It's an unfortunate circumstance, but we see it happen about this time every year... our industry's worst-kept secret; unskilled or even unethical air conditioning contractors seem to come out of the woodwork. You may have even seen some of the stories or “stings” recently on the evening news.
The Tell-tale Signs
Here are some of the more common signs you may be targeted by these scrupulous folks. They tend to have:
There is a recent example of such companies who may look legitimate, however they just do not have the customer’s best interest in mind.
Here are a few helpful tips on how to avoid these AC repair scams:
Cold-calling. In and of itself, cold-calling via telephone is not inherently a bad sign; it has been around for ages. But, to ensure the call is a legitimate company, always ask for a written estimate to prove the AC contractor will stand behind the price they offer for a service. Ask for written 100% satisfaction guarantee. Also be sure to understand your equipment’s manufacturer warranty; your product may still be under a warranty.
High-pressure tactics. Rather than being a professional consultant in an effort to help a customer make the best decision based on their best interests, high-pressure tactics might be used to persuade customers to make rash, immediate decisions. Avoid making quick decisions based on scare tactics and get a second opinion for any major repair.
Questionable office and phone. Instead of an actual office or an official business phone line that rings to a professional customer support person, every call is handled by an answering machine or rings to a cell phone. Often in the evening, the only answer may be a personal voice mail box or no answer.
Only seasonally available. These operations seem to come out of nowhere. If you see an air conditioning truck or van that you've never seen before, there's probably a reason you haven't heard of them. Check with your local city licensing or business department to see how long their business has been licensed or in operation. You may find that there is no business information, license. Legitimate companies are available all year.
Avoiding AC Repair Scams
There are some common-sense ways to avoid getting your family into hot water.
We hope this information helps protect yourself and your family this summer. It isn't hard to avoid scam-artists. Just be weary of their ways and use some common sense research.
[source : http://www.serviceexperts.com/]
It's an unfortunate circumstance, but we see it happen about this time every year... our industry's worst-kept secret; unskilled or even unethical air conditioning contractors seem to come out of the woodwork. You may have even seen some of the stories or “stings” recently on the evening news.
The Tell-tale Signs
Here are some of the more common signs you may be targeted by these scrupulous folks. They tend to have:
There is a recent example of such companies who may look legitimate, however they just do not have the customer’s best interest in mind.
Here are a few helpful tips on how to avoid these AC repair scams:
Cold-calling. In and of itself, cold-calling via telephone is not inherently a bad sign; it has been around for ages. But, to ensure the call is a legitimate company, always ask for a written estimate to prove the AC contractor will stand behind the price they offer for a service. Ask for written 100% satisfaction guarantee. Also be sure to understand your equipment’s manufacturer warranty; your product may still be under a warranty.
High-pressure tactics. Rather than being a professional consultant in an effort to help a customer make the best decision based on their best interests, high-pressure tactics might be used to persuade customers to make rash, immediate decisions. Avoid making quick decisions based on scare tactics and get a second opinion for any major repair.
Questionable office and phone. Instead of an actual office or an official business phone line that rings to a professional customer support person, every call is handled by an answering machine or rings to a cell phone. Often in the evening, the only answer may be a personal voice mail box or no answer.
Only seasonally available. These operations seem to come out of nowhere. If you see an air conditioning truck or van that you've never seen before, there's probably a reason you haven't heard of them. Check with your local city licensing or business department to see how long their business has been licensed or in operation. You may find that there is no business information, license. Legitimate companies are available all year.
Avoiding AC Repair Scams
There are some common-sense ways to avoid getting your family into hot water.
We hope this information helps protect yourself and your family this summer. It isn't hard to avoid scam-artists. Just be weary of their ways and use some common sense research.
[source : http://www.serviceexperts.com/]
It's an unfortunate circumstance, but we see it happen about this time every year... our industry's worst-kept secret; unskilled or even unethical air conditioning contractors seem to come out of the woodwork. You may have even seen some of the stories or “stings” recently on the evening news.
The Tell-tale Signs
Here are some of the more common signs you may be targeted by these scrupulous folks. They tend to have:
There is a recent example of such companies who may look legitimate, however they just do not have the customer’s best interest in mind.
Here are a few helpful tips on how to avoid these AC repair scams:
Cold-calling. In and of itself, cold-calling via telephone is not inherently a bad sign; it has been around for ages. But, to ensure the call is a legitimate company, always ask for a written estimate to prove the AC contractor will stand behind the price they offer for a service. Ask for written 100% satisfaction guarantee. Also be sure to understand your equipment’s manufacturer warranty; your product may still be under a warranty.
High-pressure tactics. Rather than being a professional consultant in an effort to help a customer make the best decision based on their best interests, high-pressure tactics might be used to persuade customers to make rash, immediate decisions. Avoid making quick decisions based on scare tactics and get a second opinion for any major repair.
Questionable office and phone. Instead of an actual office or an official business phone line that rings to a professional customer support person, every call is handled by an answering machine or rings to a cell phone. Often in the evening, the only answer may be a personal voice mail box or no answer.
