Using web 2.0 to install a garage door

Very recently, i had to do what most homeowners have to do from time to time; replace the garage door. Rather than following the usual path;

• Go to Home Depot or Lowes
• Pay for the garage door ($500+)
• Pay to have it installed (another $400)

I decided to use some of my learned abilities and resources surrounding web 2.0.

1. Create a web page. I done this using my yahoo geocities account. The price was $0.00 and rampup time was less than 30 minutes.

2. I took a picture of my existing garage door using the camera on my blackberry curve

3. Created a youtube account. The price was $0.00 and rampup time was less than 15 minutes.

4. Created a short video explaining what i needed done using my flip video recorder. Even with retakes, it took less than 5 minutes

5. Uploaded the picture to my newly created webpage; along with my email address for contact

6. Uploaded my video to you tube along with my email address for contact

7. Advertised my request for door installation using Craiglist. I stated that the price was negotiable

Sat back and waited. Within an hour, i checked youtube and found out that 20 people had already looked at the video. I began to receive quotes ranging from $100 – $300. After doing some investigative work, i settled on one for 200 bucks! I was able to save myself at least $200!!!!

Morale to the story;

Using web 2.0 technologies (craigslist, youtube, geocities) i was able to save myself some money!

Next step; getting the roof reshingled…