Here is some advice from the BBB on getting an honest repair service:

Track record – Check out a company’s BBB rating and complaint history. You can call the BBB at 704-927-8611 or 1-877-317-7236, toll-free in N.C. and S.C.

Cost comparisons – Get at least three bids in writing and be sure you compare the bids based on the same warranty, specifications, labor and time.

Licensing – Check to see if the company you plan to hire works in an industry that requires a competency license.

Insurance – Verify the company’s liability insurance to protect you against damage. You can also check with the department of insurance in your state. Call the N.C. Department of Insurance at 1-800-546-5664 and the S.C. Department of Insurance at 803-737-6180 or 1-800-768-3467.

References – Ask for references from the company’s last three jobs and check them out before you sign a contract. Do not hire someone who puts a flyer in your mailbox and claims to be doing work with your neighbors.

Written contract – After you select a repair service, do not permit work to start without a signed, written contract that includes start and completion dates, exact costs, specific work to be done, and warranty information. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.

Deposit required and payment schedule –Do not pay more than 25 to 33 percent of the total job cost as a deposit. Final payment should not be made until the job is completed. Do not pay in cash; pay by check or credit card.

Warranty – Get warranty information in writing on products and installation. Read the fine print carefully.

Bonding – Be sure all workers are bonded to protect you against theft or additional damage.

Criminal history – Check out anyone you allow into your home to see if they have a criminal history.

Source: BBB of Southern Piedmont

Don’t call Home Appliance Repair in Gastonia to fix a washing machine or dishwasher, the Better Business Bureau of Southern Piedmont warns.

The appliance repair company earned an F grade from the BBB after it received 15 complaints from consumers.

Those complaining reported similar experiences. Michael Henderson Jr. visited their homes, assessed a problem and told them that the appliance needed repairs and new parts that would cost anywhere from $165 to $927, according to the BBB.

They allege that Henderson took money for parts and repairs upfront, then left and told customers he was ordering the parts. In some cases, he came back and did more work that didn’t solve the problem or created new problems, the BBB reported.

Sometimes Henderson didn’t show up for scheduled appointments and didn’t return phone calls in a timely manner, saying he had emergencies like a death in the family or a fire in the office. Other times he kept the money paid in advance and didn’t return at all.

“There are plenty of appliance repair services in the Southern Piedmont area that will do quality work and follow up with their customers,” said BBB President Tom Bartholomy in a news release. “However, this specific repair service has not responded to consumer complaints, which earns the company the BBB’s lowest rating.”

Chapman Pointe Apartments manager Terri Nail was one person duped by Home Appliance Repair. She contacted the company to fix a washing machine and four clothes dryers at the Dallas apartment complex.

Henderson told Nail it would cost $882.63 to fix the dryers. Nail paid him the money and was told the repairs came with a six-month warranty.

Nail told the BBB that Henderson came out a second time and told her that it would cost an additional $44.14 for a part, making the total repair cost $926.77. He worked on the dryers and they broke down in less than a week. Nail hasn’t been able to get Henderson to fulfill the warranty, come back to fix the dryers or get a refund.

Other customers reported similar experiences. Customers filed complaints with the BBB after they were unable to get their money refunded. Of the 15 complaints against Home Appliance Repair, 13 are unanswered by the company and two are still being processed, according to the BBB.

Complaining customers lived in Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Union, Iredell, Cabarrus and York counties.

Home Appliance Repair has operated under five different names and used four telephone numbers, according to the BBB. The company has used seven addresses in Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg and Buncombe counties. Home Appliance Repair is listed as being located at 4444 Coachwood Lane, Gastonia, where Henderson’s parents live.

Messages left at two numbers listed for the company were not returned Friday.

You can reach Amanda Memrick at 704-869-1839; twitter.com/amandamemrick.