Buyer Beware
Consumer Info, FAQ Section, links, and valuable information
The term " Buyer Beware” has always been a pet peeve of mine, especially in law classes. I always felt it was unfair and not in the public's best interest. That is exactly why State and Federal agencies have set up special agencies to help protect against this so-called threat. The problem is that the general public does not know what to look for or how to.
WHAT IS A CONSUMER TO DO?
Honestly, it can be really inconvenient for consumers to know what to look for and how to find it.
WE HAVE PROVIDED: A Page with valuable information, including what to ask a contractor. There is also a page with a LIVE LINK for Consumers to use to verify information about the contractors. [See link below]
Here are a few tips for “Buyer Beware,” especially with the internet.
Not all companies are who and what they say they are. Some companies, over time, do not adapt to regulations and consumers’ concerns.
Statistically, most companies fail because they are not adaptable and flexible, and become stale.
Our lives revolve around the internet, computers/tablets, mobile devices, and cell phones. The remarkable thing is that we can access data anytime, anywhere. This makes every aspect of our lives more vulnerable to scammers and pop-up companies. Some of what we find on the internet looks legit. Unfortunately, many of these companies on the internet did nothing but assume a business name and listed themselves with a website and email, "setting up business.”
On the other hand, there are other businesses that were once legal but may no longer be. Some are either not properly registered with the State of NJ State Department of the Treasury. WHAT seems to be very popular is not being licensed or registered to operate by the State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs.
AVOID INSURANCE PROBLEMS:
When hiring a contractor, ask for a copy of their General Liability Insurance and Workers' Compensation.
Check that the policies are active and that the contact information for the Agent and/or Insurance company is listed on the documents.
Ensure that the Name of the company insured is the Name Registered as the Contractor that you are doing business with. *** REMEMBER, if a Trade Name or “DBA” is being used, it will list it.