From time to time we all need skilled people to mend or make stuff for us, from a faulty light fitting to building an extension. We want a good job done at a reasonable price but probably have no idea what a reasonable price might be nor which supplier does a good job and is not going to overcharge us or even rip us off.
While nothing can be guaranteed, a lot can be said for asking around amongst people you know who have used local traders for the same or similar work they want done, for their opinion of those they have used; with regard to cost, quality and trustworthiness.
It would be good to avoid the ‘You should have asked me before you got that done, I know a man who ….’ response well after you’ve committed or had completed some work you now realise was over-priced or not completed very well.
To help make a good choice, or perhaps avoid a bad one, Diana Richmond (Trusted@wtu3a.org.uk), a WT U3A member, has agreed to manage a list of members who are prepared to recommend traders they have used. The list is small at present and does not represent many trades but may prove useful over time.
The process is simple: contact Diana and ask if she has any people who are prepared to comment on traders they have used for particular trades. Any names she can provide will be U3A members and they have agreed to comment on traders under a category title, like ‘plumber’. Make whatever contacts you like and act accordingly.
NOTE: The U3A, Diana Richmond and those offering their opinion of traders accept no responsibility for any aspect of this service – the responsibility of dealing with a trader identified in this way are entirely with you.
The process is simple and it is two-way. If you find a good tradesman/woman tell Diana about them along with your contact details. If someone contacts you for a ‘reference’ do what you’d like to have done for you and speak honestly and answer questions directly. It’s no crime to speak the truth.
If you use this system and are happy, please tell Diana, if you are not happy, please tell Diana, if you have good experience with a trader (?!), please tell Diana.
Additionally the Citizens Advice Bureau have several guides on this subject – I have selected two:
http://tinyurl.com/find-a-trader – about finding a trustworthy trader that includes the above advice as its first priority!
http://tinyurl.com/spot-a-cowboy – about sniffing out a ‘wrong ‘un’
Mike Bean