As Angie’s List presents its first set of categories – Classic Car Service – that allows the membership to conduct nationwide searches for a preferred provider, Angie Hicks, the organization’s founder, offers some insights into how the organization was established and how it has persevered.
How did the idea for Angie’s List first come about?
My co-founder was having trouble rehabbing a 1920s Victorian home in suburban Columbus, Ohio. He’d been a member of a network in Indianapolis that helped homeowners find good contractors and he asked me to come and start a similar service there. That was 1995. I’d just graduated from DePauw University. I worked alone for a year from a card table, using my phone from home and going door-to-door to sign up members and gather information on local contractors.
How many members do you have?
We have more than 1.5 million members nationwide.
What is your geographic reach throughout the U.S.?
We’re operating in the top 200 cities across the country, though we accept reports from any area of the country and make those available, too.
Is there much activity related to automotive businesses based in rural areas, or is it mostly focused on city and suburban locations?
Angie’s List tends to be most widely used by consumers in urban areas and the businesses rated tend to reflect that consumer base because they’re using local service professionals. Our Classic Car Service diverts from that model because we know the specialists in restoration and customization are located in urban, suburban and rural areas. So our members (consumers) are mostly in the urban and suburban areas, but the folks they need to hire may not be. Traditionally, Angie’s List puts you in contact with local companies. Classic Cars will extend that reach throughout the country.
How does a consumer sign up to participate in the ratings process?
Ideally, consumers would join Angie’s List as a member and become a full participant in the process, making all their service hiring decisions after researching the companies on the List and then reporting on their experience. They can join by going to www.angieslist.com and following the directions or calling us at (888) 888-5478.
Can a business owner sign up to be reviewed?
Business owners may submit their profile information to Angie’s List and we will make it available should a consumer want to submit a report on that company. Having the information ready simplifies the reporting process so members can concentrate on telling us about their experience and grading the company’s performance rather than filling out the company’s name, address and contact information.
Companies cannot review themselves, however. Only consumers can do that. Companies interested in learning how the List works should contact us at https://company.angieslist.com/default.aspx or calling us at (866) 843-5478.
Is there a process to prevent people from submitting multiple ratings – either negative or positive?
Yes, and we take it very seriously. We use proprietary technology and human review to monitor the reports to be sure they’re as fair and accurate as possible. We don’t allow anonymous reports and remind our members each time they report that the company will be able to see the report and the member’s name. We also encourage companies to monitor the reports and respond to them as they see fit. If they believe a report doesn’t meet our guidelines, we encourage them to call or email us and we’ll investigate.
What is the extent of your automotive categories?
We have about 80 categories covering the classic/custom car services. Our traditional service has always offered reviews for automotive service at body shops, tire shops, towing services, car dealers, etc.
Do you accept advertising on your site?
We have advertising opportunities but they are limited to only those who first earn and then maintain at least a “B” grade from our members. We also require companies that advertise to offer a discount to our members. Just as we monitor for fair reporting, we monitor daily to ensure high grades are maintained. Should they fall, we pull the advertising.
As Angie’s List presents its first set of categories – Classic Car Service – that allows the membership to conduct nationwide searches for a preferred provider, Angie Hicks, the organization’s founder, offers some insights into how the organization was established and how it has persevered.
How did the idea for Angie’s List first come about?
My co-founder was having trouble rehabbing a 1920s Victorian home in suburban Columbus, Ohio. He’d been a member of a network in Indianapolis that helped homeowners find good contractors and he asked me to come and start a similar service there. That was 1995. I’d just graduated from DePauw University. I worked alone for a year from a card table, using my phone from home and going door-to-door to sign up members and gather information on local contractors.
How many members do you have?
We have more than 1.5 million members nationwide.
What is your geographic reach throughout the U.S.?
We’re operating in the top 200 cities across the country, though we accept reports from any area of the country and make those available, too.
Is there much activity related to automotive businesses based in rural areas, or is it mostly focused on city and suburban locations?
Angie’s List tends to be most widely used by consumers in urban areas and the businesses rated tend to reflect that consumer base because they’re using local service professionals. Our Classic Car Service diverts from that model because we know the specialists in restoration and customization are located in urban, suburban and rural areas. So our members (consumers) are mostly in the urban and suburban areas, but the folks they need to hire may not be. Traditionally, Angie’s List puts you in contact with local companies. Classic Cars will extend that reach throughout the country.
How does a consumer sign up to participate in the ratings process?
Ideally, consumers would join Angie’s List as a member and become a full participant in the process, making all their service hiring decisions after researching the companies on the List and then reporting on their experience. They can join by going to www.angieslist.com and following the directions or calling us at (888) 888-5478.
Can a business owner sign up to be reviewed?
Business owners may submit their profile information to Angie’s List and we will make it available should a consumer want to submit a report on that company. Having the information ready simplifies the reporting process so members can concentrate on telling us about their experience and grading the company’s performance rather than filling out the company’s name, address and contact information.
Companies cannot review themselves, however. Only consumers can do that. Companies interested in learning how the List works should contact us at https://company.angieslist.com/default.aspx or calling us at (866) 843-5478.
Is there a process to prevent people from submitting multiple ratings – either negative or positive?
Yes, and we take it very seriously. We use proprietary technology and human review to monitor the reports to be sure they’re as fair and accurate as possible. We don’t allow anonymous reports and remind our members each time they report that the company will be able to see the report and the member’s name. We also encourage companies to monitor the reports and respond to them as they see fit. If they believe a report doesn’t meet our guidelines, we encourage them to call or email us and we’ll investigate.
What is the extent of your automotive categories?
We have about 80 categories covering the classic/custom car services. Our traditional service has always offered reviews for automotive service at body shops, tire shops, towing services, car dealers, etc.
Do you accept advertising on your site?
We have advertising opportunities but they are limited to only those who first earn and then maintain at least a “B” grade from our members. We also require companies that advertise to offer a discount to our members. Just as we monitor for fair reporting, we monitor daily to ensure high grades are maintained. Should they fall, we pull the advertising.
