Like most other folks, you have probably made the mistake of hiring the wrong contractor, mechanic or dentist in the past. And just like everyone else who has made this slip-up, that ghastly choice undoubtedly wound up costing you excessive amounts of time and money. Time spent finding someone reputable to undo whatever damage had already been done, and money spent having the mishap reversed.
However, since then, you have likely learned from your mistakes of days gone by. Now, whenever you are getting ready to invest a sizable amount of money on things like home repairs, improvements or doctor bills, you probably do some comparison-shopping beforehand. And since the Internet is chock full of information and reviews, the web is a great place to start screening potential pros.
Enter Angie’s List
Angie’s List was created with hard-core comparison shoppers like you in mind. The website features reports and ratings from consumers regarding their experiences with all kinds of local businesses. The reviews are designed to help you make a more informed choice on whom you hire before you hire them. And while all of this sounds dandy, it is important to note that access to Angie’s list is not free, and not everything about having access comes up smelling like roses.
Pluses
Service providers with high ratings receive discounts
All of the service providers registered with the website who maintain consistent A or B ratings from Angie’s List consumers get discounts on advertising costs; an obvious advantage for service providers.
Good publicity is good publicity
Even though non-members can contribute to company reviews, the only reports that affect a company grade on the website (or rating) are the reports submitted by paid members.
However, Angie’s List is nothing, if not legitimate in their feedback and publicity. Service providers can’t sign up for accounts to boost their own publicity on the site (even if they pay for a membership) and they can’t “pay” for a better rating. When it comes to reviews, what you see is what you get direct from consumers just like you.
No anonymous reviews
If you have spent any amount of time online, you have probably stumbled across hateful, anonymous reviews of a product or service. You won’t find that on Angie’s List. Not even non-members can post reviews anonymously. This cuts down on the hassle of fake, hateful reviews in favor of honest feedback.
Disadvantages
Access isn’t cheap
In order to access Angie’s List, you have to ante up some cash. Memberships can be paid using a monthly or annual membership plan. The cost of membership is different from one city to the next, but larger metro area memberships are generally more expensive than smaller, rural consumer memberships.
In addition to your monthly or annual membership fees, expect a one-time activation fee of $15 to be tacked on to your first bill. If you cancel your membership and come back later on, it’s important to note that you’ll have to pay this fee again.
Email bombardment
Angie’s List will inundate you with email. If you visit the site and don’t complete the registration, you will receive email after email encouraging you to come on back.
If you do a search for a provider and don’t make contact with one, you’ll receive emails reminding you to do so, as well as emails asking you to provide a review. The bad news is you can’t opt out of this communication. You agreed to receive this email bombardment when you agreed to the terms and conditions of the website.
Final thoughts
If you live in a big metro area, the information on Angie’s List will probably help you find plenty of reviews ahead of hiring someone to work for you. However, if you live in a smaller area, the number of companies participating – and number of reviews that are available – might not be worth your time or your money.