Frequently Asked Questions.
Your guide to using CONNECT. We answer common questions about getting verified, proving your work, and how payments are handled directly.
What is CONNECT?
CONNECT is a mobile-first digital platform that links home service clients with vetted, verified local artisans and service providers (such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and mechanics). The platform focuses on safety, verification, and offline reliability.
Who can use CONNECT?
CONNECT is a dual-role platform: Clients looking to hire verified local experts for projects or emergency repairs, and Service Providers (SPs) or artisans looking to build portfolios, receive local work alerts, and manage their services.
How do I switch between Client and Service Provider profiles?
The application allows users to toggle roles directly from the navigation drawer menu. Your settings, history, and metrics are kept separate for each role under a single verified account.
What is the difference between the Standard Flow and the Rapid Flow?
The Standard Flow is designed for planned projects, renovations, or detailed installations, featuring a bidding process where clients review bids and portfolios. The Rapid Flow (Instant Broadcast System) is designed for emergency repairs, connecting you immediately with the closest provider and using GPS geofencing to register arrival and start the job timer automatically.
How does the Proximity Alert system work?
When a job is posted, the database uses coordinates and PostGIS tools to match the job location with service providers inside a 50km radius. Alerts are pushed via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to matched providers.
What is the KYC Verification process?
KYC (Know Your Customer) requires users to verify their identities. Under Profile → Identity Verification, users complete a biometric facial scan and submit government documentation. The process is managed securely using the DIDIT SDK Edge proxy.
Why is my account locked or showing a KYC warning?
CONNECT enforces strict validation grace periods (14 days for service providers, 90 days for clients). If you do not verify within this period, your account status is restricted to prevent access, though active projects shield accounts from lockout until completed.
What happens to my account if I remain unverified and inactive?
To maintain database security, a nightly database clean-up script deletes unverified accounts that have no active jobs and have been inactive for over 30 days.
How does the offline mode work?
CONNECT caches details locally in a Hive DB. Write actions performed offline (such as updating job progress, sending messages, or posting to the community hub) are queued. When connection is restored, the system automatically replays the queue.
Are my messages and files saved offline?
Yes. Conversation histories, media, and job feeds are saved locally. Upload files are compressed (using flutter_image_compress and video_compress) and managed by the Background Upload Service to sync in the background when signal returns.
What is Proof of Work, and why is a photo required to complete a job?
A service provider must upload a photo or video of the completed work to mark a job as finished. This media includes geolocated and timestamped metadata, creating an immutable audit trail to prevent payment disputes.
Why is the chat locked after a job is completed?
A database trigger automatically locks the chat session after a job is marked completed. This secures transaction details, prevents post-contract disputes, and ensures communication boundaries.
How do I build my Reputation (Contribution Score)?
Service Providers earn contribution points by maintaining high job ratings, participating in the Community Hub, sharing tips, and receiving likes on community posts. Profiles with high scores receive priority in search directories.
How does the system handle spam or abusive behavior?
Users can block bad actors and report posts or profiles. Suspended accounts are immediately blocked from the Community Hub and local job matching.
What happens when I block another user?
Blocking hides the user's community posts, prevents them from contacting you, and excludes them from bidding on your jobs.
How do I delete my account and personal data?
You can request account deletion in the profile settings. A database cascade trigger deletes all personal details, documents, and contacts. Historical transaction records are anonymized.
Who do I contact if I have a payment or technical issue?
For support or inquiries, please contact our support team at connect@connectlocalservice.com or via Instagram at @connect.support360. Note that CONNECT does not handle payments or collect commissions; transactions are direct between clients and providers.
Still have questions?
Our customer support team is available via the in-app support channel or through direct email.