A consumer has notified the BBB that a paving company is going door-to-door offering consumers and businesses “leftover” asphalt for a discounted price. Locally, the company going by the name Asphalt Paving Contractors, but is also known as Jack Harrison, Blacktop Paving, Asphalt Paving Company and US Asphalt.
Asphalt Paving Contractors is based in Sunset, LA and has an F grade with the Better Business Bureau. The reasons for this rating include: 10 consumer complaints filed against this business in the past 36-month period and the company has failed to respond to 8 of the complaints. Complaints state that that the asphalt cracks and breaks shortly after application.
“We caution consumers to beware of companies that are offering “leftover” products. Often these companies are using poor quality materials and shoddy workmanship,” said Melissa Ames, BBB spokesperson. “The BBB urges consumers to research the company before paying for services.
The BBB offers the following tips to consumers, before making a purchase from a door-to-door salesman:
- Ask for literature and take plenty of time to read it. Reputable companies will have a local sales office with a published price list that includes the address and phone number of the company.
- Contact your Better Business Bureau for a Reliability Report on the company.
- Don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision. A reputable professional will recognize that you need time to consider many factors when deciding to sign a contract.
- If you decide you don't want to purchase the product, the Federal Trade Commission’s Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel purchases that are made in your home or at a location that is not the permanent place of business or local address of the seller. If you decide to cancel the contract, be sure to send the company a certified letter with notice of your contract cancellation.
- NEVER pay with cash or give out banking information before checking out the company.
- Carefully read every document before you give your consent and be sure to keep a copy of the contract for your records.
· Ask to see a vendor’s permit. In Ohio, salespersons are required to have a state license or permit to sell products or services door-to-door. Ask to see the salesperson's vendor’s license.
For questions or more information, contact the BBB at 330.744.3111 or visit www.youngstown.bbb.org.