Traveling Pavers on a Roll: Questionable Door-to-Door Asphalt Offers Hit Inland NW

BBBs and WA Dept. of Labor and Industries wish to warn area consumers to be cautious of traveling sales crews gearing up for unloading “leftover asphalt” onto unsuspecting customers.

This seasonal scam activity bilks customers who usually are swayed to go with the "hard sell verbal pitch" right then and there without first checking on the company they are being approached by. Each year, this region falls victim to the highly questionable (if not fraudulent) practices of "out of area pavers" who make their way from the southwest up to our part of the country, from West to East and back again! Wherever these groups come from, they all add up to one thing: trouble for those who bite on their offers. BBB NOTE: If work vehicles have out of state license plates, make certain they are properly registered in your state to conduct business, as required by law.

The BBB says to NOT fall prey to these kinds of tactics, because scammers in this industry during this time of year are very good at “laying it on thick” (pun intended!) with their pitch to sell you less than adequate materials and do less than adequate if not downright shoddy workmanship.

Be aware of paving companies that approach your home stating they are “in the area” and have extra asphalt or concrete to repair your driveway for a minimum cost. Many times the company will quote a low price for their work and upon completion overcharge the customer.

BBB AND WA LABOR AND INDUSTRY ADVICE

Right from the start, you can eliminate what is likely to be less than reputable contractors by considering a list of common traits. Your BBB  and L and I suggest consumers beware of the following:

• Solicits door-to-door: Be suspicious of contractors who attempt to gain business by visiting door-to- door.
• Has material left over from a previous job: It is not your lucky day when a contractor shows up on your doorstep offering a cut rate price on a project because they have materials left over from recent job. This is a common ploy used by traveling crews who are based out of state and use their pick-up trucks as their place of business.
• Does not list a business phone number in the local directory: This can be a red flag indicating that the contractor does not have an established business presence in-state. Start with www.bbb.org for your search of trusted local pavers. Consider a BBB accredited business, and search here: http://www.bbb.org/spokane/accredited-business-guide/
• Pressures you for an immediate decision: A reputable company will recognize that you need time to consider many factors when deciding which contractor to hire. Consumers are advised to check references, verify insurance, licensing and registration and get written estimates from several firms based on identical project specifications.
• Isn't properly registered to conduct business in the state. Don't just go by a verbal. Make certain you are checking first with the proper agencies to confirm.
• Asks you to pay for the entire job up front or demands only cash: Whatever the reason, never pay for the entire project upfront. Payments should be by credit card or check so that your statement or cancelled check can provide proof of payment.

BBB and WA Labor and Industries offers up these additional great tips for what to watch for when hiring a contractor:

http://spokane.bbb.org/article/wa-li-warns-homeowners-of-seasonal-asphalt-paving-scams-26744

ID Department of Building Safety offers its helpful tips page here:

http://dbs.idaho.gov/contractors/index.html