Property owners, be careful while conversing with Yelp for Business contractors
Does Yelp for Business honor contract agreements made outside of its messaging platform?
When property owners peruse Yelp for handiwork jobs, it may sound like a perk to see that Yelp logo on top of “Yelp Projects” with the following message: “Yelp Guaranteed. This project is eligible for coverage up to $2,500. Terms apply. Learn more.”
Head over to the “Yelp Guaranteed” page with more marketing content that may make consumers feel like these are legitimate businesses with an extra layer of coverage. There’s even an FAQ page in case the overview doesn’t cover the basics, along with a Refund Request Form that must be filled out in 30 days.
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But any property owner with business insurance or homeowners insurance will see a few flaws in the way this program is set up. The main one that property owners may overlook:
When you first send a message through (i) Yelp’s “Request a Service” feature (i.e. “Request a Quote” or “Request a Consultation” feature), (ii) a Yelp-authorized partner platform such as Apple Maps, or (iii) Yelp Assistant to a business that is covered under the Yelp Guaranteed program (“Yelp Pro”) to start a conversation about your Project prior to hiring the Yelp Pro, you will be automatically covered under the Yelp Guaranteed program for the Project performed by that Yelp Pro, subject to the below limitations and eligibility requirements.
Why is this problematic? Far too often, contractors will reach out and ask property owners to contact them via text or phone to work out the details of the project outside of Yelp. By doing so, that homeowner then leaves the Yelp messaging system where all the details, photos, pricing (and pricing adjustments), number of workers and any other details go missing. This is extra paperwork (and evidence if it heads to court) that must be gathered if the contract job goes poorly.
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And because attachments (ex. proof of insurance, receipts, contracts) cannot be attached on the messaging platform, it’s a given that consumers are forced to leave Yelp’s messaging system for Yelp Projects. Even if there’s written initial confirmation of the job, that still leaves them at risk of miscommunication via email or third-party sites that could affect the $2,500 coverage.
But there is a second and even more important reason why Yelp Projects and Yelp for Business should be used very carefully. Click here to find out why Yelp for Business may not be verifying companies properly beforehand.
Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!