My website is a godsend when your tap leaks …just don’t ask me to fix it!
Need a tradesman you can trust? Salsa-dancing entrepreneur Ollie Dempsey is behind Tradesmen.ie, the biggest site in Ireland for finding those elusive workers who help us extend and maintain our homes. He reveals some of the key tips to avoid being ripped off – and how to set up a successful internet business without taking on too much risk.
Why Tradesmen.ie?
We had been developing software for managing property and then, bang, it was 2008. Nobody was buying houses and there were all these tradesmen looking for work. So why not give local tradesmen a way of meeting new customers? We launched in June 2008. There was a huge demand for the service and we have been constantly improving ever since.
Eh, tradesmen.ie? How did that go down with the PC brigade?
‘Tradesman’ is defined as ‘a person engaged in trading or a trade’. We have both women and men.
What used people do? Go to some fella they met in a pub?
Yes, but the problem with hiring someone you know is that if something goes wrong it can be harder to do anything about it. We would always recommend you get a minimum of three quotes. The three main considerations would be quality, availability and price. We would always recommend that quality be considered first and only consider price if all else is equal.
How do you stop people getting ripped off?
We use increased levels of screening to ensure users have a good experience. For example, tradesmen must provide a minimum of five references from previous customers to join our service and we verify their contact details. We sample check the tradesmen to check references, photo ID and insurance. However, no system for screening is foolproof, so we have a list of safety tips that we email to customers when they post a job. This list of tips is also available on our blog.
Top three rip-offs?
1. A price is not agreed at the outset and then an inflated price is quoted after the job is completed.
2. A cheap price is quoted and poorquality work delivered.
3. A deposit is given before work begins but very little or no work is carried out.
Top tips for hiring tradespeople?
1. All quotes should be in writing. 2. Hire a certifier before the job starts.
3. Ask for contact numbers for their references, so you can ring them or inspect the work done. 4. Check insurance. 5. Never pay for work in advance. Agree on stage payments and only pay for each stage after it has been completed and has been inspected by the certifier. For more see our blog.
Was it hard to set up your own internet business?
When I set up Tradesmen.ie in 2008 I had over 18 years’ previous business experience and eight years’ experience running technology and internet-based businesses.
Any tips for self-starters?
Yes. A wise man once said, ‘Oliver, keep it simple,’ and I have lived by that motto ever since. Spend the least amount of time and money to get a minimum-viable product to market to ensure that there is a demand for it. Routinely ask your customers for feedback, so that you can continually improve your product. Also, don’t give up the day job until you are 100% sure your new business is going to be a success.
Do you do your own DIY?
Not if I can help it!
What’s your worst financial decision?
Buying Waterford Crystal and Eircom shares.
Craziest thing you ever did?
Learned to dance salsa.
What would you do if you were made minister for tradesmen tomorrow?
Reward genuine self-employed people and ensure there are strict laws to deal with fraud. Fully equalise tax treatment to ensure tradesmen and self-employed people get the same as the PAYE allowance. Upgrade social welfare, so selfemployed people get illness and unemployment benefit if needed. Give equal pension benefits to selfemployed people.