Online service that helps you navigate through everyday red tape and paperwork. Would you use it?

Asked by JSpeer (362

) August 3rd, 2015

If there were an app/web based service that would help guide you through mundane processes like changing your name, applying for patent, hiring a publisher, getting a passport, etc. – would you use it?

The service would be extremely simple and user friendly, and would charge just a few dollars to process each “request.”

For example:

You would tell the service that you need a first-time passport. Based on your location, the service would research and put together a very simplified checklist, or set of steps, that you would need to do to get a passport, ie. provide you with every form you would need to fill out, include directions to the nearest passport photo/processing location, include a summary of the fees you’ll need to pay, and of the documents you’ll need to show and how to go about getting those, etc.

Basically, instead of figuring this all out for yourself, you’d pay the app $3—$5 to get you all the information you need. The service would also provide a help line to walk you through the process if you need help with any of the steps along the way.

Would you use this? How much would you pay? Do you think you’d rather save your money and Google it? What changes would you make to this service model?

Thanks!

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7 Answers

It seems unrealistic to think of a one stop shop. Legalzoom and other already cover a lot of those things. And other things, like getting a passport or a Driver’s License or a state ID are already available on state websites.

$2 or $3 is also either way too much for something this already free, or way too little for more complicated things.

zenvelo (39546

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No I wouldn’t, my passport renewal is a series of fill in the boxes. I worked in a manufacturing process which used to 35 steps in answering filling documentation for a single item. Your idea of anything to do with the government would too complex for people to answer may be true. But your service/website would have to just as complex and most governmental processes like Social Security have “itsy-bitsy” steps for people to follow at no charge.

Tropical_Willie (31435

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No. I’m not willing to pay for things that I can Google for free.

jca (36062

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Regardless of my personal response, I don’t feel like the market is there for the service.

Realistically, how often do people change names, apply for patent, hire a publisher, get a passport, etc.? How would they find your service to know you exist?
They are going to Google it, and Google ain’t sending business your way for ~~free~~ cheap.

ibstubro (18804

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