Garage door scamming isn’t a new phenomenon. You’ve probably heard or read about a family that hired a bogus garage door repair crew, who ended up taking their money and rendering no real service. These garage door scammers are referred to in our industry as “Bad Bobs.” In this post, we’ll show you how to spot a potential Bad Bob and avoid overpaying for garage door repairs, services, or parts you don’t need.
Spotting a Garage Door Scam
Most garage door scammers use unclear names or generic ones. Furthermore, they tend to use multiple names to confuse their customers. It’s also unlikely that they will have a physical showroom or business premise.
Scammers also use bait-and-switch tactics to lure unsuspecting customers. Once they bag a project, they inflate the cost of garage door repairs by adding extra charges later on.
Garage door scammers prey on homeowners who desperately need emergency door repairs because they’re more concerned about getting their garage doors fixed than what they’ll pay. Once you contact scammers, they will come quickly and perform swift repairs with unneeded parts, then overcharge you.
How to Avoid Scammers
In case a garage door professional asks you to buy additional parts, find out why they need them. It’s advisable to get quotes from two or three garage door dealers as a safeguard against exorbitant charges.
Garage door scammers tend to target ignorant homeowners who lack basic knowledge of service costs. To avoid falling for this trap, find out the average cost of garage door replacement parts and the going rates for repairs in your area.
Be sure to search Google maps or local directories to see if the garage door dealer has a verifiable location. A trustworthy dealer should have a real physical address and consistent listings across online directories, social networks, and their website.
How to Take Action
The International Door Association (IDA) has recently established an email address where you can report possible Bad Bobs. If you have or know someone who has written a complaint or have seen false advertising for yourself, you can send documentation to garagedoorscam@gmail.com. The IDA is continuing to work on defining Bad Bob behavior and finding the best ways to combat unethical and illegal business practices.
Fun Fact: our owner, Kevin Pettiette, is the president of IDA and sits on the committee that works towards continuing Bad Bob consumer education.
We encourage you to check out our website for a few videos that tell you what you need to know when it comes to garage door scams and security.
Are you looking for a trustworthy garage door repair service with experienced and licensed door technicians? Contact us today and we’ll give you free and honest estimates.
