Lous Painting And Wallpapering

I wanted to have my bathroom remodel done by Lou's Painting and Wallpaper in Chicago, IL. I called the number listed (area code 312) and was told I could not request a specific company.

She (as in a female that is savvy enough not to identify herself) refused to let me only work with Lou's. I told her I didn't want any information going out to anyone else - I wanted to work with Lou's. She claimed not to have access to that information and can only send out a general request for quotes. I said I wanted it to only go to Lou's and gave her Lou's address so she could look it up.

Imagine my surprise when I was told they only work with contractors in Colorado! I was told I called the wrong number, I was insulted and berated that I would call 'her' for work in Chicago. I told her the number I called. She said that was not her number hers was an 800 (or 888?) number for Service Magic.

I asked her if she had internet access to look it up herself and call it. She did have internet access but I was LYING and dialed the wrong number. I asked to speak with her supervisor. Surprise surprise - she doesn't have one.

No name, no supervisor. It's just her. I hung up and hit redial. It's a call center for Service Magic, yes they 'own' the phone number listed for the contractors.

Yes they have Lou's as a customer. Yes they send bids out to whoever is available. (Forget them if you know who you want or an variable time line). Gee, sorry maam.

I apologize....but I'll be happy to send out requests for estimates! It took me literally FOUR hours with service magic but I now have in my hands the direct number for Lou's Painting and Wallpapering. (773-507-****). DO NOT CALL SERVICE MAGIC FOR ANY REASON for any business.

It's an old, outdated, antiquated system. Please do call Lou and let him know your experience with Service Magic. These small businesses need to know what their advertising dollar is buying them. Lost customers.

Hit them hard with that. I knew who I wanted and Service Magic will NOT honor your request. Lou's in particular I realized, only had good reviews listed. AND if you have trouble getting service from them you have to go through Service Magic first.

All need realize that is not reliable rating. Only customers willing to have their name, address, email, phone number etc passed on to numerous contractors that are specifically available NOW.and then use one of those sent are allowed to give a review that must be approved by Service Magic itself to be listed. Any, and I mean ANY company that uses Service Magic is also paying to only have 'flattering' reviews listed. That is not an honest company to begin with.

They need to have another way of being contacted and the ability to complain directly to them to let them know that Service Magic will not honor specific requests for contractors. They decide who they send your information to. YOU HAVE NO CHOICE WHO GETS YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, EMAIL, ADDRESS, WORK YOU WANT DONE, TIME YOU ARE AVAILABLE ANY AND ALL INFORMATION THEY WANT TO SEND OUT ! Be smart about your personal security - do not utilize Service Magic.

After all, their employees have learned not to give their name, not to allow the customer (as in you) to decide who gets your information.