Handy, the leading home services platform, has been a pioneer in bringing cost-effective convenience and expertise to its customers since its founding in 2012. One of the biggest trends that Handy has seen recently is a marked shift in consumer preferences away from “do it yourself” (DIY) and towards “do it for me” (DIFM).

While most flat-pack furniture sold online still ships unassembled, Handy has found that there is a sizable market of consumers who are willing to pay for the convenience of professional assembly.

It has become much easier to buy furniture at the click of a button as more of the category goes online, however not all customers are thrilled with the trade-offs of self-assembly.

“The days of walking into a showroom and walking out an hour later with a fully-assembled piece of furniture loaded onto your truck are coming to an end,” said Handy’s Associate Director of Strategy Xavier de Gracia. “Today, the purchase process usually means waiting to receive a box of unassembled pieces at your door a few weeks later.”

“While there are many who are still willing to DIY to save money, we’ve found that there also exists a huge market of millennials who prioritize convenience and experience above all else. They are instead saying “do it for me.” And thanks to the network of independent contractors that use Handy to find work, we’re able to connect consumers to assembly experts at an affordable price,” added de Gracia.

One recent customer left a review for her pro, writing, “[They] were both friendly and professional. The job was a difficult one, with a 45-page instruction booklet! But they did a perfect job.”

Due to this trend, furniture assembly has been one of Handy’s fastest growing verticals, alongside more traditional services like cleaning services and housekeeping.

About Handy

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City, Handy is changing the way that people book and provide home services. Customers turn to Handy for a great experience that provides them with the home services they need, wherever they are, whenever they want them. For professionals, the Handy platform makes it possible to maintain a flexible schedule with meaningful income opportunities. The Handy platform is available in 2,000 locations across the U.S. and three countries. Handy has facilitated millions of bookings, served more than half a million customers and activated nearly 100,000 independent professionals. For more information visit our homepage and check out all our services.