Angie’s List Playing a Big Role for Deck Builders
Almost every deck builder or homeowner who’s hired a deck contractor in the last couple of years has heard of Angie’s list. If you haven’t, you may want to visit their website at http://www.angieslist.com/Angieslist/.
Angie’s list is a consumer driven website in which people rate deck builders and other services based on their personal experiences. Unlike many other referral services, companies cannot easily buy their way into the program. In most referral programs like “Service Magic” and “Reliable Remodeler,” contractors are the members. They are charged either a monthly due, lead fee or both to become members. Once a potential customer contacts the referral service, they are sent contact information for the members (contractors). Some companies even have different levels for businesses such as “Elite” and “Premier” based on how much money is committed to the membership.
Angie’s List is different in that the consumers are the members. They are charged either a monthly or yearly subscription charge. Customers can submit a deck builder or other company into the website if they’re not already in the system. What also makes Angie’s list unique from other customer review platforms is the way in which reviews are conducted.
Many other companies’ customer ratings reviews are registered by simply entering a testimonial along with some basic information on the project. All of this is done through a website where deck builders and other contractors can easily cheat the system. All they have to do is make up a fictional account or have friend or relative testify some friendly compliments.
If a consumer chooses to review a contractor on Angie’s List, they must grade the contractor on price, quality, responsiveness, punctuality, and professionalism along with an overall grade. They also have to answer a plethora of questions via a phone interview with an Angie’s list representative.
The review grades are averaged out along with the contractor’s grades from other customers. The genuine, candid customer ratings are what make Angie’s List such a prosperous company. In these desperate times for many, it can prove to be invaluable protection from scrupulous schemers and con artists.
The one major flaw with Angie’s List is the fact that people can grade companies who’ve never even done work for the potential consumer. For example, I’ve seen many contractors’ ratings given all F’s simply because the business quoted a price that the Angie’ List member felt was too high. Others where the deck builder informed the customer that the job was too small or they were too busy to take on new work. No work was ever performed and the builder never even visited the residence or place of business. However, the Angie’s List member was so offended that they decided to go ahead and review the business poorly for everyone to see.
Angie’s list says that less weight is given to the reviews where work was never performed. However, that doesn’t mean much to a deck builder or other contractor who has a horrible rating and a bunch of unkind words next to their name. Especially when all they did was give a verbal quote over the phone or choose not to take on that particular job. Remember, we are talking about someone’s livelihood. If you’re a deck builder or other contractor, I’d advise you to defend yourself with a valid rebuttal which should be attached to your profile.
Overall, I’d say whether you’re a deck builder or potential deck purchaser, Angie’s List may provide some good direction on where you should focus your attention.
Hope this helps,
Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks - Kansas City deck builder)