Only seasonally available. These operations seem to come out of nowhere. If you see an air conditioning truck or van that you've never seen before, there's probably a reason you haven't heard of them. Check with your local city licensing or business department to see how long their business has been licensed or in operation. You may find that there is no business information, license. Legitimate companies are available all year.
Avoiding AC Repair Scams
There are some common-sense ways to avoid getting your family into hot water.
We hope this information helps protect yourself and your family this summer. It isn't hard to avoid scam-artists. Just be weary of their ways and use some common sense research.
[source : http://www.serviceexperts.com/]
The Tell-tale Signs
Here are some of the more common signs you may be targeted by these scrupulous folks. They tend to have:
- Little or no professional brochures or information available on their products, services, guarantees or warranties
- Limited company information - no web site, or a simple one page web site
- No proof of insurance or bonding
- No BBB accreditation and/or a low grade
- Minimal longevity in the marketplace
There is a recent example of such companies who may look legitimate, however they just do not have the customer’s best interest in mind.
Here are a few helpful tips on how to avoid these AC repair scams:
Cold-calling. In and of itself, cold-calling via telephone is not inherently a bad sign; it has been around for ages. But, to ensure the call is a legitimate company, always ask for a written estimate to prove the AC contractor will stand behind the price they offer for a service. Ask for written 100% satisfaction guarantee. Also be sure to understand your equipment’s manufacturer warranty; your product may still be under a warranty.
High-pressure tactics. Rather than being a professional consultant in an effort to help a customer make the best decision based on their best interests, high-pressure tactics might be used to persuade customers to make rash, immediate decisions. Avoid making quick decisions based on scare tactics and get a second opinion for any major repair.
Questionable office and phone. Instead of an actual office or an official business phone line that rings to a professional customer support person, every call is handled by an answering machine or rings to a cell phone. Often in the evening, the only answer may be a personal voice mail box or no answer.
Only seasonally available. These operations seem to come out of nowhere. If you see an air conditioning truck or van that you've never seen before, there's probably a reason you haven't heard of them. Check with your local city licensing or business department to see how long their business has been licensed or in operation. You may find that there is no business information, license. Legitimate companies are available all year.
Avoiding AC Repair Scams
There are some common-sense ways to avoid getting your family into hot water.
- Always check if a contractor’s business license is required in your area, and if so, make sure the AC contractor has a license, insurance and bonding.
- Visit bbb.org to check the business rating. If they are not listed or not rated, the contractor may still be ok for you to work with, just get references and confirm they are really reputable. If they are listed on the BBB and have a poor rating, avoid them.
- Ask all the questions you want. Do not be afraid to be very diligent in asking questions regarding the qualifications of the company. A reputable contractor (of any trade) will have written, easily accessible documentation online or paper copies, which prove they have been in business for many years. They will also have plenty of references ready to provide you from their long history of satisfied customers.
- Be cautious with online reviews. Review web sites like Yelp and Google are generally reliable, but use some caution. Unfortunately it’s very easy for false reviews to take place, and the primary reason people will write an online review is only when they have a problem. There may not be reviews when everything goes perfectly smooth and customers are happy. So check reviews, but obtain actual references from the contractor to ensure the reviews you see are true and accurate.
- Check the manufacturer’s web site. Most manufacturers will not allow poor contractors to be displayed on their web site. While some may be, it is more likely that the air conditioning contractors listed on reputable manufacturers web sites are also quality contractors.
We hope this information helps protect yourself and your family this summer. It isn't hard to avoid scam-artists. Just be weary of their ways and use some common sense research.
[source : http://www.serviceexperts.com/]
It's an unfortunate circumstance, but we see it happen about this time every year... our industry's worst-kept secret; unskilled or even unethical air conditioning contractors seem to come out of the woodwork. You may have even seen some of the stories or “stings” recently on the evening news.
The Tell-tale Signs
Here are some of the more common signs you may be targeted by these scrupulous folks. They tend to have:
- Little or no professional brochures or information available on their products, services, guarantees or warranties
- Limited company information - no web site, or a simple one page web site
- No proof of insurance or bonding
- No BBB accreditation and/or a low grade
- Minimal longevity in the marketplace
There is a recent example of such companies who may look legitimate, however they just do not have the customer’s best interest in mind.
Here are a few helpful tips on how to avoid these AC repair scams:
Cold-calling. In and of itself, cold-calling via telephone is not inherently a bad sign; it has been around for ages. But, to ensure the call is a legitimate company, always ask for a written estimate to prove the AC contractor will stand behind the price they offer for a service. Ask for written 100% satisfaction guarantee. Also be sure to understand your equipment’s manufacturer warranty; your product may still be under a warranty.
High-pressure tactics. Rather than being a professional consultant in an effort to help a customer make the best decision based on their best interests, high-pressure tactics might be used to persuade customers to make rash, immediate decisions. Avoid making quick decisions based on scare tactics and get a second opinion for any major repair.
Questionable office and phone. Instead of an actual office or an official business phone line that rings to a professional customer support person, every call is handled by an answering machine or rings to a cell phone. Often in the evening, the only answer may be a personal voice mail box or no answer.
