Help > Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General

What is Ahoy There?

Please read the Welcome link on the home page or click here.

How can Ahoy There help me?

If you are a customer, choosing a service provider to do your work can be a difficult and time-consuming process. If you are a service provider, finding customers can be both difficult and expensive.

The three main benefits of using ahoythere.com are:

  1. We make it easier for customers and service providers to connect with each other.
  2. We make it easier for customers to choose a service provider.
  3. We provide a highly efficient and cost-effective way for service providers to find business.

The most unique aspect of our service is the engagement process. Instead of one party chasing after the other, the two meet in the middle. Both parties are proactive but without intruding on each other. This unique engagement process makes it easier for customers and service providers to do business.

What's the difference between Ahoy There and a directory?

Unless you know who you are looking for, selecting a Service Provider from a directory involves a lot of guesswork which can be quite off-putting for many people. How do you decide which Service Provider is right for you? When a Service Request is advertised on Ahoy There, instead of Users chasing after Service Providers, the two parties proactively seek each other out. The process is simple and efficient: Users receive information back from Service Providers interested in doing their work which they can review without having disclosed their identity. Service Providers have an easy way of finding work and only need respond to the Service Requests which interest them.

How did Ahoy There come about?

Like you, we were having problems finding good Service Providers. Frankly, we were fed up with the guesswork involved in trawling through directories and classified ads. Sometimes, when we eventually found the name of a Service Provider, they were either booked up for months or not interested in doing our work.  We decided that there must be a better way – a smarter, hassle-free way for customers to find Service Providers and vice versa. The result is ahoythere.com!

How does Ahoy There actually work?

Please go to the 'Take a Tour' for detailed, step-by-step instructions or click here.

How much does it cost to use Ahoy There?

For Users (i.e. those creating Service Requests), the use of Ahoy There is FREE! Service Providers only pay to use our service when they have successfully secured the User's business. After agreeing to carry out a Service Request, the Service Provider sends their SP ID No. to the User which allows the User to post feedback. Sending their SP ID No. costs the Service Provider one credit.

What's the difference between a 'User' and a 'Service Provider'?

A User is the originator of a Service Request (i.e. a buyer) and a 'Service Provider' is an individual or company interested in fulfilling the Service Request (i.e. a supplier).

What is a Service Request?

A Service Request is a User's service requirement - a written description of the service required which is created by the User, categorised and then posted on this website in way that is visible to Service Providers. Service Providers will use the information contained in the Service Request as the basis for deciding whether to respond or not.

What is a Service Provider Profile?

A Profile is an overview of a Service Provider's business.  It contains information about the type of business operated by the Service Provider, the type of work undertaken, details of any relevant qualifications and experience and contact information.  It also includes comments from the Service Provider specific to your Service Request. Click here to see an example.

What is a Feedback Record?

A Feedback Record is a record of work previously undertaken by a Service Provider using this website and contains ratings and comments from previous Users (buyers). It is designed both to assist Users in the Service Provider selection process and to help good Service Providers distinguish themselves. Whenever a Service Request has been completed, Users are urged to post feedback on their Service Provider. The feedback process comprises two parts:

  • A rating: Very Satisfied, Satisfied or Dissatisfied
  • A comment in support of the rating

Click here to see an example of a Feedback Record.

How do you maintain the integrity of the feedback system?

To help maintain the integrity of the feedback system, a User may only post feedback once per Service Provider. This lessens the possibility of Service Providers building up biased (i.e. over-friendly) feedback records which show multiple feedback entries from the same User.

Further, Users may only post feedback when they have been authorised to do so by a Service Provider. Service Providers authorise Users by releasing their identity numbers (SP ID No.) which they are required to do in between being awarded the User's business and starting work.

Users

Why do I need to create a Username?

The purpose of the Username is to protect your privacy. You may receive multiple responses to your Service Request but after reading the different Service Provider Profiles, may only decide to contact one or two of them. By having a Username or alias, you only need reveal your real identity to the Service Provider(s) you wish to contact.

I filled out the registration form but have not received a password.  What now?

Check your Junk Email folder (or SPAM settings).  Some email engines such as Hotmail will automatically route certain emails to your junk email folder.  If this happens, check your junk email folder for an email from ahoythere.com.  If the ahoythere.com email is listed, select it and click the ‘Not Junk’ button.  This will automatically add ahoythere.com to your Safe List.

I've forgotten my Username and Password and cannot sign in. What should I do?

No problem. Click on the 'Sign In' link on the home page and then enter your email address in the 'Forgotten your Username or Password' field. Your Sign-In details will then be emailed to you.

What will you do with my personal information?

Ahoy There respects your privacy and will not share your personal information with third parties without your permission. Please click here to read our privacy policy.

What is a Service Request?

A Service Request is a User's service requirement - a written description of the service required - which is created by the User on this website and then advertised to Service Providers. Putting your Service Request in writing helps you to be very clear about the service you need. The more specific you are, the less room there is for misunderstanding between you and the Service Provider whose services you eventually engage. Service Providers will use the information contained in the Service Request as the basis for deciding whether to respond to it or not.

