Finding a reliable installer or other service provider isn’t always easy. Due to the high demand for skilled professionals, more and more referral websites, nationwide emergency repair services, and companies that spend a lot of money on online advertising are popping up.
However, a high ranking on Google says nothing about the quality or reliability of a company. Even a professional-looking website, a nationwide phone number, or attractive stock photos offer no guarantee that you’re dealing with a competent service provider.
Therefore, always verify who you are doing business with before placing an order or making a payment.
Here's how to reduce the risk of being scammed
Please pay attention to the following points, among others:
- Preferably, choose a local or regional company.
- Ask your friends, family, or neighbors about their experiences.
- Make sure the company name, contact information, and business address are clearly listed.
- Look up the company and its Chamber of Commerce number in the Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Register.
- Check whether the company is a member of a relevant trade association.
- Ask which quality marks and certifications are in place, and verify that they are actually valid.
- Check out recent reviews on independent platforms, such as Google, Trustpilot, or Klantenvertellen.
- It’s best to sort reviews by “most recent,” and also pay attention to how the company responds to criticism.
- Ask in advance for a clear quote that includes labor costs, materials, travel expenses, and any surcharges.
- Be cautious if a large amount or full payment in advance is requested right away.
- Don't let yourself be pressured into agreeing right away.
- After the job is completed, ask for a clear invoice that includes your company information and a description of the work performed.
Advertisements and comparison websites
Paid ads often appear above the regular search results and are usually marked with the label “Sponsored.” Such an ad simply means that payment was made for its visibility; it is not a seal of quality.
Comparison and lead-generation websites also typically operate on a commercial basis. Service providers pay to receive your request, and that same request is sometimes forwarded to multiple companies. As a result, the focus can shift heavily toward the lowest price, even though quality, choice of materials, and personalized service are just as important.
Therefore, always search directly for companies in your area and evaluate them based on their expertise, certifications, and reputation.
Watch for warning signs
A single red flag does not necessarily mean that a company is unreliable. However, you should be extra vigilant if you notice a combination of, for example:
- only a general or 085 phone number, without a clear local address;
- no verifiable company name or Chamber of Commerce registration;
- a website featuring only general stock photos;
- unclear or highly variable rates;
- unexpected surcharges after work has already begun;
- Cash only, no invoices;
- pressure to issue an order immediately;
- excessively high advance payments;
- certification marks that cannot be verified;
- almost exclusively very general or strikingly similar reviews.
Find a licensed installation company
Through " Echte Installateur " and "Vind een Vakbedrijf," you can search by ZIP code to find a licensed or certified installation company in your area.
If in doubt, always take the time to verify a company’s information first. A reliable professional will provide clarity about the work to be done, the costs, and their expertise.