Only seasonally available. These operations seem to come out of nowhere. If you see an air conditioning truck or van that you've never seen before, there's probably a reason you haven't heard of them. Check with your local city licensing or business department to see how long their business has been licensed or in operation. You may find that there is no business information, license. Legitimate companies are available all year.
Avoiding AC Repair Scams
There are some common-sense ways to avoid getting your family into hot water.
- Always check if a contractor’s business license is required in your area, and if so, make sure the AC contractor has a license, insurance and bonding.
- Visit bbb.org to check the business rating. If they are not listed or not rated, the contractor may still be ok for you to work with, just get references and confirm they are really reputable. If they are listed on the BBB and have a poor rating, avoid them.
- Ask all the questions you want. Do not be afraid to be very diligent in asking questions regarding the qualifications of the company. A reputable contractor (of any trade) will have written, easily accessible documentation online or paper copies, which prove they have been in business for many years. They will also have plenty of references ready to provide you from their long history of satisfied customers.
- Be cautious with online reviews. Review web sites like Yelp and Google are generally reliable, but use some caution. Unfortunately it’s very easy for false reviews to take place, and the primary reason people will write an online review is only when they have a problem. There may not be reviews when everything goes perfectly smooth and customers are happy. So check reviews, but obtain actual references from the contractor to ensure the reviews you see are true and accurate.
- Check the manufacturer’s web site. Most manufacturers will not allow poor contractors to be displayed on their web site. While some may be, it is more likely that the air conditioning contractors listed on reputable manufacturers web sites are also quality contractors.
We hope this information helps protect yourself and your family this summer. It isn't hard to avoid scam-artists. Just be weary of their ways and use some common sense research.
[source : http://www.serviceexperts.com/]
It's an unfortunate circumstance, but we see it happen about this time every year... our industry's worst-kept secret; unskilled or even unethical air conditioning contractors seem to come out of the woodwork. You may have even seen some of the stories or “stings” recently on the evening news.
The Tell-tale Signs
Here are some of the more common signs you may be targeted by these scrupulous folks. They tend to have:
- Little or no professional brochures or information available on their products, services, guarantees or warranties
- Limited company information - no web site, or a simple one page web site
- No proof of insurance or bonding
- No BBB accreditation and/or a low grade
- Minimal longevity in the marketplace
There is a recent example of such companies who may look legitimate, however they just do not have the customer’s best interest in mind.
Here are a few helpful tips on how to avoid these AC repair scams:
Cold-calling. In and of itself, cold-calling via telephone is not inherently a bad sign; it has been around for ages. But, to ensure the call is a legitimate company, always ask for a written estimate to prove the AC contractor will stand behind the price they offer for a service. Ask for written 100% satisfaction guarantee. Also be sure to understand your equipment’s manufacturer warranty; your product may still be under a warranty.
High-pressure tactics. Rather than being a professional consultant in an effort to help a customer make the best decision based on their best interests, high-pressure tactics might be used to persuade customers to make rash, immediate decisions. Avoid making quick decisions based on scare tactics and get a second opinion for any major repair.
Questionable office and phone. Instead of an actual office or an official business phone line that rings to a professional customer support person, every call is handled by an answering machine or rings to a cell phone. Often in the evening, the only answer may be a personal voice mail box or no answer.
Only seasonally available. These operations seem to come out of nowhere. If you see an air conditioning truck or van that you've never seen before, there's probably a reason you haven't heard of them. Check with your local city licensing or business department to see how long their business has been licensed or in operation. You may find that there is no business information, license. Legitimate companies are available all year.
Avoiding AC Repair Scams
There are some common-sense ways to avoid getting your family into hot water.
- Always check if a contractor’s business license is required in your area, and if so, make sure the AC contractor has a license, insurance and bonding.
- Visit bbb.org to check the business rating. If they are not listed or not rated, the contractor may still be ok for you to work with, just get references and confirm they are really reputable. If they are listed on the BBB and have a poor rating, avoid them.
- Ask all the questions you want. Do not be afraid to be very diligent in asking questions regarding the qualifications of the company. A reputable contractor (of any trade) will have written, easily accessible documentation online or paper copies, which prove they have been in business for many years. They will also have plenty of references ready to provide you from their long history of satisfied customers.
- Be cautious with online reviews. Review web sites like Yelp and Google are generally reliable, but use some caution. Unfortunately it’s very easy for false reviews to take place, and the primary reason people will write an online review is only when they have a problem. There may not be reviews when everything goes perfectly smooth and customers are happy. So check reviews, but obtain actual references from the contractor to ensure the reviews you see are true and accurate.
- Check the manufacturer’s web site. Most manufacturers will not allow poor contractors to be displayed on their web site. While some may be, it is more likely that the air conditioning contractors listed on reputable manufacturers web sites are also quality contractors.
We hope this information helps protect yourself and your family this summer. It isn't hard to avoid scam-artists. Just be weary of their ways and use some common sense research.
[source : http://www.serviceexperts.com/]
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