There can be no doubt that considering the soaring costs of living, higher interest rates and rising electricity prices, South African consumers are facing enormous financial pressure.
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With that in mind, when those unforeseen – and often pricey – household repairs hit it’s tempting to go with the cheapest contractor available, who may be unregistered, undocumented and, unverified.
This leaves the unsuspecting homeowner, vulnerable and open to exploitation. As a case in point, employing the services of ‘pirate’ plumbers presents far more dire consequences than just the obvious cost implications. Where plumbing work is undertaken by an unqualified, and therefore, unregistered supplier, the installation may be unsafe, possibly even deadly in the event of a dodgy geyser installation.
Furthermore, using an unregistered plumber may nullify a client’s insurance cover, and in the unfortunate event of an electrical fire, an insurer may repudiate any claims if the Certificate of Compliance for the property was fraudulently issued by a pirate contractor.
The GoodApp, is a seamless platform for South African homeowners looking for trusted, accredited service providers such as plumbers, electricians, home cleaners, hairdressers and even beauty therapists
Shaheen Price, co-founder and CEO of GoodApp, reiterates, “It is imperative for us as a business to ensure that we follow the most rigorous screenings and verification of all our suppliers. Since the inception of GoodApp, we have used the KYC screening methodology employed by most financial institutions which includes credit and criminal checks, However, we go one step further, and all potential suppliers are required to submit original, certified copies of their ID documents, banking details and statements as well as proof of address so our customers’ safety is never compromised.”
In addition, specialised suppliers such as electricians and plumbers are required by law to be registered with relevant industry bodies such as Electrical Conformance Board of South Africa and the Plumbing Industry Registration Board. Potential suppliers are compelled to submit their certifications before they are registered as a GoodApp, approved contractor.
“Our suppliers are required to send us ‘before and after’ images to ensure the assigned job was completed, that it was done correctly, according to our meticulous standards. Of course, there will always be a few exceptions that may occur; however, it is our organisation-wide ethos to provide exceptional workmanship, outstanding service, at a reasonable cost. Good for you, good for your pocket.” concludes Price.