Why do I need to enter the first half of my postcode?

Entering the first half of your postcode enables Service Providers, who perhaps only operate on a very local basis, to search for Service Requests in a particular locality but without knowing your actual address.  If you live in London for example, the Service Provider you hire to clean your windows may only operate in the SW6 postcode.  By entering the first half of your postcode therefore, your Service Request has a greater chance of being spotted.

How long is my Service Request valid?

Service Requests are listed as 'Current' for 30 days. During this time, they will be visible to Service Providers and will appear in Service Provider searches. After 30 days, Service Requests will no longer be visible to Service Providers unless you decide to re-list them. The reason for having the 30 day listing is to ensure that Service Providers are only presented with current and accurate information.

How will I know when a Service Provider has responded to my Service Request?

Users can sign in to their accounts at any time to check for Service Provider responses. Alternatively, to avoid constantly having to sign in to check for responses, Users can choose to be notified automatically via email when a Service Provider responds to a Service Request. This feature saves time and minimises inconvenience.

What happens if my Service Request receives no responses?

If your Service Request receives no responses, after 30 days it will automatically move from the 'Currently Listed' section to the 'No Longer Listed' section where you will have the option to re-list it or delete it. If you find it necessary to re-list your Service Request, make sure that you have chosen the correct service category. (If your service request is posted in the wrong category, it will not be seen by the Service Providers you are hoping to attract). Also, make sure that your Service Request gives sufficient information to help Service Providers understand what you are looking for.

Are the Service Providers who respond to my Service Request endorsed by Ahoy There?

As our terms and conditions make clear, we do not vet or recommend Service Providers; rather we act as an introductory service allowing Users and Service providers to come together, the former to list the services they require and the latter to bid for the provision of those services. You should therefore exercise the same degree of caution when engaging a Service Provider via Ahoy There as you would do in any other business transaction.

How does Ahoy There help protect me from rogue traders?

To assist you in the Service Provider selection process, each Service Provider (unless they have only recently registered) comes with a Feedback Record which shows how previous Users rate that Service Provider's work. The Feedback Record is designed to help you better assess the suitability of the Service Provider(s) and a poor feedback record will be easy to spot. When making your Service Provider selection, the Feedback Record should not be relied on exclusively. Don't be afraid to ask Service Providers for customer references and ask to see examples of their previous work.

As a further measure to combat rogue traders, any Service Provider accumulating three 'Dissatisfied' ratings within a 30 day period will be disqualified from using our system.

What if the service category I am looking for is not listed?

Click '?' at the end of the alphabet selector and select 'No suitable category found'. We will try to find one for you or create a new one.

The Service Provider I am thinking of engaging does not have any previous customer ratings in their Feedback Record – what should I do?

Sometimes Service Providers will not have any previous User ratings in their Feedback Records because they have only recently registered with Ahoy There. Where this is the case, we recommend that you ask the Service Provider to supply references (which we encourage you to follow up) and/or ask to see examples of the Service Provider's previous work. A competent and professional Service Provider should not object to such requests.

What should I do if I see a 'Dissatisfied' rating on a feedback record?

This really is a matter of personal choice. If there is a good previous track record or an overall trend of 'Very Satisfied' and 'Satisfied' ratings then an odd 'Dissatisfied' rating shouldn't mean that the Service Provider should be automatically dismissed. Feedback is subjective and not all customers are fair in their criticism! In Ahoy There, if a Service Provider receives a 'Dissatisfied' rating, they have the right to reply to the User's comments. This is designed to give 'both sides of the story'. Users are urged to use their judgement accordingly.

What is the SP ID No.? Why do I need it?

To ensure that feedback can only be posted by the correct User, Service Providers must have released their SP ID No. before feedback can be posted.  Service Providers only release their SP ID No. to Users after agreeing to carry out a Service Request.  Users should always ensure that the SP ID No. is visible before allowing work to proceed.  Before the SP ID No. has been released, a padlock symbol is displayed in place of the SP ID No. in the Service Provider response and the 'Post Feedback' option is disabled.  As soon as the SP ID No. has been released, the padlock will be replaced by an actual number and the 'Post Feedback' option can be selected.  See Section 4 in Take a Tour for more details.

Do I have to give feedback?

Feedback is an essential part of Ahoy There. It helps you and other Users decide which Service Provider to use and it helps Service Providers to differentiate themselves which in turn makes the selection process easier for you. It also discourages rogue traders from using the system. In the same way that you stand to benefit from the feedback left by other Ahoy There Users, we encourage you to do likewise by posting feedback on your Service Provider.

When should I post my feedback?

Feedback should normally be posted upon completion of your Service Request. However, where a Service Request continues over several months or longer (e.g. hiring someone on a regular basis such as home help, gardener etc), we suggest that feedback is posted as soon as sufficient time has elapsed to allow you to make an assessment as to the quality of service provided.

When should I give a 'Very Satisfied' feedback rating?

