Western Michigan BBB Reminder: Only Use Trusted Contractors
As the weather warms up, the number of people at your door increases. Whether they're salespeople, representatives from religious institutions, political canvassers, or a variety of others, they reappear in the spring like the leaves on the trees, and while most are harmless, some are shady.
The Western Michigan Better Business Bureau published a reminder and warning last week not to do business with such "companies," as they're often scammers.
"Your BBB heard from a West Michigan consumer today who informed our office that he received unsolicited visitors this morning. Two men pulled up to his home in a small, old model unmarked white pick-up. One man knocked on the door and provided his name, but no company name. He said he was working on a neighbor's house and noticed that bricks had fallen off the chimney. He said he would be able to fix it, plus add a cap to the chimney. The resident stated he would first want to check out his business with the BBB. The man stated he would be able to do it right then. The consumer asked for a business card; however, the man did not provide one and left.
This is a typical scenario; itinerant workers often show up unannounced and offer to re-surface parking lots or driveways, perform roof repair, painting services, brick work, tree trimming or cutting, or other home improvement jobs. Typically, these fly by night companies offer to do the job with leftover materials from a previous job, use high pressure tactics and trick you into thinking they offer a discount price. They have no physical location in the area and use poor quality materials. They do not pay local taxes and take discretionary income that could be better spent on local businesses."
If you're approached in the manner above, be sure to contact the Better Business Bureau before buying or agreeing to any products or services.
Or better yet, go with a business you already know you can trust. A reputable, established business highly rated by the BBB and a BBB Integrity Award winner. A business with full-time employees and not freelance contractors that disappear into the night.
A business like Ayers Basement Systems.
