How to Find a Trustworthy Garage Door Company (And Avoid Scams!)
When it comes to garage door repairs, homeowners often feel a sense of urgency—especially when a malfunctioning door disrupts daily life. If this has ever happened to you, you know how urgent it feels to find a trustworthy garage door company to get your door working properly again.Â
This sense of urgency is exactly what scammers exploit, targeting homeowners desperate for a quick fix. These individuals prey on your need for a solution by pushing unnecessary repairs, inflating prices, and providing subpar work. What should be a straightforward repair becomes a stressful, costly ordeal that leaves you feeling frustrated and deceived.
At Shank Door, we understand how vital it is to find a garage door company valuing safety, quality, and integrity. We are committed to providing honest, reliable service that homeowners can trust.Â
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the most common garage door scams, highlight red flags to watch out for, and show you how to protect yourself from falling victim to fraud.
Table of Contents
TL;DR – How to Find a Trustworthy Garage Door Company
DIY is great for simple maintenance—cleaning tracks, lubricating hinges and rollers, checking weather seals, and testing safety sensors—but springs, cables, tracks, panels, opener internals, and counterbalance belong to a pro. Professional repairs save money over time with accurate diagnosis, correct parts and torque, safety calibration, and warranty support, while protecting curb appeal and resale value. In Central PA, Shank Door delivers fast, safe, long-lasting repairs with clear pricing.
Common Garage Door Scams Homeowners Should Be Aware Of
Garage door scams are more common than many homeowners realize. The concern is significant enough that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) published an article in 2023 addressing this issue.Â
Here are some of the most frequent tricks scammers use to take advantage of people:
- Unnecessary Repairs and Upgrades: Scammers may claim your garage door requires expensive repairs, unnecessary parts replacements, or even a full system rebuild when only minor fixes are needed. They often push upgrades or parts replacements that aren’t required, inflating the price with no real benefit to you.
- Bait-and-Switch and Misleading Discounts: Scammers may lure you in with an attractive deal or discount, but once the technician arrives, they’ll claim additional repairs or services are needed, significantly raising the price.Â
- Lifetime Guarantee Scam: Some companies offer "lifetime guarantees," but these often cover only parts, not labor, or come with hidden restrictions that leave you responsible for future costs.
By raising your awareness of these common scams, you can be more cautious and protect yourself from overpaying for services you don’t need.
Why Choosing a Locally Owned Garage Door Company Matters
Opting for a locally owned garage door company makes a world of difference.Â
Here’s why:
- Strong Reputation and Accountability: Local businesses rely heavily on their community reputation. They’re more likely to prioritize customer satisfaction and follow through on promises to ensure repeat business and good word-of-mouth.
- Personalized Service: A locally owned company will likely offer more tailored, responsive service than large, impersonal corporations. You’ll receive attention from people who genuinely care about getting the job done right.
- Familiarity with Local Needs: A local company understands the unique needs and regulations of your area. Whether it’s zoning codes, weather-related concerns, or specific local materials, they have the expertise to ensure everything is up to par.
Red Flags That Indicate a Garage Door Company May Not Be Legitimate
Here are some red flags to watch out for when hiring a garage door company:
- Untraceable Contact Information: If the company can’t provide a physical address, phone number, or email address, it’s a red flag. Legitimate companies want customers to be able to easily contact them.
- Lack of Proper Licensing or Insurance: A professional, trustworthy garage door company carries both the necessary licensing and insurance. Always ask for proof before agreeing to any service.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: A legitimate company won’t rush you into making a decision. If you’re being pressured to sign a contract or agree to repairs on the spot, it’s time to walk away.
- Unusually Low Prices: If the quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some scammers use low prices to lure customers, then add on extra charges later or perform subpar work.
Stay vigilant and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, there’s likely a reason for it.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: A legitimate company won’t rush you into making a decision. If you’re being pressured to sign a contract or agree to repairs on the spot, it’s time to walk away.
- Unusually Low Prices: If the quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some scammers use low prices to lure customers, then add on extra charges later or perform subpar work.
Stay vigilant and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, there’s likely a reason for it.
How Scammers Impersonate Real Garage Door Companies Online
The internet makes it easier than ever for scammers to impersonate legitimate businesses. Here’s how they do it:
- Fake Websites and Listings: Scammers often create websites closely resembling those of legitimate companies. They may also claim to be licensed or certified, but there’s no easy way to verify that information.
- Fake Reviews: While online reviews are helpful, some scammers post fake positive reviews on third-party websites like Google and Yelp. They may even include fabricated testimonials on their own websites.
- Impersonating Local Brands: Some scammers go as far as to use a company’s name or logo without permission, pretending to be a reputable local business.
Ten Steps Homeowners Can Take to Verify a Garage Door Company
Taking the time to thoroughly vet a garage door company before hiring them can save you from a lot of frustration and unnecessary cost. Here are ten steps to help you choose a trustworthy, reliable service provider.
- Research the company online before calling. Check if their website mentions certifications or affiliations with trusted organizations. Look at reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.
How to Spot Fake Reviews:
- Look for overly generic language (e.g., "best ever") with little detail about the service.
- Check review timing—too many positive reviews in a short period could be a red flag.
- Watch for repetitive language across reviews.
- Review the reviewer: Genuine profiles typically have a history of diverse reviews.
2. After making contact, ask for proof of licensing and insurance. Legitimate companies will be happy to provide this information upfront.
3. Request multiple quotes to ensure fair pricing and to understand the scope of necessary repairs. Don’t rush into a decision—compare estimates carefully.
4. Look for a showroom or physical location. A showroom or office for homeowners to visit in person is a good sign that a company is established and invested in its local community.
5. Check for company branding on trucks and technicians. When a technician arrives, they should be driving a truck with the company’s name, phone number, and logo clearly visible, and wearing company‑branded clothing.
6. Beware of scare tactics. Some companies may try to push you into a full garage door rebuild when a simple repair will suffice. A trustworthy company will clearly explain all your options and only recommend a rebuild when absolutely necessary.
7. Check the phone number. Avoid companies that only provide a toll-free number. Ensure the number is traceable and preferably has a local area code, indicating they’re a local business with accountability.
8. Look for a track record of customer loyalty. Check their website or review pages for signs of repeat business and satisfied customers.
9. Verify their online presence. Look for a secure website, active social media profiles, and positive customer interactions. If a company’s online presence is sparse or unprofessional, it could be a red flag.
10. Verify if the dealer is listed on the manufacturer’s website. Trusted garage door manufacturers (such as C.H.I. and Haas Door) often list certified dealers on their sites. If the company you’re considering is listed, it’s a good sign that they meet the manufacturer’s standards and have the proper training to install and maintain their products.
By doing your due diligence and verifying a company’s legitimacy with these steps, you’ll be well on your way to hiring a trustworthy garage door service provider who provides reliable and honest work.
Conclusion
Working with a garage door repair company you trust means not having to worry about being taken advantage of or overcharged. Having confidence in the company handling your garage door repairs and upgrades lifts a huge burden off your shoulders. As a homeowner, you deserve peace of mind knowing that the professionals you hire are trustworthy and committed to providing honest, reliable service.
At Shank Door, we pride ourselves on delivering transparent, efficient solutions that prioritize your satisfaction and long-term peace of mind. Our dedicated team is here to offer lasting solutions you can depend on.Â
Contact us today for a consultation or quote, and let’s get your garage door working like new again.
If you want to read more about garage doors, check out the following articles:
Upgrading Or Replacing Your Residential Garage Door
Inspiration for Your Next Garage Door
Residential Garage Doors: Types, Materials, and Features That Add Value to Your Home