Thanks for the feedback!
I definitely agree regarding qualifiers. Currently, you can indicate whether the cost includes tax, tips, other fees, or insurance. You can also note whether it was a quote vs. something you actually paid. Those details show up if you expand a given cell.
Categories sound good. I’m trying to keep it as lean as possible at first, so I’ll likely take a direction like that once there’s more data in place.
Sounds like I can make the location part less ambiguous… It currently tries to center results around Google Maps’ idea of where you are (based on IP address, I think), but you can enter an explicit location or tap the pin to be prompted to use your more precise location per the browser.
Agreed about the history state… I’ll at least limit it to when the search box loses focus.
As I think you’ve alluded to, I think the biggest challenge is getting a ton of data, so I’ll probably need to provide more sign-in options and maybe target a niche at first.
billdb.com - What did other people near you pay?
You’ll find local business ratings on Yelp and Google, but that only gives you part of the picture. Five stars means you’ll probably get good service, but how do you know if you’ll be charged a good price?
BillDB completes the picture. It’s a searchable repository of community-submitted costs. How much did your optometrist charge for an eye exam? What did your plumber charge to fix your sink? What was the final, out-the-door cost on that new car, including required dealer add-ons?
Enter a search term and location, and billdb.com will show you what others in the community submitted.
BillDB’s mission is to bring pricing transparency where it’s currently opaque and to ultimately increase price competition. I was inspired to build the site after realizing the difficulty of discovering a fair price nearly cost me $13,000.
Check it out, and contribute a bill of your own if you want to help level the playing field with contractors, health care, and other service providers.