Angies List the Facts

USA. (SANEPR.com) August 8, 2007 -- Angies List was Founded by Angie Hicks in Columbus, OH, in 1995, Angie’s List takes the “ask-your-neighbor” approach to a higher level, putting reliable, unbiased information on local companies at the fingertips of consumers in major cities across the country

Here’s how AngiesList it works:
• Get the real scoop. Each month Angie’s List receives nearly 15,000 reviews on local companies from consumers across the U.S. In their reviews, members describe their project and the work done. They also tell whether they’d hire the company again, and grade the company – A, B, C, D or F, just like a report card – in six areas: overall experience, price, quality of work, responsiveness, punctuality and professionalism.
• The best part is in the details. What makes Angie’s List unique is that not only can members find out which companies were rated highest by other consumers, they also get the detailed comments and reviews. They’ll quickly find out things like whether the contractor cleaned up after themselves, how much the job cost and how they handled the inevitable change orders that often come with home improvement.
• It’s consumer driven and reliable. Companies can’t put themselves on the list, nor can they pay to be put on the list. With more than 15,000 reviews coming in every month from Angie’s List members, consumers can get the most current information available on a company.
• And there’s more. Angie’s List membership comes with unlimited access to the list and a subscription to our magazine, which includes stories, tips and information on home and consumer topics. Members also have access to the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.
• A leader in data integrity. Because Angie’s List relies on its members’ experiences, reviews can’t be submitted anonymously. This holds the consumers accountable for the reports and makes the list trustworthy. Additionally, members can only report on a specific company once every six months, ensuring no one can “stack the deck” in favor of or against a company. Since there are always two sides to every story, companies can respond to reviews, helping make sure that members get all the information they need to make a hiring decision. Finally, all reviews submitted by members go through a team of Angie’s List staff who look for any irregularities or red flags.
• Recognized nationally. For three years in a row – 2002, 2003, and 2004 – Angie’s List was placed among the Inc. 500 by Inc. magazine, a list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the nation. U.S. News and World Report recently named Angie’s List one of “50 Ways to Improve Your Life in 2007.”

Membership: More than 500,000 consumers in more than 120 cities across the U.S.


Angie Hicks – “The Angie”
About AngiesList :
Knowing that the frustrations she and her friends had finding good contractors were not unique, in 1995, Angie Hicks literally set out door-to-door in Columbus, OH, recruiting members and collecting reports from friends and neighbors. Taking the “ask-your-neighbor” approach to a higher level, Angie used the detailed feedback from members as the basis for providing up-to-date, reliable, unbiased ratings and reviews on local services.

Angie after the first year, with more than 1,000 members throughout Columbus, Angie had laid the foundation for what would become one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. Over these last 12 years, she has led the list’s expansion from a 100 square foot office to an operation that now covers more than 120 major cities across the U.S., serves more than 500,000 consumers and was placed for three years in a row – 2002, 2003 and 2004 – among the Inc. 500 by Inc. magazine, a list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the nation. All the while, Angie’s keen sense of business and common sense have helped Angie’s List remain a locally-focused service that members say they wouldn’t live without. Over the years, consumers have come to trust Angie to help make the hiring process easier, as well as raise the level of service they can expect from local companies and contractors.

A working mother herself, Angie has ensured Angie’s List continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing, dynamic needs of today’s families and homeowners. She knows that Angie’s List members are challenged each day to fit work, family and at-home time into already busy schedules. With this in mind, Angie’s List puts reliable information and resources at the fingertips of its members, so they can access it anytime they need help finding a good contractor or service company – whether it’s for a major home renovation, an emergency car repair, or even find a clown for their kid’s birthday party.

With more consumers across the U.S. turning to Angie’s List each day, Angie regularly contributes to national and local consumer news stories across the country, including for CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Redbook, Real Simple, USA Weekend, Parade magazine and the Wall Street Journal.

Angie holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in economics from DePauw University, in Greencastle, IN.

Angie’s List Tips: Maintaining your air conditioner

A recent nationwide Angies List poll found 43 percent of respondents skip having their air conditioning unit serviced annually. One in 5 neglect to check or replace their air conditioning filter regularly. Without regular maintenance, an air conditioner loses about 5% of its original efficiency for each year of operation. Angie’s List wants to remind homeowners to check that their air conditioning is running properly. Industry experts say preventative maintenance can save you on average $100 a year.

According to Angies List: Not only will a well maintained air conditioning system run better but it will also help you save money on your monthly utility bills. Pinpointing potential problems before they arise can also protect your family from costly repairs down the road and the summer’s dangerous heat.

