It's Randys List. (http://www.randyslist.com/) It's a site where contractors rate customers.... Interesting concept, and I certainly wish Randy well, but I just can't see it catching on long term. Who knows though.
I love it. I would definetely join. The only problem is I would more likely want to be kept anonymous. It could blow up in your face if a customer finds out you bad-mouthed them or gave them a low score. But I think its great. Thought about it for a long time. I have my list, sending it in pdf, hope your pc doesnt crash.
That's an idea, although a customer could do a lot more damage to us than we like. Mainly through negative reviews and what not. I couldn't see myself using that site. On the rare occasion that I have a bad customer I would rather put it behind me and try to forget about it. I try to weed out the bad apples if at all possible.
I guess I should introduce myself first. I'm Randy Simonton, Founder of RandysList. I found this blog and several others from the admin side of our site. The program lets us know where our traffic comes from. By the way, thanks for the mention Ted.
I've been a contractor for almost 20 years. The idea for our website came to me 2 years ago during a conflict with a customer and the BBB. This customer threatened me with a report if I didn't go above and beyond what we had previously agreed on. I refused, they reported and, probably since I was a paying BBB member, the issue was resolved in my favor. In 20 years I've only come across 5 customers that I would not work for again. 4 still owe me money, and the other refused to be satisfied no matter what. During, or shortly after these projects, I realized that I wasn't the first person these customers had difficulty with. I know as you're reading this, you can think of one or two times something similar has happened to you. If not, you're very fortunate.
When developing Randy's List, we decided to keep personal comments on customers out of the picture. We don't want contractors "letting loose" on anyone. Customers are rated, 1-5 stars on 3 categories with a total combined rating also. Personal comments create problems and Randy's List doesn't mediate between the consumer and contractor like another list out there. If a consumer claims that work wasn't performed by a contractor, we ask the contractor for proof in 48 hours. If they can't provide it, we delete the report.
Concerning remaining anonymous, when signing up, we ask for some previous customer ratings to help build the database. The only customers I entered 1's and 2's on where people I would Never work for again under any circumstances. The rest were all 5 star, fantastic customer ratings. Those would also be helpful to other contractors when bidding large projects.
I would love to answer any questions and hear any feedback or suggestions you may have to make our site better. I also have a few "free" promo codes to give away if anyone is interested.
Customer reports in 41 states and we've only been live for one month. We have a booth in Orlando next week at the NAHB International Builder's Show. We hope to have the other 9 states by then. There are supposed to be close to 50,000 contractors there from all over the country for the 4 day event.
I send those "Lovely Customers" to my competition..... :) ---- When I get a call from a repeat "lovely" customer.... I kindly say.... "I am so sorry, but we are extremely booked and it may be atleast a month until I can get to you.... but, here is .... so and so's number.... I'm sure they'd be glad to help you."
Noticed Watchdog wasn't there anymore. As of yesterday, we're in 50 states and picking up new members daily. Hope to be around a little while longer. :)
Sorry to confuse you. Christianitee has been my username since the 90's when I started a Christian t-shirt company. Our site is by no means vindictive, it's just informative. 72% of our current customer reports are positive (all 5 stars). Everyone agrees that there is a need for this information, I've just created a place for it to found.
The "first year free" memberships for each area are going fast. We have members in all 50 states and Canada. Try it free for a year, what do you have to lose? The more contractors you get to sign up in your area, the more local customer info you'll have in the database! www.randyslist.com
Want your customer to be yours for life? Send them an email when the job is done telling them you gave them a 5 star rating on Randy's List!
-- Edited by christianitee on Thursday 17th of May 2012 09:53:33 AM
Randy, why would a guy named christianitee have a vindictive type website?
What is Vindictive about this site? If nothing else I find it very helpful. There are "Douche Bag" customers out there just like there are "Douche Bag" contractors. There is Angies list for Home owners. Why shouldn't there be a site for contractors? Tom, why do you see this as vindictive? I see it as a tool for fellow contractors.
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