Business Watchdog

Archive for August, 2010

For some time we have been considering the future for this web site.  We are as incensed as you when we get sold a service that doesn’t deliver or comes close to being an outright scam. There are genuine providers and there are scammers – pure and simple. However having identified that a company is not delivering what it promised, can the problems be resolved by resorting to a web site such as this? Some companies have responded well to some critical comments on here. To that degree this site has been useful and we are grateful for those who have sought to raise their game and deal with the issues raised.

While we typically get genuine comments we run the risk of publishing comments that are simply out to create mischief – perhaps from an ex-employee with a grudge. The other issue is that people only come here after they have had a problem. By then it’s far too late. So we need to find a way of raising awareness of some services before they are purchased. So we will be modifying the way we operate.

In general terms you need to be aware of some general types of services being offered by reputable companies but are often sold by rogues who do little more than take your money and tie you into to expensive binding contracts with no real service delivery.

1) Google Search Engine specialists. If you really can’t do this kind of work for yourself – and you can – then be 100% satisfied that you’ll get what you paid for. Bear in mind that you can’t all be top of Google.
2) Yellow Pages look-a-likes. A number of companies play on the Yellow Pages brand – and quite a few are based overseas. They generally tie you into long and expensive contracts and actually offer you nothing.
3) World Business Directories. Once again these are characterised by long and expensive contracts that are rarely of any value to small businesses. Watch out for those who offer “free updates”. Signing up is not free or cheap!
4) Wedding Brochures, Wall planners, diaries. While some offerings may be of value make absolutely sure you read the small print. Never rely on the words of a salesman either over the phone or in person.

We strongly recommend that you never use a credit card for any of these types of services, especially over the phone. If you do have a problem, trying to get it cancelled is a nightmare.

Many sales pitches rely on making you feel you’ll be left out and your business will suffer. Why let someone else tell you what your business needs? Make your own assessments and make your own decisions and only spend on marketing according to your own business plan and not as a result of someone else’s bright idea. It could be more costly than you think. It’s your business. Don’t let someone else get into the driving seat.