BBB out with tips to prevent you getting scammed at a trade show
Posted Sep 23, 2018 1:51 pm.
Last Updated Sep 23, 2018 1:52 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – As we head into the trade show season, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding consumers of the importance of doing your homework so you don’t get scammed.
Last year alone there were over 300 complaints about home renovation companies in southern Alberta. The BBB’s Shawna Kay-Thomas recommends checking feedback from previous customers.
“Find out if they were satisfied with the work that the company did if they would recommend them so that you don’t find yourself having complaints to deal with after engaging with these contractors. And keep all of your paperwork!” she said.
“Before you sign anything before you go into contract arrangements, we want to encourage people to plan and to research to prepare for these meetings.”
She added it’s important to set to a budget and stick to it and make sure to ask if the contractor charges a deposit when you’re mapping out that budget.
When you go home, take brochures, business cards, samples, anything to help you learn more about the company you’ll be dealing with and the product or service you’ll be getting.
“Ask for references. And when you do ask for references we want you to follow up with people who have actually done business with these companies,” said Kay-Thomas.
If you’re still not sure, you can always double check with the BBB’s website. They have reviews for most, if not all, Calgary-area businesses.
“You can see reviews, comments, complaints, the history of those businesses.”
You can also make a complaint about a business you’ve had issues with on the BBB’s website.
