Things to Consider Before You Schedule a Service Provider

You have found yourself in need of service in your home; a window washer, plumber, appliance repairman, electrician.  Now you have just put yourself in a vulnerable position.  You really have no choice in the matter; you need something fixed.  However, you are also inviting a stranger into your home.  Your precious things are all around, from grandma’s broach to your children to, perhaps, even your life!

According to national statistics, Over 11% of service technicians (plumbers, window washers, etc) have background discrepancies that could place a homeowner at risk.  Within that group:

• 75% of that group have suspended or revoked drivers licenses
• 25% have criminal records
• 50% of those criminal records  involve sex offender-related crimes
• 90% of of independent servicers have no general liability insurance
• 31% have no auto insurance at all
• 57% of these servicers do not carry worker’s comp insurance

Makes you want to never have a service provider out to your home — EVER!  So how do we protect ourselves?  After 23 years as the owner of an appliance repair company, here are a few tips BEFORE you book that call.

Now, as you are going to possibly call around to more than one company, have a pencil and paper or your computer open to take notes.  Nothing is more frustrating to both a company and a customer than miscommunication between the two.

How did you find this company?  Whether you use the yellow pages or a Google search, you need to ask questions about this company.  And, if necessary, verify their claims.  And if they hesitate or lie to you, in any way, hang up and move on.

• How long have they been in business
• Is there a cost to come out, and if so, how much
• Are they a current contract servicer for the brand of appliance, heater, faucet, etc, that needs repair?
• Are they licensed (if applicable to their trade)
• Are they insured (and if they are, is it FULL REPLACEMENT COVERAGE)
• Do they belong to the BBB or other professional service organization (and if they are, check out their rating)
• Will the technician coming to your home be background, drug and alcohol tested?
• Is there a warranty or guarantee on their work (and if so, how long is it and what does it cover)
• Who are they sending out to my home and how long has he worked for you

But most important, go to their website, check out their online reviews, contact the BBB, and if there are complaints, were they resolved? What is their rating with the BBB and Yelp and Google and related sites?  What are people saying about them?  Have any of your friends or co-workers used them?  Check out social media.  Do they have a Facebook page?  Twitter?

The reason I believe that you want to do all this legwork, is that it will easily establish if they are a SOLID company, firmly established in the community and working to improve their business.  In a nutshell, it shows that they care!

The time you spend making an informed decision can make such a difference in your experience in your home.  And you may possibly establish a relationship for life!