1 November 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
How to spot a cowboy
Published in Sainsbury's Magazine
SUMMARY
Kevin Byrne, founder of Checkatrade.com explains how to avoid falling foul of cowboy builders and rogue trades.
PRESS RELEASE
Be wary of tradespeople who only provide a mobile number - they should have a landline number, office address and trade association membership.
Find a reliable tradesperson at Checkatrade.com. They have all been vetted for insurance, qualifications and professional memberships, then scored by customers.
Avoid spiralling costs by agreeing on a fixed price, as well as a start date and estimated finish date in case the works takes longer than expected.
Pay by credit card so that you're protected if things go wrong.
Avoid builders who ask to be paid in cash - it's illegal and they'll usually pass on the VAT they've paid for materials to you.
Be wary of requests for upfront payment - it could indicate cashflow problems.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Checkatrade helps combat the UK's rogue trader problem by continuously vetting and monitoring local traders such as builders, plumbers and electricians. The idea was born in 1998 after a tornado hit the small West Sussex town of Selsey. Traders poured in from as far away as Liverpool and Manchester. Unfortunately, some ripped off the inhabitants of the town. Local businessman, Kevin Byrne, realised there was nowhere to check out the traders’ credentials and the company that became Checkatrade was formed.
Since then, Checkatrade has grown to include over 6,300 genuine trade members, growing by an average 120 new members every month, and, via the Royal Mail, distributes 5.9 million directories a year into communities throughout Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset and Berkshire, while the website includes traders from across the UK.
CONTACT INFORMATION
PR / Marketing, Checkatrade
5 - 6 Sherrington Mews, Ellis Square, Selsey, West Sussex, PO20 0FJ
Tel: 01243 601234
Fax: 01243 601246
info@checkatrade.com
