We decided our roof aerial, which must have been up there for
40 years at least, was looking unsound so decided to see about getting it taken
down.
Having looked in the local phone book we phoned a firm with
a Bromley Number who quoted £69 plus VAT and that they could come the same
day.When the technician arrived it was for a different firm; he asked to examine
access etc and then said he would write out the quote.When this was presented
the figure showing was £220 plusVAT!!! When this was challenged he stated the
phone quote would have been for taking an aerial down from a smaller property.
He was sent on his way.
We then investigated quotes on the net and spoke with a firm
in Welling; they took details of our house, viewed it on Google and then quoted
£80 plus VAT. We have accepted that quote.
Whether we are being cynical or not we wonder if the original
quote of £69 was that company’s finders fee. Perhaps they were relying on a
client who was not prepared to argue against the higher quote. We had verged on
contacting Trading Standards but left matters. Perhaps the best advice is to
beware some of the firms showing in the local phone book.
The second company arrived when agreed and removed the old aerial despite it being a windy day. As advised always obtain more than one quote. Also look online at the company's website to see if there are any reviews (but treat these with caution as they may have been made by the company itself.)
Another way of checking on companies is to use the "Safer Bromley Trader Register" website at https://www.traderregister.org.uk/bromley/index.php or Rated People at http://www.ratedpeople.com/.
The consumer organisation Which also has a website at http://local.which.co.uk/ but requires registration.
While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, it is for information only and does not imply any endorsement by LERA for the businesses or their products.
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