Spotting a Cowboy

If you know what to look for in the first instance, you are less likely to fall victim to the industries "Cowboys". This list provides those all important tell tale signs that the company you are dealing with may be disreputable.

• Inform yourself : remember the more knowledgeable you are of the job and what it entails the better. A 'cowboy' can easily spot a novice and may try to confuse you with industry jargon.
• References : A cowboy will at all costs avoid providing details of previous jobs!
• Contract : A cowboy will inevitably try to avoid any written agreements and may maintain that a contract is not needed!
• Cheap Deals : Cowboys may try to overwhelm you with cheap 'One day only' offers to make you part with cash upfront.
• VAT : A cowboy may offer you a VAT free deal for cash.
• Timeframes : Cannot agree on timeframes or completion dates as 'things may crop up that will change them'.
• Opposition : They may be underhanded and put down the opposition.
• Premises : A cowboy may provide inadequate contact details such as just a mobile number. A reputable company should provide business cards with full details, names, registered business addresses & contact numbers.
• Start Straight Away : Good glazers or builders are rarely able to start straight away as most are in constant demand.
• Logo mis-use : Cowboys have been known to falsely claim membership of professional bodies or trade associations, if you find that they are not members then avoid at all costs.