Elder Financial Abuse Abounds in the Garage Door Industry
Do you think you or a loved one has been a victim of elder financial abuse by a garage door company? You're not the first.
It's programmed into the business model.
Several companies operate on a commission system, rewarding their technicians for the amount of money they collect, rather than the quality of their work. Ace Garage Door owner, Brian Recore, has had personal experience with more than one of these less-than-honest businesses.
"The more money they can get from a customer, the more their company puts them on a pedestal. Employees are paid more and get the best jobs based on how much they charge customers, not by the quality of their work. That's just not how we operate."
Keep in mind: Not all garage door companies charge the same amount.
There is no value menu for service companies. Different companies charge different prices for various reasons. A company charging $100 more than another for the same service is not committing a crime. A company charging $500 for a $12 part, or inventing services that don't exist, is abusing their client.
Why target the elderly?
Older home owners are often targeted by garage door companies who inflate their prices. Most price-comparison is done online. Less technical savvy can result in a lack of research and an inability to cross-check prices. There's also a general acceptance that people who work in service industries are honest, and hard-working. But many of the companies behind these services are known predators, and some have paid legal consequences. Lawsuits against companies in California have resulted in felony convictions. But large companies are not slowed or deterred by the minor fines they're charged, and the technicians working for them have paid the biggest price, becoming convicted felons for following company guidelines.
How do you fight back?
Many companies that advertise free estimates try to collect a 'trip charge' once they reach your home. Ask over the phone and again when the technician arrives if they charge a fee for driving to you, and don't be afraid to send them away if they try to charge you without even gotten their tools out of their vehicle. A verbal contract is binding.
Don't count on getting the price you are quoted over the phone. Many companies will tell you a low price when you call, then add extra services and costs when they arrive. If it sounds too good to be true, it is!
Get a written estimate, and check your final bill to be sure it matches. Don't pay more for services than you were quoted. If extra parts or services are added to your bill with your permission, make sure they write down the price on your original estimate so you can match them when you get your invoice.
Report them to the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) if you have been overcharged. This is only a recourse if the company is licensed by the CLSB--something you should always check before hiring anyone to work on your home.
For more steps to take, here is a DOJ link for guidance: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/file/900221/dl
How do I find someone honest to fix my door?
The best way to insure you are choosing the right company is not by checking Yelp! The reviews and ads are manipulated and paid for by big companies. Check with neighbors and on Nextdoor. Surprisingly, going back to word-of-mouth, instead of looking at online reviews, has again become the best way to hire honest companies.