Any one had dealings with 'heating-quotes'?

[DustyM]

Had an email the other day from a company called 'Heating-Quotes' - Get some heating quotes
Basically a referral service, charging £7 per lead; with all leads promised to be personally qualified by the company prior to passing on the details. Anyone heard, or had dealings with these guys before?

 

[hydrotherm]

Bound to be another parasite scam artist trying to earn money off the back of registered engineers.

 

[DustyM]

Bound to be another parasite scam artist trying to earn money off the back of registered engineers.

My thoughts too Hydro, but then as a Yorkshire man, I'm suspicious of anything like this!!

 

[PlumbBobBob]

could be the new nus they're from scotland like nus

 

[jtsplumbing]

could be the new nus they're from scotland like nus

Why do all these Co seem to be located in Scotland ? is their a loop hole in Scotish law that lets them get away these scams ??

 

[Masood]

I signed up with them thinking £7 a lead Is probably worth a punt. Not heard a single thing from them in months...

 

[PlumbBobBob]

did you pay anything up front?

 

[Masood]

did you pay anything up front?

No, they just wanted details of quals, experience, type of work I'm wiling to do and area I cover. They also wanted to know how much I'd charge for different types of job but I didn't full that in as I don't like quoting blind!

 

[DustyM]

Hmmmm, suspicions confirmed then; I'll not be replying to anything else from them - thanks guys!

 

[hydrotherm]

Never heard anything good about any of these firms so no wonder we are cynical

 

[REDSAW]

how come as plumbers we nearly always give free quotes and by rights we should charge for them.

to now paying for the privilage to give a quote........
hows that happen?. who let these maggots into the game???

 

[jtsplumbing]

how come as plumbers we nearly always give free quotes and by rights we should charge for them.

to now paying for the privilage to give a quote........
hows that happen?. who let these maggots into the game???

The joy of being a Plumber ! Everything you do in this trade you have to pay for ! From day one you have people on your back wanting to charge you for somthing, Even your customers will try and get somthing off you ! (quotes / call backs / discount) do you see them in Tescos asking if they can pay next week ? or wanting a discount for cash !!

 

[DustyM]

Gave up on free quotes a while back; pretty much every single one was in the evening when the customer was home from work (and I was ready to relax at home), often having to tip toe around the house as the lady of the manor was watching Eastenders etc, and didn't want disturbing...........I charge a flat rate now, no more freebies!

 

[Masood]

Gave up on free quotes a while back ... I charge a flat rate now, no more freebies!

How do customers react to that? I'm not sure I could do that round here, I'd lose too much business...

 

[DustyM]

One or two have complained, but once I've explained that I'm doing a minimum of an hours work for the larger quotes (measuring up, discussing materials, needs etc), then they have seemed to realise that it's fair. I should have added that if they accept the quote and want me to the actual work, that I don't charge for the quote. At one stage I was going out to lots of quotes, but not getting any work from them, as the customer was always choosing the cheaper (unregistered) quotes from less respectable businesses; but I have stuck to my guns so to speak, and eventually it's paying off.

 

[nysk2008]

I signed up a while back and got 1 lead - tried making contact with the customer and never got through - ive cancelled - says it all really, dont bother mate