Angie’s List air conditioning tips to help beat the heat:

• Keep the filter clean: Clean and replace the air conditioner filter frequently. This is especially important during the summer when dust and allergens circulate. If the filter becomes clogged, your system will have to work harder to supply the same amount of cool air.
• Check for leaks: Take a closer look at all hoses for any signs of leakage.
• Free from debris: Keep plants, shrubs, and other landscaping about two to four feet away from your outdoor unit to ensure adequate airflow.
• Made in the shade: Air conditioners with proper shading can be more efficient. Air in a shaded space is cooler than the surrounding air meaning the AC will have an easier time cooling the air before pumping it into the home.
• Call a professional: Each central air conditioning unit should be inspected, cleaned and tuned by a professional once every two years. A professional tune-up costs between $50-$125.


For more Angie’s List tips check out Angieslist.com and click on the Angies Tips tab on the top of the page. (http://www.angieslist.com)


Angie’s List Tips: Burglary Prevention

A recent Angies List poll revealed nearly half of all AngiesList member respondents have a home alarm system, but over a quarter don’t use it.

While there’s no such thing as a completely burglar-proof home, there are some easy ways homeowners can better protect themselves.

Angie’s List Tips:
• Hold the mail: Mail falling out of the mailbox is one of the biggest indicators that you’re not at home. You can have the post office hold your mail. You can also call your newspaper company and have them stop delivery for a few days, or consider having a neighbor you trust pick up your mail for you.
• Think like a burglar. Take a walk around your property with a close friend or neighbor who is not too familiar with your house; they may spot things you’ll overlook. Start outside and identify the best locations for a break in.
• Lights on: Buy a timer so that lights inside your house can be turned on automatically at night so that it appears someone is inside your home.
• Don’t close all your drapes: Drapes that are closed shut during the daytime are a sure sign to potential burglars that you’re not home. It also allows them to move around your home unseen after they enter.
• Alarm your company: If you have a home alarm, tell the company you will be away. Provide a phone number where you can be reached.
• Turn your telephone ringer down or off: A burglar is less likely to hear the ringing that someone is not home. Also, don’t leave an outgoing message saying you’re on vacation.
• Ask for help: A trusty neighbor can make your home look occupied by parking in your driveway. Leave them an extra key and the number where they can reach you. If you’ll be gone for more than two weeks, ask your neighbor or hire a lawn service to mow your yard or consider hiring a house sitter.
• Hire help: Consider hiring a house sitter who will make it seem that your house is still occupied.
• Lock your garage & shed: These areas typically contain tools and ladders that can be used to break into your home.
• Secure all entryways: Make sure all doors, windows, and pet entrances are locked.
• Lock up valuables: Transfer valuables to a safe deposit box.
• Check www.angieslist.com for alarm companies and house sitters in your area.


Angie’s List Tips: Home Inspections
An Angie’s List poll revealed almost two-thirds of AngiesList members have been involved in a home inspection within the last two years. Sixty-eight percent found their inspector through their real estate agent. The cost of an inspection depends on a number of factors including the size of the house, its age, and other services such as septic and radon testing. Nearly three out of five Angies List members say they spent over $300 for a home inspection.

According to Angies List: A home inspection is an important step in the home buying process. According to a recent nationwide poll of AngiesList members, 30 percent said their home inspector’s oversights ended up becoming a major expense down the road. Some of the costly mistakes included mold, asbestos, termites, leaking roofs, even rats on one member’s property!

Home inspections are typically the “last look” a buyer will get before making what will be their largest single investment. That’s why it’s important to take the time to find a qualified, experienced professional who is going to do a comprehensive inspection that you can rely on.

Drawing on the real-life experiences and feedback from its more than 500,000 members in 124 cities across the U.S., AngiesList has put together its own list to help consumers:

Angie’s List Tips:
• Always do your homework: Angies List can provide you with experiences other members have had with local home inspectors. Check your home inspector’s credentials. Ask to see proof of state certification or proof of membership in either the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) www.nahi.org or the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) www.ashi.org Keep in mind that the home inspector industry is not regulated in some states, so proof of professional membership may be your best indication of an inspector’s qualifications.
• Check their experience: Both NAHI and ASHI require a minimum of 250 inspections, however most experienced professionals will say it’s better to find someone who’s performed at least 1,000 inspections and has at least three-to-five years of full-time experience.
• Are they insured? Do they have general liability and errors and omission (E&O) insurance? Ask to see physical proof of coverage before you commit.
• Get involved: While it’s not required that you attend the inspection, it’s a good idea that you’re there to ask the inspector any questions about areas that need repair. Typically, a home inspection takes about two to four hours.
• Know what an inspector should be looking for. This includes structural problems; roof damage; fire hazards, such as improperly vented chimney flues; electrical safety issues, including old wiring; and problems with plumbing and major appliances, like the HVAC system and hot water heater.
• Ask to see the home inspection report: Many inspectors provide the report the same day as the inspection. The report should be thorough and easy to understand. If the inspector notices problems with the house, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy it – you’ll know in advance what to expect and the seller may agree to fix those repairs.
• Home inspections aren’t just necessary for old homes: Newer homes can have just as many problems as an older home. And, if you are building a home, inspections at key points during construction should be a part of the process.
• Check www.angieslist.com for reviews and ratings of Home Inspectors in your area..
For more Angie’s List tips check out Angieslist.com and click on the Angies Tips tab on the top of the page. (http://www.angieslist.com)


Angie’s List Tips: Renting party equipment

A recent Angies List poll reported that more than a quarter of AngiesList members have rented party equipment, and 87 percent of them said it was money well spent.

Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, birthday, graduation or family get together, party rentals can take the hassle out of planning and leave your guests raving about the great time they had.

The more common items rented for parties, according to Angies List members, are tents, tables and chairs, but savvy entertainers are adding items that keep their younger guests from getting bored, and there’s a growing movement to renting equipment for children’s parties. Other popular rentals are cotton candy and sno-cone machines, even hot dog stands can be rented. For the more practical party planner, and those who want to keep their guests from tracking through their homes, port-a-potties are becoming a must-have.

Angie’s List 8 Tips to renting equipment that will make your party THE party of the year:

1. Do your research: Call at least 3 rental facilities to compare prices. Visit each facility to inspect their equipment in person. Ask about delivery, pick-up times, and deposits. Check to see whether their employees will set up and take down your equipment, and what the cost will be. Are there repair fees if you return an item that’s damaged?
2. Know your audience: Tables and chairs are easy decisions. For other rentals, make sure they fit your audience. A bounce house may be too much for very young children and boring for those approaching their teenage years. A karaoke set-up may be great for all ages.
3. The early bird throws the best party: The sooner you place your rental equipment, the better. Even if you do not know the exact guest count, it’s best to place your order and make adjustments as needed.
4. Elbow room: If you want to rent a bounce house AND have an outdoor party, be sure you have enough room for the house and room for your guests to mingle, eat and do other fun activities.
5. Share the costs: Since most items rent for the weekend, coordinate your rental with neighbors or friends. For example, you could use the rentals on Saturday and your neighbor on Sunday. It’s easy to share tents, tables and chairs.
6. Stay in the loop: As with any vendor, confirm your reservations several times throughout your planning process. Notify them immediately of any changes.
7. Fair weather or foul: If you’re having an outdoor event, consider renting a tent to cover you in case of unexpected rain. If its heat you’re escaping, be sure to position the tent to provide shade where needed. Consider renting side panels (these may cost extra) to block the sun, rain or wind.
8. Obstacle course: If the rental equipment company will be setting up the items for your party, clear the area and all driveways and walkways so installation is easy.
9. Check www.angieslist.com for Party Rental sources near you.


Angie's List is one of many companies which aggregate consumer reviews of local service companies and which have been described by the New York Times as "a glorified version of Yellow Page listings. Angie's List is unique, however, in that it charges consumers to see reviews, reflecting thier belief that charging consumers "adds credibility to the information. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company was founded by Angie Hicks in 1995. The company modeled the list after Indianapolis' Unified Neighbors.citation needed As part of its public relations strategy, the company tells the story that Angie Hicks, who earned an MBA in 2000, went door-to-door in Columbus, Ohio signing up members and collecting ratings on local contractors. In 1996, Angie's List purchased Unified Neighbors and relocated the company from Columbus to Indianapolis. As of January, 2007 the company serves 124 U.S cities and provides reviews of companies in more than 250 categories.

Angie's List grades companies using a report card style A through F scale using consumer reviews.Revenue for Angie's List comes from fees paid by its members and from advertising. It claims to only accept advertising from companies that have a "B" rating or higher Not all reports submitted by members are used in establishing a company's rating as Angie's List employees "are skilled at picking out would-be saboteurs" who would distort a company's rating by submitting a negative review. Angie's List's stated policies prohibit contractors from paying to be on the list, adding their own names, or reporting on their companies. A blog entry quoted in Newsday, however, demonstrates that it would be easy for business owners to get around this prohibition:

"Let's say that I'm the business owner.... If I can create a fake e-mail account and use my home address (or my neighbor's address) so that Angie's List doesn't know who I am, then $5.95 a month is a pittance for being able to enter a review of my own business. So, their whole 'we charge a small fee to keep the reviews honest' thing doesn't work ... but it sure does help bring in revenue without worrying about advertising."


In response to such criticisms, Angie's List claims that an employee reads every report as they come in to check for abuse and inaccuracies. Angie's list also claims they ask each member submitting reviews if they are affiliated with or compete against the company that they are reporting on, and that a member can only report on a company once every six months.

According to the New York Times, for companies like Angie's List the number of reviews of businesses in many cities and their suburbs is thin and there are more business listings in cities where the review company has been operating longer. Like many of its competitors, Angie's List has paid people to submit reviews through programs such as its Angie Cash fundraising program, which was discontinued in March of 2006.Angie's List has not released data on the number of consumer reviews it receives per company listed, but it does report receiving approximately 15,000 consumer reviews each month