Patricia B.

I found Angie's LIst to be pretty reliable when it comes to recommending repair and home improvement companies. Our refrigerator blew up last week and I was getting the runaround to get someone to come out that day. I located a couple of likely candidates on AL. The first one was VERY apologetic that they couldn't make it out that day, but the other guy said "no problem," SHOWED UP WHEN HE SAID HE WOULD, promptly fixed what was wrong and had extremely reasonable prices. We also found the contractor who repainted the inside of our condo, also prompt, friendly, thorough and reasonably priced. Yes, there will always be ratings boosters on sites like this, but everyone I know who's used AL has had a good experience with it.

My sister-in-law came across Care.com when seeking out someone to help with another sister-in-law, who's blind. At first it seemed pretty good, but then the fees started. Care.com seems to make its money selling memberships that supposedly allow access to background checks... which cost an additional fee. It then advertises that it can take care of payroll for you... for yet another fee. As for jobseekers, we were contacted by three people, all of whom ignored specific instructions on the ad such as not bringing small children to the interview. One demanded $20 because "I had to drive fifty miles." Um, you said you lived in our city. Just shady all the way around. You're better off going through Angie's List.