This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Angie Hicks, who founded the Angie's List website that aggregates consumer reviews, advises that too many advertisements dangling unbelievable bargains for services aren't really much of a bargain.
Describe pitches that may contain red flags for consumers.
High-pressure sales tactics, for one. Remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. The promise of low, low prices for a short window of time often comes with fine print caveats that tend to drive the price up fast. Don't get in too deep to call a halt to the deal.
Explain complaints involving carpet installation.
Angie's List members generally have the same one — being overcharged for carpet they didn't need or being billed for things that weren't outlined ahead of time, such as fees for measuring the room and moving furniture. One member was sold on an advertisement that promised an entire house of carpet installed for $37. She ignored the too-good-to-be-true cliché and ended up paying much more than $37. A homeowner with an average-sized, single-family home should expect to spend at least several hundred dollars for quality carpet and installation from a qualified professional.
How about home security systems?
We've heard a lot about companies using scare tactics. These types of high-pressure sales pitches should be seen as alarms themselves. If you're ever pressured to buy right away by a stranger at your door, end the discussion and look for a service company that has a verifiable postal address and a solid reputation. Never buy or hire on price alone. Depending on the complexity of a system, the installation can range from $100 to more than $1,000, plus monthly monitoring fees.
And air duct cleaning?
Most unreliable ads come with two pitches, a really low price and startling information about the dangers dirty air ducts pose to you and your family. Take a breath, do some research and find a reputable company. Although many consumers who use reliable air duct cleaning companies rave about the results, there is no scientific evidence that regular cleaning improves air quality. Allowing an unqualified contractor to clean your ducts, however, could be worse than never having them cleaned. Particulates could be broken up and released into your home, or your HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) system could be damaged. Some duct cleaning advertisements offer cleaning for as low as $49. Cleaning from a reliable company will cost at least $400, take several hours, require more than one worker and involve costly equipment.
Dawn House Angie Hicks, entrepreneur