Builders, Mechanics, Plumbers, Painters - Don't Hire a Cowboy - NoCowboys.co.nz

Auckland, New Zealand (PRWEB) November 8, 2007 -- There is no need to hire Cowboy Builders (http://www.nocowboys.co.nz) Painters (http://www.nocowboys.co.nz/), Plumbers (http://www.nocowboys.co.nz/), Mechanics or any one of hundreds of other service orientated businesses. www.NoCowBoys.co.nz has gathered more than 5,800 user reviews allowing you to pre-vet your supplier.

This is a true story from the NoCowboys 'real people, real tragedies' file:

"I received a quote same day, I was impressed. He said he had a large crew and the painting of the outside of the house would be done in the next week. I was asked to pay for half of the quote straight away (to buy the paint and pay his staff). He water-blasted the house within that week in June. I have constantly tried to ring him and have sent letters since (it is now end September) - I have heard nothing. I discovered last week that his cell number is disconnected and his home phone is as well. I have paid thousands and all that has been done is water-blasting."

If this story sounds familiar, you're not alone. Ask any Kiwi homeowner, and more likely than not at some point they've experienced the frustration of dealing with a cowboy operator. The quote seems reasonable at the outset, but things can quickly turn sour. Workers show up late, or not at all. Trash is left around your property. Your project may be left unfinished, or finished poorly, and the bill, which mysteriously arrives on time, might be way over the top.

Wouldn't it be easier to avoid this whole situation in the first place? Bruce Lindsay and the team at NoCowboys think so. In fact, a series of real-world frustrations with incompetent and dishonest tradespeople was the impetus for creating New Zealand's premier business rating site, www.NoCowboys.co.nz.

Since its inception in 2006, NoCowboys has gathered more than 5,800 user reviews of builders, painters, plumbers, mechanics and hundreds of other categorized service-oriented businesses from all over New Zealand.

And now, NoCowboys has relaunched with a fresh face. "With more and more people making use of NoCowboys every day, we decided it was time to upgrade the site. Businesses now have their own dedicated section, and we've introduced a discussion forum so Kiwis can discuss their experiences openly with others."

With a new look and improved search capability, NoCowboys has made the task of finding the right builder, painter, plumber or mechanic even easier. Most business ratings are quick and to the point: "I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a top class tradesman. The job was done on time and to our complete satisfaction. I would definitely them again!" wrote one user. When these comments start to add up, you know you'll be dealing with a business you can trust.

Feedback from businesses who use the service is overwhelmingly positive. Most report an increase in business directly attributable to NoCowboys. "Since I registered with NoCowboys I receive on average four or five phone calls a week from the website," said Stefan Hulme, of Stefan Residential Builders, "and my listing has had over 2,000 views. I'm now booked solid with work for the next year."

Businesses are listed on www.NoCowboys.nz for free, and for a nominal fee they can upgrade their listing with personalized branding, service information and even photos of their work.

"NoCowboys makes doing business easier and safer for everyone," says Bruce. "Businesses and tradespeople are held accountable for what they do. If they don't deliver, they'll be found out. If they do a great job, more business comes their way, and lots of it. And everyday folks like us can feel more secure in who we choose to give our hard-earned cash to."

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