With today’s roller coaster economy, everyone is looking for ways to stretch their paycheck. And, when there is an unexpected household or business expense, getting the best price for your hard earned cash is vital. After all, you want to get the optimum price for the job to be done. So, learning how to compare companies to save money on household jobs is a good way to keep more money in your pocket.
Depending on the type of job to be done, the specific criteria to be compared will likely change; however, here are some generalities to keep in mind.
- Begin by compiling a list of specifications that are important to you. Some of these may include: Is the company licensed and bonded? Do they have a money-back guarantee? Does the company provide workmen’s compensation? How much are you willing/able to spend?
- Ask people you know for recommendations based on price, performance and product.
- Check out the company with the BBB. If any of the companies you are considering are listed-especially with numerous grievances-take them off your list.
- Are there limits to what the company is willing to change in regards to procedures? If so, why or why not? Sometimes it may be a safety issue. Be willing to compromise unless it is a known health or precautionary concern.
- Are the companies known for customer service? You may be dealing with the company for a length of time; you want a company known for being fair, respectful and considerate in their customer service.
- Be sure you are comparing the same services. Just because you are comparing two services does not mean that they use the same cleaning methods, products or work ethic. They may use the same lingo, but have different definitions. Thanks to LocalPrice you now can compare the services side by side.
Once you have narrowed down your selections, make a few phone calls to help finalize your choice. As you call your prospective service providers, be sure to ask about company guarantees and proof of licensing and bonding. You may even want see if they are willing to negotiate on the price. Many companies “pad their price” so there is often wiggle room.
By taking the time to compare prices, you can ensure that you get the most for your money-so don’t be afraid to shop around for the best for your budget.
Don’t let this deter you! Remember, there is no price tag for safety. However, if cost is a factor, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if there is a discount when one installs a home security system. Quite often, insurance providers give a 10-20% discount when you have a burglar alarm system installed and activated. Depending on the number of features and the selected company, you can expect to spend between $100 to $800 for installation and $25-$45 per month for monitoring.