02 Aug Red flags to look out for when researching landscape lighting Design Build companies
By Mike Gambino
Selling jobs can be difficult sometimes, especially when homeowners have the ability to choose from the many landscape lighting providers available.
Oftentimes, buyers are looking for the least expensive option available, but they should also be looking for certain red flags to avoid. While at the very least you should only ever consider a professional company that is licensed and insured properly, there may be other practices you are unaware of that could be making potential candidates unworthy of your consideration.
Here are some of the red flags to watch out for when seeking a landscape lighting design and build company.
No references or portfolio
When a homeowner is serious about hiring a landscape lighting company for a project, they want to know what past customers have to say about them. Just like how an employer would be suspicious if they were refused when asked to provide references, buyers should be suspicious and think they’re hiding something if they brush off your requests for references.
Legitimate landscape lighting companies should be asking clients after completing a job if they would be willing to be a reference, that way they always have referrals they can provide. As for a picture portfolio, this is a huge selling point for any landscape lighting business as it is a very visual art. If prospect are impressed with pictures of your previous work, they’ll be eager to have you work the same magic on their property. No pictures suggest there was nothing worth photographing or an embarrassing end product. Giant red flag is quality photos are not available showing the quality, creativity and breadth of their work.
Bad reviews
The only thing worse than no one commenting on a company’s performance is everyone agreeing that you do a terrible job. While one bad review amongst many other good ones isn’t something you should panic about, if there are an overwhelming number of bad reviews that are leaving the company with a rating below three stars, there is a need for some serious reservations about moving ahead with that company.
First of all, evaluate those individuals making the reviews. As ridiculous as it seems, there are occasions where the reviews are completely bogus. Reviews from non customers, competitors, trolls, cranks it happens there are all kinds of social media terrorists out there and these reviews should be flagged but sometimes they are not. If this is the case, the company should be protecting itself by leave a response that lets other readers know the review/s in question is a counterfeit.
For the genuine complaints, sometimes things happen and a company should respond to them as soon as possible and do the best you can to remedy the situation. They should take ownership of any real mistakes and empathize with the customer. Responding poorly to these criticisms reflects badly on the company. If the bad reviews are constant and consistent, you may need to disqualify them as the risk of your project turning out the same is high.
No contract/vague contract
old school ways may believe that a persons word or a handshake is sufficient for sealing the deal on a project, but state contractor law states differently requiring a written contract that comes with terms and agreements for all jobs greater than $750 in value. This protects both parties. The buyer can have confidence that the contracting company is being held accountable to finish the job, and the specifics are laid out so there is no ambiguity as to what and all that is included in the project.
Getting the scope of the work in writing helps prevents arguments as to what all was supposed to be accomplished. Being specific prevents misunderstandings and information from being misconstrued. Contracts should list the amount to be paid, the payment schedule and a complete description of services provided to avoid surprises.
Poor communication
Communication is an essential part of the customer relationship, as the homeowner will be in contact with the contracting company throughout the entire process. If the contractor does not get back to potential clients in a timely manner, or at all, it doesn’t really foster that much faith that they’ll be any better at staying in contact if you do choose to hire them.
If they are too short staffed to have someone answering the phones, they should set aside some part of the day to return calls. Nothing is more discouraging to potential clients than to call and hear that the voicemail box is full. It will lead them to wonder if they don’t get back to new leads, what happens when they try to contact them about a problem?
Low price tag
While homeowners do want to stick to their budget, they also should balk if offered bargain-basement quotes, wondering how many corners had to be to cut to reach that price range. There is no reason for a successful company to lowball just to stay “competitive.” They should know what their services are worth and charge appropriately. Their business will suffer if they do not estimate correctly, and should come across as an inexperienced contractor if you receive a low ball bid. If it sounds too good to be true it almost always is and there is no way the company can deliver a quality project that you desire at that price making for some pretty serious problems mid project.
This landscape lighting blog is published by Mike Gambino of Gambino landscape lighting inc. all rights reserved. 
Mike is a professional landscape lighting system designer/ builder and has been designing, installing and maintaining landscape lighting systems for more than 29 years. Mike resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife and 2 sons. To visit his website go to www.Gambinolighting.com . To inquire about hiring Mike please click here .
Blog articles may be published with permission on other websites without editing or removing links.
No Comments