FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: NOVEMBER 7, 2019
RE: PRESS RELEASE – HIRING A SNOW PLOW CONTRACTOR
As winter approaches, many consumers will look to professionals to clear their driveways, storefronts and parking lots of snow and ice. The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs offers these tips to prevent misunderstandings and avoid unnecessary disputes:
- Get estimates;
- Get a written contract (including all services, restrictions, obligations and refund policies);
- Ask about scheduling (some contractors do snowplow services as a part-time job and this may affect their availability to clear a driveway when needed);
- Ask about insurance (in case of property damage);
- Avoid large up-front deposits (periodic payments ensure customers are not paying for services not provided);
- Ask for and contact references;
- Call Consumer Affairs at 340-3260 for complaint history/resolution information.