September 1, 2017

Garage door repair scammers: How to spot them

Repair scam

Garage doors are complex, large items. For your safety, and for the safety of those around you, you should always entrust any repair work to an expert.

Unfortunately, there are tons of people out there trying to make an easy buck. People posing as “the best garage door repairman in the neighbourhood” and performing low-quality (even dangerous) work before running off with your money.

If you need to call a garage door repair company, we’ll help you weed out the scammers with some useful tips.

Word of mouth is the MOST RELIABLE source of information

Ask around about garage door specialists, you likely have at least one person in your entourage who’s had repairs done recently. Find out who they used and if they’d recommend them.

Check online reviews, and if you recognize any of the reviewer’s names, give them a call and check the review listed is accurate.

If the company’s website DOES NOT list an address, be worried

And if there is an address, check it out. Have a look on Google Maps Street View, does it look like a garage door repair store? Or does it look like a front for scammers working out of another town (or country)?

If the company’s website DOES NOT have photos, be worried

Generally speaking, reputable companies are proud of their teams and their work. Websites, Facebook pages, Twitter and Instagram accounts are all great ways for companies to get visibility, so if they aren’t showing off what they’ve been working on, or if they’re showing off stock photos, you should think twice about working with them.

Having said that, there are some older, more traditional companies out there that aren’t yet fully subscribed to our digital age, so don’t automatically discard them without other proof that they aren’t genuine.

Being a member of a professional association is a GOOD sign

Professional associations enforce codes of ethics and standards that their members must strive to. If a company claims to be a member of a professional association, check with the association that this really is the case. If it is, you can rest assured that the company is reputable.

If you’re missing any information, give them company a call

Ask them any questions you haven’t found your answers to, like whether they provide their employees with accident insurance, whether they guarantee parts and labour, whether they drive branded vehicles, etc. A real garage door repair company will be able to answer all of your questions, whether technical or general. Be weary of anyone who cannot do so.

Contact telephone

If the company gives you a final quote sight unseen, be worried

Garage door repair companies generally wait until someone has been out to your home to evaluate the extent of the damage before providing you with a final quote, especially in cases of broken springs. This is because they need to see what size parts they need to replace. In the meantime, they will provide you with a ballpark estimate.

You will normally receive the final quote once they’ve evaluated the situation and checked if you need any other repairs doing at the same time.

Get a written quote BEFORE they start the work

To avoid any nasty surprises, make sure the company puts the final price in writing before they start the job.

Get a final invoice from them WHEN they leave

Once the job’s done, make sure you ask them for a final invoice that shows the warranty on the parts and labour. Some companies will only issue their official invoices once payment has been made, so you might have to pay for it right away on your credit card. Don’t worry, it’s normal.

What if I need a new garage door?

If you’re in the market for a new garage door, look no further. As well-established garage door experts, you can trust us to find the right door for your garage that’s within your budget. Contact us today at 866-436-6777 or pop into our showroom to speak to a member of the team in person. You can also request an online quotation.

If you have an idea which style you’d like, why not try out the Design Centre and see how it will look with your home?

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