Garage Door Repair: How to avoid scammers who grossly overcharge you!
Posted Monday, May 28th, 2018
A company who can afford to advertise is usually an established and reputable company. Unfortunately, scammers use this fact to look reputable too. They are on the hunt to constantly find new victims. Beware the warning signs of a scammer garage door repair company.
Tactics both reputable companies and scammers use to advertise their services
- Rank High on Internet Searches
- Rank High in Internet Listings like YP.com
- Offer Coupons in Coupon Books
- Take Out the Largest Ads in Yellow Pages
Warning Signs to look for when reviewing ads or Internet listings
Warning #1 Company Name
Bad companies do not want to be found after they have ripped off a customer. Unethical companies operate under many names that are unclear, inconsistent, and generic. Make sure the company name matches the name on the website.
Scammer Company Example: A-Z Garage Door Service
Warning #2 Street Address
Look carefully for a specific street address. Scammers will rarely have an identifiable street address associated with their ads or on their website. This makes it impossible for customers to come to them. If their ad does include an address, check it on a Google street view map to see if their business is actually at that location. Scammers are known to hide behind phony addresses. They can also claim to be in an office complex or corporate plaza. Please know that this is very rare for garage door repair companies.
Warning #3 Advertising that promises a “Low-Cost” service call
Be wary of advertising that promises a low-cost service call. Many scammers start with the promise of a low fee, but you end up paying over $1,000. They pack the invoice with parts you don’t need and unnecessary repairs. If repairs seem questionable, do not accept them. Pay them their low fee and send them on their way.
In addition to these warning signs, it is also prudent to look for signs of a reputable company. These would include members of the IDA (International Door Association) and IDEA (Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation).
Knowing these simple signs can help steer you towards a reputable company that can assist you with garage door repairs at a fair and reasonable price. The best way to assure this is to get two estimates. Cressy Door and Fireplace is delighted to provide an estimate free of charge to all Northwest Neighbors in our service area. Give us a call today. Contact Cressy Door and Fireplace Now.
How do you know if it’s time to repair or replace your garage door? We’ve designed a guide just for you. Click Here to Download.