A 'Very Satisfied' rating means that you are delighted with the service level delivered by your Service Provider and work has been completed or performed to a satisfactory, if not excellent standard. Please use the comments field to highlight the aspects of your dealings with the Service Provider which have earned them a very satisfied rating (e.g. quality of workmanship; punctuality, value for money, professional and courteous etc).

When should I give a 'Satisfied' feedback rating?

A 'Satisfied' rating means that you are satisfied with the service level delivered by your Service Provider and work has been completed or performed to a satisfactory standard.  Please use the comments field in support of your rating.

When should I give a 'Dissatisfied' feedback rating?

A 'Dissatisfied' rating means that you are less than satisfied with the service level delivered by your service provider. Either the work has been completed or performed to a less-than-satisfactory standard or there is some other aspect of your dealings with the service provider which fails to meet the standard you would reasonably expect. Please use the comments field in support of your rating.

Service Providers

How does the free trial work exactly?

On registering, all new Service Providers receive one complimentary credit. Credits are usually valid for one year but your first credit is valid for as long as it takes you to win your first customer. Whenever you agree to undertake a Service Request, you should send your SP ID No. to the User which allows the User to post feedback on job completion. Sending your SP ID No. costs one credit.

I filled out the registration form but have not received a password.  What now?

Check your Junk Email folder (or SPAM settings).  Some email engines such as Hotmail will automatically route certain emails to your junk email folder.  If this happens, check your junk email folder for an email from ahoythere.com.  If the ahoythere.com email is listed, select it and click the ‘Not Junk’ button.  This will automatically add ahoythere.com to your Safe List.

I've forgotten my Username and Password and cannot sign in. What should I do?

No problem. Click on the 'Sign In' link on the home page and then enter your email address in the 'Forgotten your Username or Password' field. Your Sign-In details will then be emailed to you.

What's the difference between Ahoy There and a directory listing?

The problem with directories is that it's hard to stand out from the crowd. Another problem is that you have to wait for customers to contact you. By subscribing to Ahoy There you can proactively search for work in your service category and geographic area and be automatically alerted when new Service Requests are posted. Your Profile and Feedback Record also help to differentiate you: comments can be added to your Profile allowing you to tailor your response to individual Service Requests, whilst your Feedback Record will hopefully give Users the reassurance that you are the right person or organisation for the job.

What's the difference between Ahoy There and a classified advert?

See previous answer.

How much does it cost to use Ahoy There?

We only charge a referral fee when you have actually secured some business. Searching for business and responding to Service Requests is FREE! Every time you send your SP ID No. to a User (which allows the User to post feedback on job completion), one credit is due. Click here to view our price list. Ahoy There uses PayPal for processing payments. This allows you to make secure payments either using a credit/debit card or using your PayPal account (if you have one).

How long are credits valid?

Purchased credits are valid for one full year.

How will I know when there are Service Requests matching my search criteria?

To avoid constantly having to check your account for Service Requests, Ahoy There provides a notifications facility such that when a Service Request arrives on the system which meets your search criteria, Ahoy There will send you an automatic email notification. To view these Service Requests, sign in to your account and click on the 'View Results' link within your Saved Searches.

How do I get started if I don't have a Feedback Record?

This is a common issue affecting all Service Providers who are new to Ahoy There. We recommend that you explain in the comments field that you are new to the service and that you are therefore willing to provide references upon request.

Who will be able to see my Profile and Feedback Record?

Only the originators of Service Requests which you have responded to will be able to view your Profile and Feedback Record.

What is my SP ID No?

Users cannot post feedback on you until you have sent them your unique SP ID No. (Service Provider Identity No.) using  the 'Send My SP ID No.' facility.  Your SP ID No. acts as a type of key, without which, Users cannot post feedback.  Feedback can therefore only be posted by people who are authorised to post feedback – i.e. your customers.

What do I do with my SP ID No.?

Whenever a User awards you their business, you are required to send the User your SP ID No.  This is to enable the User to post feedback on completion of the Service Request.  Step 4 in How Ahoy There Works (SERVICE PROVIDERS section) explains how to send your SP ID No. to a User. Sending your SP ID No. costs one credit.

What happens if I disagree with the feedback rating posted by my customer?

Ahoy There does not offer a feedback arbitration service. If you have a dispute with a User, it is up to you and the User to try and resolve your differences. If a User posts a 'Dissatisfied' rating, you will have the right to post a reply which will appear immediately below the User's comments.

How do you define a Service Provider?

Apart from the minimum age restriction, Ahoy There does not stipulate who can and cannot register as a Service Provider. Ultimately, Service Providers are defined by their feedback records. We believe that in addition to the established 'professional' Service Provider sector, there is a significant body of people capable of applying their skills if only they had an outlet for them. Ahoy There provides such an outlet. Therefore, you might be retired and looking for part-time work; or you might be in full-time employment but wish to take on additional work in your spare time; or you might be a full-time 'professional' Service Provider looking for more work or 'infill' work. All fit the Ahoy There definition of 'Service Provider'.

What if my service category is not listed?

If when trying to register, you are unable to find a suitable service category, please let us know by completing the contact form in the 'Contact Us' section of our website or by clicking here.