| Angie's List is one of the premiere websites out | | | | for a fee |
| there helping consumers connect with various | | | | - Information is not accurate and may be |
| professionals they might need. In addition to | | | | promotional in nature |
| finding doctors, lawyers and other professionals, | | | | - Does not post reviews that are unfavorable to |
| this website allows users to find contractors for | | | | paying businesses - i.e. they do not allow users to |
| any type of need they might have. What can you | | | | post reviews that do not put the business in a |
| find at Angie's List? | | | | positive light |
| First, you'll find that more than 1 million registered | | | | The Winner: Angie's List! |
| consumers make use of the website on a regular | | | | While business owners might be miffed that they |
| basis and provide valuable feedback on local | | | | cannot put a review or listing for their own |
| contractors. The site is simple and easy to use. | | | | business at Angie's List, this is not the purpose of |
| The main page gives you several options in the | | | | the website. The website is designed to allow |
| main bar, including a "quick tour" function that will | | | | consumers to post about bad experiences, as well |
| help ensure that new users are acquainted with | | | | as the good ones. While the paid membership |
| the way in which the website works. The website | | | | might be an unanticipated cost for some |
| also offers users a certified data collection | | | | consumers, it results in some very useful |
| process for accuracy and viability for reviews in | | | | information and can more than pay for itself in a |
| each listing, live call center support, help if | | | | very short time. |
| something goes wrong with a contractor and | | | | Angie's List allows users to rate their experience, |
| unlike many other review sites, none of the | | | | find the best fit for their needs and to do so |
| reviews are anonymous. | | | | without the worry that the information they find |
| Angie's List is an incredible option for those in | | | | will be nothing but paid-for advertising. While this |
| need of a professional, whether that's a plumber | | | | might be a blow to businesses, it helps to ensure |
| for a leaky faucet or a general contractor for | | | | that all reviews are as accurate as possible. |
| home additions, because of the website's | | | | Feedback: |
| community and solid customer service. | | | | Most users find that actually making use of |
| Pros: | | | | Angie's List is simple, once the initial signup portion |
| - Simple and easy to use website | | | | is over. However, remember that in order to use |
| - Live call center support | | | | the website, you'll have to subscribe to a |
| - Support if problems arise during a project | | | | membership option - there are several from |
| - Accurate, reliable feedback and reviews of | | | | which to choose, though. |
| contractors from real customers | | | | What Do Others Have to Say? |
| - Paid membership helps ensure accurate | | | | - "Founded by Harvard MBA Angie Hicks in 1995, |
| contractor information | | | | Angie's List has been featured several times on |
| Cons: | | | | Inc. magazine's as one of the fastest-growing |
| - Paid membership is required to see the listings | | | | privately held companies in the country. The |
| - For-profit organization | | | | company has tripled its footprint in the last three |
| - Does not allow business owners to add their | | | | years, and now has a presence in the top 120 |
| own businesses | | | | cities across the country." |
| Angie's List versus operates on a similar principle | | | | - "Angie's List takes the guesswork out of finding |
| to Angie's List, but it is a very different creature | | | | good service companies by providing its members |
| altogether. First, using the website does not incur | | | | with thousands of unbiased ratings and reviews of |
| a charge. However, business owners are allowed | | | | their local service companies." |
| to list their businesses and anonymous posts are | | | | Popular Alternatives to Angie's List: |
| allowed, as well, which makes their reviews much | | | | - Allows you to request professional contractor |
| less credible. In fact, allows paid business listings, | | | | services, and then compare offers from qualified |
| rather than being a neutral third party. This means | | | | professionals in your area. |
| that all information within the website is subject to | | | | - Lets you post your project by state and local |
| fallacy, as it may or may not be promotional | | | | area and receive quotes from contractors in less |
| advertising, rather than an honest review. | | | | than 48 hours - you choose the contractor that |
| Pros: | | | | suits you best. |
| - No paid membership required | | | | - Lets you compare the prices and experience of |
| - Simple and easy to use website | | | | contractors in your area as they bid on your job; |
| Cons: | | | | plus the site offers informative articles concerning |
| - Allows business owners to post their own ads | | | | renovation and dealing with contractors. |