15 Things You Should Ask An Aerial Company Before They Start Work

The engineer or fitter coming to your home to Repair or Install TV reception equipment is often selected by "pot luck" or by a cheap price being quoted over the phone. This tends to be the most common option even though it's really not the best way to make your choice.

So what is the best way to choose your TV Aerial Installation company?

In my opinion recommendations and word of mouth really do take some beating, mainly because the company will have already carried out some work for your friends, family or acquaintances and to be recommended, you would assume they have done a good job. When taking this option it is always worth mentioning to the company and the person at your home "that they came by personal recommendation". They then know that it not only you who they have to satisfy, this will result in them going the extra mile for you.

If you've asked around but with no luck, what is the next option? For most, it will be a case of looking around in the usual places like the web or a phone directory and calling or emailing to ask a few questions, but what on earch do you ask?

I've compiled a list of 14 key questions you should ask an Aerial Company below:

When did you start trading?

Are you a member of a professional trade organisation i.e. CAI - Confederation of Aerial Industries or RDI - Registered Digital Installer? Do you have a minimum of £5 million Public Liability Insurance?

Do your Aerial Installers set up my equipment with a Signal Strength Meter or Spectrum Analyser?

Do you provide a Free On-site Survey and Quotation?

Are your prices fixed upfront?

If I want to go ahead, will you able to do my job there and then? Are your engineers vetted by Police Criminal Records Bureau?

Do you install CAI Benchmarked Cable and Benchmarked Aerials?

Will I receive an official receipt and guarantee?

Do you have a 7 day refund policy?

Do you "price match" other professional installers?

Can I pay by Credit Card?

Have you ever been prosecuted by the Trading Standards department?

None of which is a guarantee that things will not go wrong; even in the best run businesses there are occasional mishaps and disappointing service. What it does indicate though, is that when things go awry, that the company is committed to resolving the issue in a timely manner, with the minimum of fuss and for the best possible outcome.

Does this mean that reputable aerial installation companies are more expensive than their corner cutting competitors?

Probably; this depends how you measure cost. At the time of service or installation there is likely to be an additional cost when compared to the corner cutters, but this is offset by long term trouble free TV Reception and prompt service in the event of a revisit.