GetTheLight: Lighting planning in the digital space

Almost everyone knows it: you move and set up your new apartment or house. In the end, all you need are the right lamps. You go to furniture stores and electrical retailers to find an affordable and suitable light fixture. However, professional lighting design or planning is usually not offered. And even after finally finding a suitable lamp, the installation can be tedious and time-consuming. Does this sound familiar to you?

Certainly not just to you, as the lighting market is a huge market. Every year, 1.5 billion euros are generated nationwide in Austria with light fixtures. However, the market is mostly limited to brick-and-mortar stores. Digitalization has not really made its way there yet. Although there are many online shops for light fixtures, they only focus on selling. Services such as lighting planning or installation are not offered.

Digital all-round service for the perfect lighting

Patrick Müller wants to change that and created GetTheLight, a digital marketplace for light fixtures that includes all steps online – from planning with professional lighting design, searching for the right light sources, ordering, and booking an installation appointment.

Lamp buyers can visit the marketplace as a regular online shop, browse the selection of lamps, and order through the website. Any manufacturer can list their lamps there. GetTheLight now offers a large selection of light fixtures in all price categories on its marketplace with 1,400 different products.

All-in-one: Digital tools and personal support

In addition, GetTheLight also offers a full-service package that includes professional lighting planning. “Interior design is becoming increasingly important, but lighting is often underestimated. Professional lighting design puts the home in the right light,” says Patrick Müller.

A configurator collects basic data from the customer, such as whether it’s a house or an apartment, which room it is, etc. A video call appointment with a lighting planner is also arranged. Further details for the lighting plan are clarified, such as the budget and the desired lamp style. Photos and floor plans of the apartment help with planning.

The lighting design team at GetTheLight provides customers with lighting suggestions with all the important information, such as prices and sizes. A VR app visualizes how the lamps could look in their apartment. If the customer is satisfied with the lighting concept, the light fixtures can be ordered with just a few clicks. At the time of purchase, they can also schedule an installation appointment. However, they always have only one interface: GetTheLight.

Creating a nationwide network of electricians for installation

To offer installation services across Austria, the Saalfelden-based company has established a dense network of service partnerships. Electricians are listed digitally, along with their available dates and costs. When a customer books an installation, an appointment is automatically assigned to an expert in the respective postcode area. An algorithm calculates how long it will take for them to install a particular lamp and the respective costs.

Simple funding landscape helps with marketplace development

Patrick Müller founded GetTheLight in 2019. He has been working in the lighting industry for about fifteen years. The lack of access for consumers to professional lighting planning and installation has bothered him for some time. “GetTheLight should make this access as easy as possible,” says the founder. He received digital funding from the State of Salzburg and the aws erp loan to build his marketplace. “The funding landscape in Austria is very good and also very easy to apply for.”

Win-win for all involved

“We give the lighting industry access to a market it didn’t have before,” says Patrick Müller. Electricians also benefit because they get orders without having to do any marketing. “Our intention is also to give more importance to installation by experts. Craftsmanship must have a value.”

The full-service package will be launched in early December. Austria is an ideal but relatively small test market. Patrick Müller’s vision goes beyond the Austrian market. The entire DACH region is to be conquered with GetTheLight. “Our ambition is to become a leading online marketplace for lighting, lamp design and planning, and installation,” he specifies his ambitious goals.