angies list?

[grumpydasmurf]

http://angieslist.com/ Anyone ever heard of this? I think it's like the BBB.

[grumpydasmurf]

After a little research I see that people have to pay to use the service.

[Rich]

It's a good idea but it seems backwards. The value in it is that users can see how service oriented companies are doing. So as a homeowner if I am going to have a roof replacement I have to pay to see who is the best? I would make the companies pay, they may actually see a return for the cost, for inclusion and use the homeowners as the rating system.
As a homeowner I would see little benefit in it if I had to pay an annual fee for a one time use.

[grumpydasmurf]

Rich everyone calls contractors more than once, AND if I were on their sales team I would tell people: "Think about it. what if you hire a terible contractor? YOu may lose thousands, maybe even your house! Isn't this $50 worth the piece of mind?"

Same thing carfax does. Now just about every person selling cars will give you the report for free, but when they came out their gimick was similiar.

Now let's look at credit checks. They are anywhere from $5-$15 per check... but don't you want to know that the person you are essentially giving a big ol loan in the form of home repairs, doesn't have a habit of NOT PAYING?

[Rich]

I've had people call me more than once but it's typically 5-6 years between calls. I see what you're saying about the piece of mind thing.. but I'm into customer service and I would rather not have a client pay something they may get limited use from.
I can say the same thing about a contractor... "Mr contractor this monthly charge you pay will insure that you are listed and if you do good work then people will contact you for work. Additionally if you have good ratings you can display this lovely graphic on your website stating that you are a member in good standing at Angie's List" haha.. well you get the picture.
I agree with the credit checks.. myself as a contractor buys a service for providing credit checks on clients. Again, that's a contractor paying for a service so they don't get stiffed.
Don't get me wrong I understand their thought process in having homeowners pay for the service in lieu of contractors. There are many many more people that need a contractor than there are contractors. I still disagree - but I guess that's the greedy american way...haha.