Honest Skilled Workers – Why so hard to find?

I have several friends who work in the trade industry and they provide valuable services.

They are often eagerly sought after because of their professionalism and quality of work.

There are, however many horror stories of persons who have paid contractors or other individuals who claim to be able to perform a task only to realize that the project is either left incomplete or has to be redone because of poor workmanship.

Getting your money’s worth

Often contractors and other workers, prey on unsuspecting consumers who have no idea of how the renovation or repair should be done and so they leave it to the ‘experts’.

Unfortunately, many of the workers only see dollar signs when they face inexperienced consumers and they take them for everything they have then move on to their next victim.

Although Jamaica is a relatively small island, those who provide poor service continue to do so as often persons who have been defrauded do not advertise this fact and simply move on with their lives.

There are very few consumers who will report the shabby job they received perhaps for fear of reprisals or simply because they just want their project completed.

New Way to detect unprofessional workers

Previously, consumers picked workers based on recommendations from friends and family. This sometimes works but not everyone has a network of friends or family who can give reliable advice.

There are those who pick randomly out of a listing such as a phone book with no idea of the performance of these workers.

A Kingston attorney, Narda Graham, has found a new way to show consumers how to find skilled workers with a proven track record.

As published in an article on The Gleaner online dated June 14, 2015, the lawyer ‘developed the site after her family members suffered financial loss and other setbacks from dealing with shifty and incompetent tradesmen during the process of building a house.’

The directory will allow consumers to read about the company or individual they wish to hire.  They will be able to see what past customers of established companies have experienced as well as assist small businesses get a edge in their market by showcasing their excellent reviews.

Currently the site is free and is certainly a way forward as consumers struggle in this economically strained environment. Of course, no one wants to waste their money!

What’s your take? Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online writer

Tags: contractors