Brickie - would this put you off?

[Volbeat]

I've recently had a quote for some pointing of brickwork. I messaged on a website for a quote and got a message back almost immediately.

Spoke to the guy about what needed doing. He seemed knowledgable and friendly and said he doesnt like ripping people off. He said he had a rival company need where I live and said "I wont name names but you'll know who I mean". Errr no, I dont know any brickies.

Then he said he had to get the police involved because rival was "harassing and threatening him".

Anyway he gave me a reasonable quote.

I messaged another company website. Only for him to respond saying "you've sent an email to my other business". Right, so he operates under 2 company names.

Anyway I couldnt find reviews online for company number 1. Only customer testimonials on the website.

Company number 2 however: dozens of bad reviews. A handful of 5/5 ones but they look like they've been written by the same person (same spellings etc). What's worse is where bad reviews have been left, the brickie has responded with "you are hell bent on trying to ruin me" or other people have put things like "ignore such and such, they are hell bent on trying to ruin Mr X's reputation".

I think it's obvious it has put me off but I just wanted a sense check.

Yep I'd run a mile from that.

Yeah I'd steer clear of that.

Keep looking!

I lost £1800 from someone similar. Luckier than the poor sods who lost 50k at least. Avoid.

Avoid, avoid, avoid

Nope nope nope.

I have a few builders as clients and their advice is always to find a busy builder. If they’re busy there’s a good chance they’re good at what they do. Better to wait and have a good job done!

I wouldn't go anywhere near a company that slags off the opposition. It's unprofessional and there's absolutely no need.

I suggest you look elsewhere.

That is sound advice spudlet.

Ok, you've all confirmed for me to keep looking. Gutted though cos he was much less cost wise than I was expecting.

Don't employ people off of Facebook, just be careful online.

The fact he has 2 companies under different names and is involved in online bashing and bad reviews speaks volumes. He isn't worth the risk.

Look elsewhere.