Is anyone using this service (they have a web site and refer leads for work to you for a fee)?
My gut tells me to watch out. First few calls were “to verify information.” Then “we have some referrals for you.” I asked for terms & conditions, which they send, but did not send fee schedule.
Any experience from anyone?
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Replies
Disclaimer: I've never used them...
But the subject has come up several times here and those that have used them have said with few exceptions that they were not impressed, to be kind. Repeating disclaimer ;)
PaulB
Do a search on the subject, its been talked about quite often. I'd do it for ya but I have no luck with the damn search engine here!
Doug
The real kicker is that you pay for a lead regardless of sale. It may be only $50 for a small job but those can add up in a hurry with no certainty of an actual job.
You also pay for that lead no matter how many other folks receive the same lead. They say they limit the number of contractors they send leads to but who's to know. If SM gets a request they may send leads to 6 contractors. Say is is a $50 lead, then SM gets $300 from their GC clients and the lead may very well just be a tire kicker.
When you do decide that it is not for you, you will need to be very clear that you do not want, will not ever want their service. And ask them to never, ever call you again. They are relentless.
And ask them to never, ever call you again. They are relentless.
It's unbelievable how they chase after me, almost 3 years since I've used them. They probably still call me at least once a week.
Real scumbags as far as I'm concerned.It's not too late, it's never too late.
I started using SM last January and the things mentioned above do annoy me but at the end of the day I have invested about $2000.00 and my return has been over $40,000.00. I guess I could complain about those things but it seems to have paid off for me.
I've been with Service Magic for about two and a half years, avoid them.
Hook up with "Renovation Experts", much much better. Less expensive and easier to deal with. Plus, they advertise in our favorite magazine "FHB"
I just started using SM about a month and a half ago. Have had 7 leads, none of which have produced work yet. I'm still undecided on whether I think it's a a worthy service or not. Leads cost about $50. Some of the leads have been really legit (prob. about 4 out of 7) and some are pure tire-kickers.
IMHO, I think SM should charge HOs at least a nominal fee for using the service, which would eliminate the people who aren't serious or don't have their ducks in order.
You have to ask yourself "do you believe in magic?" As a rule, I try to avoid companies that rely on descriptors such as "magic, easy, wonder...".
EZ Smart being the exception
2ez2believe.
Have you seen the Bridge and the Tunnel?
david
Thanks for the feedback. I did a search here and found good information.
My typical repair job is 1-2 hours, so a referral has to be live and not too expensive. I can't afford to be calling all the time or going all over town for one of three estimates.
I told them in no uncertain terms that I want on their DO NOT CALL list and that I did not consider our conversations to be an established business relationship, so I consider any future contact "unsolicited."
Don't call me; I'll call you.
thanks all.