Is Messenger Moving Deeper Into Payments?

Facebook is bringing the ability to connect people who need to get things done with professional contractors who are up for the job to its Messenger service through a new partnership with Pro.com.

The move situates Facebook to continue its efforts to transform Messenger into a true mobile hub for services, Fortune reported yesterday (Oct. 7). This partnership marks the first time home services have been offered via Facebook’s Messenger app.

Home services site Pro.com also shared its own news yesterday surrounding its marketplace.

The company announced the launch of a new Text-a-Pro feature to its service. The messaging service is designed to provide Pro.com’s users with instant access to flat-rate prices and trusted pros, the company said in a news release yesterday.

Pro.com customers will now have the ability to immediately connect with a personal Home Project Manager, who will offer support throughout the project, by simply sending a message through Facebook Messenger or by texting 776-776. Pro.com confirmed that all projects scheduled using its Text-a-Pro service will maintain the Pro.com Guarantee.

“Our customers don’t want to pick up the phone to call a Pro. Instead, they want a seamless mobile-first solution that fits into their active lifestyles,” Matt Williams, CEO and founder of Pro.com, said in a statement.

“Text-a-Pro takes the hassle out of home services by offering price transparency, instant scheduling and easy access to Certified Professionals all through mobile messaging. There is no easier way to schedule, coordinate and complete home projects,” Williams added.

Text-a-Pro is currently available in Seattle and San Francisco, with plans to expand into the more than 5,500 U.S. cities Pro.com operates within. The company also confirmed future plans to continue with deeper integration with Facebook Messenger and add richer functionality as time goes on.

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