In the past it was believed that a customer could hire a professional to do a job around their home with confidence that the job would be done correctly at a fair price. Sadly, not 100% of companies in any industry operate that way anymore. The profit margin rules the company’s policies over the interest of the customer. That is why it is so important to research any company before hiring them to do a job in your home.
The Garage Door Man still operates within the old school way of doing business where the customer’s satisfaction is the top priority. He is also the type of company that would not badmouth another competitor to gain business. The reason that he feels a need to address this issue in a blog is because he has heard multiple personal horror stories over the last few weeks from customers, especially the elderly, being grossly mistreated and overcharged by other garage door companies in San Diego. He wants to help anyone reading this to choose a garage door company that leaves them feeling secure in their decision. They should feel like the repairs that they are being sold are necessary, done correctly, and priced according to an industry standard.
Here are a few tips that can help guide a customer in the right direction when choosing a home professional.
Get a personal referral
The internet has made looking up a home professional very convenient. However, searching the internet can also be very overwhelming. There are tons of companies at your fingertips and they all claim to be the best. It is hard to distinguish real information from false information. Reviews can be misleading and fabricated. Another tactic that predatory companies use to avoid a negative online presence is to change their name, website, and contact information. That way customers think they are avoiding a bad company when in reality it is the exact same company that previously burned other people.
Ask for and check the status of the company’s California Contractor’s State License Number
All contractors who operate in the state of California are identified and monitored through their assigned license number. Customers can check the status of the contractor’s license and insurances to make sure that they are up to date with their payments and in good standing. Customers can also file complaints which can lead to disciplinary action like suspensions through the board. Here is the link to the Contractor’s State License board’s website.
cslb.ca.gov
They can also be reached by phone at (800) 321 2752.
Get a second or third opinion
If something like the amount of work necessary or the cost seems strange to you then get a second opinion. Sometimes there is a cost to get the current company off your property or to get a second company out for an estimate, but this initial cost could save you hundreds down the line.
Get something in writing
Verbal quotes can be helpful but they are not binding. Before ordering any materials such as doors or openers the technician should be willing to provide you with something in writing. Once all work has been completed, they should definitely be able to give you a written invoice outlining the work that has been done and the amount paid. Creating a paper trail keeps the company accountable. One trick that dishonest companies use is to promise an electronic invoice sent via email that never shows up. Then if something goes wrong with the repair there is no record of who did the work or any way to contact the company to get the problem resolved.
