If you see a deal for a garage door repair that seems too good to be true, it probably is. While many professional garage door companies offer safe repairs, illegitimate businesses attempt to scam well-intentioned home and business owners with low prices and poor-quality work. Learn about the different types of garage door scams and how to avoid them.
Signs of a Garage Door Scam
You can detect a garage door scam by these signs:
- The company’s name differs across its website, phone greetings and advertisements.
- The business explains the various names by claiming it has recently acquired another company.
- The business hesitates to share information about itself or its services.
- The business is located far from your area.
- The technician’s van and uniform do not have the company logo.
- The prices are significantly lower or higher than the average for your area.
- The company will give you the total cost of the repair without having seen your garage door.
- The company requests upfront payment.
- The company asks you to pay in cash.
Three Types of Garage Door Repair Scams
Many illegitimate garage door businesses rely on these scams to get homeowners to pay more for repairs.
1. The Lifetime Guarantee Scam
The lifetime guarantee scam involves a technician installing a part with a lifetime guarantee. This part is actually low-quality, so it will break down sooner than expected. When you reach out for a replacement, they will install another shoddy part for free but charge labor costs. Homeowners get caught in a continuous loop of replacing overhead door parts and paying for labor every time.
Though a lifetime guarantee sounds like a great deal, it doesn’t mean future replacements and repairs are free. What does ālifetimeā mean, and what services are āguaranteed?ā Scammers take advantage of assumptions to get more money from homeowners.
2. The Rebuild Package Scam
With the rebuild package ā or hardware overhaul ā scam, the technician will inspect your garage door and inform you nearly every part needs to be replaced. In reality, the garage door needs one simple repair, like realigning the photo eye sensor. The scammer will often mark up the cost of the parts in the installation fee, so you’ll pay much more than you need to.
Even if you have a broken garage door hinge, you likely don’t need to replace all your hardware. Garage door components have different life spans, so some will fail sooner than others.
3. The Unidentified Technician Scam
The unidentified technician scam occurs when the business claims to send their in-house team to make the repair. In reality, they subcontract the repair to an independent contractor without a license, insurance or experience. Even worse, you can’t contact the technician if your garage door has a problem.
It is common for professional garage door companies to subcontract jobs based on their expertise. Scammers take advantage of this fact so they can get paid for poor-quality work.
How to Avoid a Garage Door Scam
Find a reputable garage door company and avoid scam services by taking these steps:
- Research the garage door repair company. You can read reviews, browse its social media, confirm its address and phone number, and look for associations and accreditations.
- Call the company and ask about its business and services.
- Educate yourself about garage door parts and functions so you can tell if the technician is being honest about what’s wrong with your door.
- Get your repair estimate in writing.
Why Choose American Overhead Doors, Inc. for Your Garage Door Service?
American Overhead Doors, Inc. is a family-owned and -operated garage door installation and service company with more than 30 years of experience. We serve Connecticut home and business owners with professional and trustworthy services. We are prepared to help with any garage door needs, from replacing broken springs to repairing garage door panels and more.
Schedule your garage door repair with our experienced technicians today. Request service online or call 860-347-1507.