- Ask your friends and neighbors to recommend a good established professional company. Avoid “fly by” repair people.
- Shop around! Contact a few professional businesses to ask for estimates, ask for details about the various products they offer and the warranties the company offers for their products. You’ll be able to get an idea for each business and how they operate.
- Get references and/or read the online reviews of the company. Remember that reviews are not always legit. Pick out a review or two and ask them to describe the customer project with a little detail.
- Be sure to ask about total minimum charges, there may be charges for a basic service call, travel, labor, and parts, etc. After all if you did request help, you do want to be fair and pay for the service..
- Don’t consider a company just because you see their ads everywhere. Ads do not mean they are looking out for your best interest.
- Be sure to get a clear explanation of the problem or problems as well as the cost before authorizing the work.
- Check out the business on the BBB to see if the company has any unresolved complaints filed against them. If they do not show up on the BBB, don’t go there. Stick with a pro who will be there when you need them should something go wrong soon after your service.
- Check out the deals that the company may be offering and verify their coupons or specials. For the most part a service pro will have affiliations with several known name suppliers. They often run specials on equipment and labor. Not always but it is okay to ask.
- Check if the company has an office or showroom. Some legitimate companies will not have brick and mortar locations, but if they do, you have the peace of mind that you can explore all the options, and know where to go if you like or require face to face conversations.
- When the pro shows up to your house, are they in a company logo shirt? Do they have a company logo business card? Are they diligent and ready to start and finish the job? If so, you’re probably in good hands. A good pro will be quick as they will have the knowledge and the tools to get the job done efficiently and correctly. You may think that by getting the job done quickly it’s not worth what you are paying. Remember a real pro will be in demand and is busy. They won’t waste time as they have other clients to attend to.
Red Flags to look out for
- An unknown address or an address that is a residence. Google the address and look for a physical address.
- Watch out for high pressure tactics along with little or no description of explanation of issues. Your technician or sales representative should be able to clearly explain what is included and what is not with your sale or service.
- Door to door surprise visits. Some are legit and some are not. Again look for them on the internet.
- Caller ID’s that are blocked or have no name associated with it. Companies that are under several business names often will answer the phone with a generic response such as “Service Dept, Service or How can I help you.” Get their name and company name before you get to the issue.
- Prepayment. Be mindful of a company that demands payment in full before the work has been completed. If a deposit is required, you should receive a receipt of deposit.