Angie's List is an amazing deal. Here's what I mean - As a granite countertop fabricator and installer, I was approached by Angie's List over 7 years ago for what I thought was paid advertising or worse, a scam. I said NO. (Here's what Angie's List is all about)
Then I discovered that they weren't asking for any money from me. Instead they wanted to provide their members an honest evaluation of my company and others. For 7 years now, I've been a real fan. Here's why ...
Even with all my contacts in the building trades (and considering the down economy), you'd think I would have no problem getting quality work and results from local contractors in my OWN home. But that hasn't been the case. Angie to the rescue.
At the time, I just viewed them as another advertising company trying to get me to spend money. They made it difficult, however, because they weren't interested in getting me to write a check for a recommendation. In fact, none of the reviewed or recommended contractors EVER pay to be listed.
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Why Angie's List?
Angie's List ... Check For Free Trial
A company is listed and then other members and consumers review the contractor, their practices, and their reputation. There are no anonymous reviews.
What I thought was a hassle, was actually a blessing for homeowners. Even for granite countertops, their listings help determine granite countertop pros and cons and they help find the best granite countertop prices.
Better yet, as a member of Angie's, you have access to reviews of not just home improvement contractors, but also auto mechanics, and even healthcare providers.
When dealing with contractors of any kind, quality referrals are your best way to avoid the frustration and hassle. And it's why you should consider a referral source like Angieslist.com to help you find any kind of contractor, not just granite fabricators and installers.
So check out Angie's today! You'll find thousands of unbiased reviews of local service companies. Get a personal recommendation from someone just like yourself. And remember no contractors can pay to be on Angie's List.
Even though I've been in the building trades for years, I use Angie's List myself, everything from car repair to medical providers.
Try the Angie's List Free Trial if it's being offered or the 20% off incentive coupon below.
3 Questions Your Contractor Should Never Ask You
Like any professional, a contractor's time is valuable and he or she wants to know the customer will pay at the end of the job. Service companies often qualify or screen potential customers. Unfortunately, a reasonable request for information can come across as invasive, rude, or personal. Be cautious of these 3 questions.
Will you be alone when I arrive?
WHY THEY SHOULDN'T: Asking a potential client if he or she will be alone when a contractor arrives may make the homeowner think the contractor has criminal intent. Also inappropriate are these companion questions: Are you married? Do you live alone? Are you widowed?
WHAT THEY SHOULD ASK INSTEAD: Will anyone else be involved with decisions about the project and payment? I want to be sure not to waste your time, so it would be best if everyone is available at the same time.
What's your credit score?
WHY THEY SHOULDN'T: Asking about a potential client's credit score can easily cause offense, as can questions like: Do you have a job? Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? How much money is in your bank account?
WHAT THEY SHOULD ASK INSTEAD: How would you like to handle payment? If necessary, a contractor can check your credit history through normal channels.
Can I see your other bids before I give you mine?
WHY THEY SHOULDN'T: Asking about other bids is sort of like asking if you can cheat off your neighbor during a fourth-grade spelling test. It should make the potential customer wonder if the contractor is offering the best bid he or she can.
WHAT THEY SHOULD ASK INSTEAD: I hope you'll give me a chance to talk this over after you review all of your bids. I think it's a fair bid; it reflects the cost of the job as well as the value of my qualifications and training.
Read More Angie's List Advice.
Angie's Helpful Hints
Granite Countertop Support Brackets & Installation Tips
Should You Disinfect Granite Countertops?
Granite Slabs In Your Area
Return from Angie's List to Granite Countertop Buyer's Guide
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NEW! Click below for Angies List Coupon 25% off with Angies List Promotional Code SAVE25
Home Watcher Cam. Watch Your Home When You're Away On Your Smartphone!
Granite Links
Home sellers - how about a tip for selling your home? Selling a house in this buyers market is tough right now. And with so many houses competing with yours for sale, you need an advantage to help you sell your house.
That's where the Home Seller Cam comes in - a miniature, hidden camera and microphone that lets you see and, better yet, hear what prospective buyers are saying when they walk through your house.
You watch from the convenience of your smartphone. Their honest remarks let you make changes to your home or modify your sales plan. Click here to learn more - SmartCamz.com
"See and hear what people are saying while your house is being shown . . . on your Smartphone!"
When Angies List is new to an area they offer free memberships. Check to see if a free trial is available in your area. If not, save money with Angie's List Coupon like the one below which now offers 25% off the regular price. It's one more way to save money and get a great value.
Even with all my contacts in the building trades (and considering the down economy), you'd think I would have no problem getting quality work and results from local contractors in my OWN home. But that hasn't been the case. Angie to the rescue.
At the time, I just viewed them as another advertising company trying to get me to spend money. They made it difficult, however, because they weren't interested in getting me to write a check for a recommendation.
In fact, none of the reviewed or recommended contractors EVER pay to be listed.
