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1. |
Prices that seem too good to be true usually are too good to be true. Many homeowners reported regretting their decisions
on a “great deal” that turned into a “bad deal.” Some of these
“bad deal” companies provided low-quality work or used substandard
materials, while others engaged in questionable business practices
like tax dodging, working without insurance, or using illegal
workers. Some of the companies raised the price or added
items that were not included in the original price after the
homeowner was committed.
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2. |
Do not buy from an unknown company selling door to door.
Some individuals and companies have
well-rehearsed door-to-door scams designed to quickly separate you
from your money. Some of these people travel city to city all
over the country, preying on unsuspecting victims.
Unfortunately, many of these people target elderly residents.
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3. |
Resist the high-pressure sales technique.
Some companies often offer “today only”
incentives to encourage the homeowner to make a decision on the
spot. Avoid companies practicing this high-pressure sales
technique. If a company tries to force you to make a decision
before you can do your homework, they probably do not want you to
inspect them too closely.
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4. |
Be patient in the
busy season. Many home service
industries are seasonal. During the busy season, all of the
better companies get backed up. Unfortunately, instead of
waiting for a reputable company, unsuspecting homeowners sometimes
take a chance with any company that can start work right away.
There may be some very good reasons why a company in a
cyclical business has very little business during the busiest time
of the year. Before taking a chance, ask yourself, “If I were
in an unfamiliar city on a Saturday night, would I eat at an empty
restaurant that could serve me right away, or would I eat at a
restaurant with some customers?” In the long run, the hassle
and cost associated with repairing poor work may make you wish you
had waited for a reputable, high-quality, insured company in the
first place.
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5. |
Avoid moonlighters. Moonlighting occurs when an
enterprising and dishonest employee steals a customer from his or
her employer. For example, an employee working for one company
might come out to do an estimate for that company. Instead of
giving an estimate, the employee might offer to do the work for less
money on non-company time. Or, the employee might sub the work
out to another company. Just like retail employees who shoplift,
moonlighters are usually fired when caught. Individuals who
are ethically inclined to buy shoplifted or stolen merchandise can
at least be sure that they are purchasing a product equivalent to
the one offered in the store. However, individuals hiring
moonlighters often find that the moonlighter’s work is not of the
same quality as that of the company. Individuals unhappy with
a moonlighter’s work have nowhere to turn. Moonlighters do not
care as much about their reputations as established companies do.
Furthermore, to offer a lower price, the moonlighter often
avoids such things as insurance, taxes, licenses, and other
overhead.
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6. |
A company’s sign in
your neighbor’s yard does not mean your neighbor was happy with the
company’s work. Many
homeowners reported hiring a company simply because a neighbor had
previously hired the company. These homeowners later found out
that their neighbor also had a bad experience with the company.
Some of the companies were very aggressive and actively
marketed themselves to the neighbors.
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7. |
Remember that one referral is only one referral. Many homeowners reported hiring companies because a neighbor or friend had recommended that company. Later, some of these homeowners did not have nearly as positive an experience as did the neighbor or friend. Even the worst companies have a few happy customers.
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