The Rise of AI Agents: What Service Pros Need to Know

AI for home service is changing the game, and fast.

Tech companies have been promising to make it easier for homeowners to find and book service pros. Now, with the rise of AI agents, they are closer than ever to delivering on that promise.

Instead of customers scrolling through listings, comparing quotes, and reaching out manually, AI agents can now do the work for them. These bots can search for pros, ask for availability, and even book jobs, all without the customer ever lifting a finger.

Sounds like science fiction? It’s already happening.

What’s Changing? OpenAI & Amazon Are Pushing AI Agents Into Home Services

Two of the biggest names in AI, OpenAI and Amazon, just announced major updates that could reshape how service pros get jobs.

1️⃣ OpenAI’s “Operator” is Testing AI-Powered Booking

• OpenAI is rolling out Operator, an AI assistant that can browse the web, interact with platforms, and complete bookings for users.
• Thumbtack is one of the first companies to integrate, meaning AI will now be finding and contacting pros directly through the platform.
• Some customers might never interact with you at all. You’ll be talking to a bot handling the entire transaction.

Read more about OpenAI’s Operator →

2️⃣ Amazon’s Alexa Plus is Moving Beyond Voice Commands

• Amazon is upgrading Alexa with “Alexa Plus,” a more advanced AI that can handle complex requests, like finding and contacting a local pro.
• It’s integrating with Thumbtack too, meaning customers could find a plumber or electrician with a simple voice command.
• This will likely grow to other apps like Thumbtack over time.

More on Alexa Plus here →

What This Means for Service Pros

Adoption of these might be slow due to the subscription fees (OpenAI Operator is only available in their $200/month plan), but as the technology gets cheaper, how you get leads and interact with customers is likely to change. 

Here’s what to expect:

✔ Less direct customer interaction – You might start dealing with AI chatbots, not homeowners. That means your online profile and responsiveness will matter more than ever.

✔ Speed will be critical – AI agents will likely prioritize fast responses and clear pricing. If your profile doesn’t stand out, you could get skipped over.

✔ More competition on lead gen platforms – If AI is contacting pros or even booking jobs automatically, you need to be positioned as the “obvious choice” when it searches for a pro.

How to Stay Ahead of the AI Curve

🚀 Optimize your online profiles – AI will scan for top-rated, high-response pros. Make sure your profile is complete, professional, and highlights key selling points.

🚀 Streamline your pricing & availability – AI agents will prioritize clear, structured pricing. The less back-and-forth required, the better.

🚀 Adapt to AI-powered customer service – You might be answering questions from AI bots instead of customers. Learning how to engage with automated systems could give you an edge.

The Bottom Line

AI isn’t replacing service pros, but it is changing how customers find and book jobs. The pros who adapt early will get more leads, while those who ignore it risk getting left behind.

Stay ahead of the curve, keep your online presence sharp, and be ready to work with AI because it’s already here.