Garage Door Repair Scams and What to Watch Out For

Garage door repair scams are out there. Not too many people know about the garage door industry, therefore unsavory people will take advantage anyway they can. Unfortunately, it gives our industry a bad name. This article is here for you to be aware of the potential garage door repair scams that are out there and recognize them for what they are.   

Overcharging and price gouging

When the garage door breaks, homeowners need it fixed as soon as possible. This creates pressure and urgency that scammers take advantage of. They will see the panic and will want to significantly mark up the parts and repair costs. Avoid these issues:

• Not offering an itemized invoice.

• Adding in fees like “emergency” or “same day repair”, or any additional fees after the agreed amount.

• Refusing to tell you the price before they repair your garage door.

• Require full payment before repair or replacement.

  
  

These can all be red flags that the company or contractor could be setting you up for a garage door repair scam. Having an itemized invoice can break down what they are charging for the parts, labor, and other fees; this is helpful if you are gathering other estimates to compare.

If they are refusing to give you a price before repairing your door (not including inspections), don’t let them touch your door! On the other hand, if they require full payment before they fix the door, it’s ok to tell them no!

Note: Deposits to order special order items or new garage doors is normal practice. Ensure that you have everything in writing and ask for a receipt for the deposit. Garage door companies usually require deposits that way both parties are held accountable for the order. A lot of new garage doors can be ordered to the customer’s specifications and if the customer backs out, the company would get stuck with a garage door that may be very difficult to sell or install at another location.

Bait-and-switch Products

Unfortunately a garage door repair scam that I have seen over the years has been where customers have been baited and switched with products and new garage doors. A customer had ordered a higher-end insulated door. However, the door that was installed had 1/3 of the insulation strength (R-Value) that the customer was expecting to have. The customer reached out to the original company and they insisted that was the door the customer ordered. According to the invoice and what the customer paid, the company lied.

I have seen this along with the incorrect springs being installed, different garage door opener tier, different rollers than what was promised, etc.

Note: Getting a specific agreed upon price before a company comes out is rare. Although it seems like all garage doors are the same, there could be several issues that are not known or seen until a technician can do an in-person inspection. We like to give out price ranges, but exact dollar amounts would not provide accurate expectations and could cause some confusion and issues.  

Exaggerated sales pitch and scare tactics

You want everything in your home to be safe for you and your family to use. You want peace of mind when your children go out into the garage and open and close the garage door. Scammers will use that desire of peace and feed you fear for you to spend more money on things or a repair that you wouldn’t need.  

The garage door is the largest moving thing on your house. It can be intimidating, especially when something goes wrong. A common garage door repair scam that I have heard several times is “if you don’t replace “…..” then the garage door will fall and hurt your children, or worse.”

If someone is trying to scare you instead of teaching you, they want your money and want as much of it as possible. I would suggest to send them on their way and find another company that will do what is best for you. Read more about foolproof qualities to look for in a garage door service.

Always ensure that the local garage door company that you are hiring is licensed, bonded, and ensured. You can verify this by going to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors website.

Here at Same Day Garage Door Services, we are very proud to say that you as our customer will come first. We will never use fear or bait-and-switch tactics to have you buy more from us. We have no-pressure sales and want to educate you as much as possible so you can make the best educated decision for you and your home.  Please give us a call if you would like for us to come and repair your garage door or replace it with a beautiful new door.