How to Avoid Getting Scammed

How to Avoid Getting Scammed

A guide to choosing a reputable fence contractor in the Central Florida market

Let's be honest.  Let's be real.  Most businesses in the Central Florida marketplace are flat-out disappointing.  We’re often forced to settle or accept substandard customer service, product, workmanship, and even scams.  Rarely are customers left satisfied.

As our owner always says, “Don’t trust all that you hear, but trust 100% of what you see”, which is especially true when it comes to the fencing industry. It’s impossible to drive through any given neighborhood and not find that 80% of the existing fences are falling, warping, wiggling, or discolored. Is this what fences are supposed to do? Should I need to replace my investment every 5 years? These issues bring up many questions, but there’s only one answer.

We noticed potential customers in the Central Florida Market place were starved for information. It did not matter if it was fencing or some other service. All the customer wanted was information. Information beyond what a company’s marketing materials could provide or what a likable salesperson could present. What they wanted was a real conversation with a real person who understood their industry, service, and products. Simply put, they wanted the ability to make a well-informed decision.

That is often difficult to come across in today's market, so we have made it our company’s goal to educate the consumer so that they do not make costly mistakes. This article will cover red flags in the industry that may lead to subpar products or loss of money entirely. Follow these crucial steps when choosing a contractor to help yourself make the best-informed decision possible.

  1. The first step that many people skip is checking the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, or other trusted sites. It is quite common for companies to use fake reviews on Google or Facebook to help boost their ratings, and the 5-star reviews may drown the 1-stars, but don’t let that blind you. Read those 1-star reviews and take them into consideration. Some sites, such as the BBB, allow the company or contractor to reply to their reviews. Do they own up to their mistakes and try to make it right, or do they argue with the customer? A company that argues with their customer is a red flag.
  2. Look for reviews from customer’s neighbors. It is common to see reviews from neighbors about messes left on lawns, or landscaping that was destroyed. If a company does not respect a neighboring yard, they won’t respect yours.
  3. Look for reviews of bad communications with the company. You may see some that say, “the salesman was responsive and attentive until we signed, and now we can’t reach anyone!” That is a surefire red flag. It is common for fence companies to ask for large “material deposits” (50-60% of total bill), and then disappear, leaving the homeowner out thousands of dollars.
  4. Ask questions about the materials being used. Many companies will advertise high-quality products and provide economy grade materials upon installation, leaving homeowners paying a huge markup for a fence that will need replacement in 3-5 years. A reputable company should be able to provide you with manufacturer and warranty information. Look online for reviews on the material quality before you sign a contract.
  5. Check that the company or contractor you want to work with is licensed. Go to Sunbiz, and search either the company name or contractor's name. If they are listed as “inactive”, they are not currently licensed. Additionally, ask for the company's or contractors' insurance information. If they are not insured and you allow them onto your property, that is a recipe for disaster. If possible, look for a company or contractor who is insured and bonded. The difference here is that the bond works as second insurance and protects the property owner.
  6. Sunbiz will show you how often a contractor has closed and re-opened as another company name every year or two. That is a sign of a scam company. It makes them more difficult to trace. Additionally, look for a contractor with a storefront or physical address.
  7. Lastly, watch out for bogus awards. “Best of Orlando Fences 2018” a company will boast online. It looks great, but is it real? If legitimate, the company should appear when searching for the award name online. Chances are, “Frank’s Fencing” is not the number one rated fence company in your city.

When in doubt, call Paramount Fencing. Our customer service and installation are superior and proven.  We are ranked number one on referral sites such as Angie's List, NextDoor, and the Better Business Bureau. Our number 1 goal is to educate the consumer regardless if they go with us or go with someone else.  That is what we do, and we will still be here for you regardless.

TO SCHEDULE A FREE ESTIMATE CALL!  (407) 341-2720 Family Owned & Operated Since 2003 Veteran Owned and Operated.

 

Firework Safety & The 4th

Firework Safety & The 4th

Firework Safety & The 4th

In the blink of an eye, July is upon us, and The 4th is right around the corner. Millions of Americans are looking forward to a day filled with fun- but sometimes fun can be dangerous. Keep reading for some 4th of July facts:

Fun Facts
1. Americans will enjoy 150 million hotdogs on the 4th!
2. Fireworks are an American tradition, dating all the way back to 1777.
3. Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks each year. Of that $1 billion, only 10% are set off professionally.

Not-So-Fun Facts
1. 2017 reported 8 direct firework-related deaths
2. There are an estimated 12,900 firework-related ER visits each year.
3. Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year.
4. Fireworks are common causes of roof and fence fires. A fence fire can spread quickly to a house.
5. Every year, thousands of homeowners have to call fence companies to repair or replace vinyl fences that have melted/wood fences that have caught fire due to firework damage.

How can homeowners enjoy fireworks, but protect themselves and their property?
1. Check that fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing.
2. Never hold fireworks in your hands when igniting. Always shoot fireworks off from a flat, cleared off, non-flammable surface.
3. Light fireworks one at a time, away from people, homes, fence lines, trees, vehicles, or any other flammable structure.
4. Keep a fire extinguisher and a bucket of water close by in case of emergencies. Dunk used fireworks into water before throwing away.
5. Children should NEVER handle fireworks- this includes sparklers. Sparklers are the leading cause of firework-related injuries in children under the age of 5.
6. Only purchase fireworks from reliable and licensed sources.
7. Never use your fence to shoot fireworks. Fences are often made of flammable material (wood) or are susceptible to damage due to high amounts of heat (vinyl)

The Paramount Team would like to wish everyone a fun, safe 4th of July! If your fence experiences any damage this holiday weekend, give us a call. We look forward if given the opportunity, to making you another happy fence customer.
407.341.2720