Company Check?

Blastiel

Hi,

Thought this was the most appropriate place to ask the question, apologies if it isn't.

I'm trying to do a check on a Business that came knocking door to door yesterday touting for business in terms of driveways / windows and doors.

I've got them coming back for nothing more than a quote as its work that is a while away from being affordable but I did want to check them out in terms of credentials / not being scam artists.

Problem I am having is there isn't a single review / feedback on any website or directory type service.

Any tips or links to check for validity any other way?

Thanks in Advance.

mac2008

I think the cold call, coupled with a lack of positive info online tells you everything you need to know.

Blastiel

Is there any method to check the companies background though?

I've checked the base location exists, checked the phone number, checked the FENSA registration.

mac2008

You can see their current status at http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/

This will also reveal the names of the directors, which you can use to investigate previous companies they have run. You may wish to google their names too.

There are also lots of services to do a more detailed credit check - e.g. http://www.experian.co.uk/business-check/business-check-overview.html

But this is a chargeable service. I'd normally only do this if I was handing over large sums of money for e.g. a deposit or considering an advance payment.

Furts

Let me be cynical, or realistic, on this. It is most unlikely that a genuine contractor will specialize in driveways, windows and doors. These are completely different trades and skills. Couple this with no reviews and no company information...draw your own conclusions.

comeandgo

You will only find out about Limited companies from companies house, sole traders and partnerships are not noted there. A company needs a bit of history to be included in Experian. You could ask the company for names of local people who have used then but they could give you their aunty's name and you would not know. My advice, dont use them no matter how cheap they are.

comeandgo

If you were to name them someone may be able to help, a business person may have access to information that a lay person would not be able to use.

ValHaller

Furts wrote: »

Let me be cynical, or realistic, on this. It is most unlikely that a genuine contractor will specialize in driveways, windows and doors. These are completely different trades and skills. Couple this with no reviews and no company information...draw your own conclusions.

^^^^ The above.

It seems more likely that this is a lone canvasser or a lead generating company whose business model is to refer on to the actual companies who do the work for a commission.

I would avoid this because there are plenty of traders out there who are good enough to get by without needing this kind of approach - and you are better off making your own choice of contractor.