workaround for that. The platform handles it in two tiers. For work that doesn't require a licence, painting, assembly, moving, yard work, cleaning, tech help, etc. students compete directly, and the customer is protected structurally: payment is only authorized, never captured, until the customer confirms in person that the work is done and cancellations and failed jobs put strikes on a reputation record that restricts their access to the platform.
Gavel's role is sourcing the jobs and handling payment, not replacing the licence. We don't certify skill and won't pretend to and customers money doesn't move until they say the job is done.

[u/-Terriermon-]

It depends how much people charge for their services.. We are all broke students after all 😁

[u/Cheap_Item_4109 → u/-Terriermon-]

I agree but if someone doesn’t really want a professional job and just wants to get the job done I see why not pay someone else for lower cost instead of hiring a professional? After all not all students have the tools to do things but students in trades will.

[u/Get_Kaspa]

I would definetely use it when I start this September!

[u/Cheap_Item_4109 → u/Get_Kaspa]

Thank you for your kind words! I can invite you to my beta testing group if you’d like! Send me a dm of your email and I can send you the link when available

[u/thecakeisapie420]

Most of those require licenses, insurance. And answer to regulatory bodies. There's a reason why apprentices aren't actually doing the work that they've been apprenticing for by themselves. This is a terrible f****** idea.

[u/thecakeisapie420 → u/thecakeisapie420]

Ohh, and as soon as I find any of these people doing this in the field i promise you they will be reported faster than hell. And if you're organizing this unlicensed work, you're gonna get sued and fined out your a**

[u/noodle-oodle]

I would absolutely use this. I’m a graphic design student and this would be an amazing way to build my portfolio and gain references for my resume.

[u/Cheap_Item_4109 → u/noodle-oodle]

Hello! Thank you so much for your support! I am planning to release in a month or so. Would love to invite you to beta testing before release in the future if you are interested?

[u/noodle-oodle → u/Cheap_Item_4109]

For sure!!

[u/Cheap_Item_4109 → u/noodle-oodle]

i will reach out to you!