Any reliable review sites?

RobUSA

Well-Known Forumite
I'm wondering if there's a site that is reliable for reviews and the like, rather than companies just posting testimonials on their own websites.

Where Ia mm there's something called Angies list, but I'm not sure if there's a UK/Stafford equivalent.

I'm looking for a general handyman service. Found a couple but unsure if they are any good.
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
There are things like Checkatrade, but I would not be making decisions based on reviews from things like that - your own gut feelings and the opinions of people that you know are much more reliable.
 

The Hawk

Well-Known Forumite
There is this, which I have used once or twice: Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Trader Register

The Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Trader Register scheme is operated by Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards Service. The scheme provides consumers with a list of local businesses that have committed to a Code of Practice that defines the promises made by the business in delivering goods and services to you.


We check that traders are complying with certain legislation and check our databases for previous history regarding the traders.

What if something goes wrong?

We require the traders on the Trader Register to commit to working with customers and try to resolve any problems that may arise. If you cannot resolve the issue satisfactorily with the trader, you can complete the "Make a complaint" section of the site, contact us by telephone on 01785 330888 or email us at trader.register@staffordshire.gov.uk. We will speak to both the consumer and trader and try to successfully resolve the issues.
 

Cue

Well-Known Forumite
There are things like Checkatrade, but I would not be making decisions based on reviews from things like that - your own gut feelings and the opinions of people that you know are much more reliable.

I don’t think any trades I use are on Checkatrade. Last time I spoke to one of them about how I got quotes for our electrics before I turned out we lived next to a sparky (this was when we first moved into our house) they said that all the good trades don’t need it, they work by word of mouth and have too much business to worry about such things
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
I don’t think any trades I use are on Checkatrade. Last time I spoke to one of them about how I got quotes for our electrics before I turned out we lived next to a sparky (this was when we first moved into our house) they said that all the good trades don’t need it, they work by word of mouth and have too much business to worry about such things
That is absolutely it - but, as @RobUSA says, it's a bit awkward with an ocean in the way.

People who are 'good' often spend a lot of effort in avoiding publicity, enquiries can take up a lot of your time, and a surprising proportion of people can get quite arsey when you aren't prepared to take on their job.
 
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Cue

Well-Known Forumite
That is absolutely it - but, as @RobUSA says, it's a bit awkward with an ocean in the way.

People who are 'good' often spend a lot of effort in avoiding publicity, enquiries can take up a lot of your time, and a surprising proportion of people can get quite arsey when you aren't prepared to take on their job.

Amen to that.

@RobUSA what are you looking for a handyman service for? As you’re across the pond is this for rental properties you own or something like that?
 

RobUSA

Well-Known Forumite
Amen to that.

@RobUSA what are you looking for a handyman service for? As you’re across the pond is this for rental properties you own or something like that?

My interest is for family members whoa re still in sunny old Stafford.

Over here I pay for a subscription service which is a big review site. (About $13 a year I think) But it's funded by people wanting work done, not wanting to work, so I have a bit more confidence in it.

There was some controversy about rankings a few years back but I've found it pretty good.
 
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