Service Company's in TV
 

Ever notice the number of services companies in the villages that are driving around any given day?
Landscaping, plumbers, electricians, roofers, building supply, driveway repair, golfcart repair, heating and cooling vans, furniture trucks, window installers etc. etc.

I know TV has many homes, but wow.

If one needs any of these services and looking for reasonable prices and quality work, which one should you choose??

There are tons of horror stories to read on all the "rip-offs" that take advantage of seniors.

Search on TOTV and Nextdoor for recommendations on the best. When I’m reading daily I make note of recommended vendors for potential future use.

& ask neighbors, golfing buddies, line dancing partners, club members.

I have always liked to have to wait, (in non-emergency situations) as it means the trades person is busy, popular, and usually good.
Anyone who can start a job tomorrow is usually not any of those things.
I know! I know! There are special cases, but I bet I am right the majority of time!

And the best way to investigate those"tons of horror stories" and "rip-offs that take advantage of seniors" is to contact Seniors vs Crime before calling anyone for estimates and time frames.

Project Offices - Seniors Vs Crime

I did hear now most service Co's. charge for estimates, little free ones left anymore.
With gas prices for those trucks, most little outfits need that guaranteed $$$$.

My son filled up his '20 Toyota Tundra at Sam's and stop @ $80.00 and it wasn't completely full.

Word of mouth is usually the best reference.

I call: Fiction.

That would be sufficient for me to dismiss them out of hand.
Pay for an estimate????:ohdear:

The first service company (plumber) I called the week when we moved in here 4 years ago said before they were dispatched "there is a minimum $80 charge for us to come out and see what the problem is". Sounds like an "estimate charge" to me just disguised to look sound something else. Estimate to paint your home or diagnostic to see why your WH is leaking, same thing. If you don't hire them you still have to pay. Their name was on the water heater as they were the original installers. I believe they still do it but not sure which is why I won't post their name but they are one of the "major" players here. I'm sure it happens more than you think.

Respectfully, I think you are comparing apples and oranges. I would not pay for a painting estimate. You don't even need to be a painter to prepare an estimate. But, if I had a leaking water heater, I would expect to pay a service charge for a licensed plumber to come to my house to diagnose the problem. The difference is that the plumber is qualified to repair the leak, and may do it immediately. But, the painter (or estimator) is providing a competitive quote for future work.

I'm sure it's not.

:clap2:

Random selection
 

Just pick someone randomly by writing down a number from a truck sign. Make sure there is no contract for service and pay in full up front. Then when things don’t work out start another post on here asking what to do next.

When I moved to the villages in 2012 I,was told service people had to check with the person at the gate showing he was called by a resident and that those trying to sell a service or an item are not permitted in. For some reason they are now getting through so if this happens you can actually go to that guard gate and get the phone number to call to complain. Believe this or not, this is still supposed to be the law.

I recently received 2 free estimates for garage floor and lanai floor painting, and 3 free estimates for gutters.

I search the totv site. I write the names down and make a tick mark for each positive mention...