My column from the June issue of the Angie's List Magazine.
Summer is upon us, and if you’re like most members, your home and yard repairs are in full swing.
As you set out to hire the service companies that will make your wish list a reality, be sure to take full advantage of all Angie’s List can offer.
A recent member poll showed that 80 percent make a point of telling service companies they’re a member. Many think the name dropping prompts a faster response; others want the company to know they have the power to report.
Either way, we know from experience that service companies understand Angie’s List members are educated consumers who are passionate about speaking up for great companies. That gives you power that nonmembers just don’t have. And when you use that power for good, you raise the bar on quality customer service for everyone.
Dave Calvelage from Westerville, Ohio, knows firsthand how well this works. “I’ve had excellent results from telling the companies right up front that I’m an Angie’s List member, and I’m contacting them because of their rating,” he says.
Davina Fogel of Dallas does so because she thinks the companies make a better effort when they know their work will be reviewed on the List. She also wants to take advantage of Angie’s List discounts.
In fact, more than half of those polled use coupons offered through the List, and 54 percent said they save more than $50 on each project.
We were a bit surprised, however, to learn that 62 percent didn’t realize that Angie’s List only allows “A”- and “B”-rated service companies to offer discounts to members. So we followed up with a few to see if knowing about the policy makes them feel better.
“Definitely,” says Jim Faust, a member in Austin, Texas. “It’s not out of the realm of possibility that a company might try to entice a member into ignoring its rating by offering a coupon. It’s one less thing for a member to have to consider when choosing the right company.”
“When I found out coupons are restricted to ‘A’ and ‘B’ companies, it was like icing on my cake,” adds Shawn McPheron, a member in New Albany, Ind. “Thanks, Angie, and all fellow report posters. The List has made my life easier and less expensive.”
New York member Sima Matthes agrees. “So often in the world of home improvements, we are motivated by discounts, coupons and rebates. By assuring Angie’s List members that the vendors have satisfactory customer service ratings before they can post discounts, the List rewards good vendors twice.”
Our sentiments exactly!
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