You have made the important decision to use a professional home watch service when you are leaving your home empty for months at a time. Now you must choose a service that is proven, capable, and can be trusted with that small fortune you own called a seasonal home. Many people do not realize the value of their home before giving it to someone to watch. Just as you would exercise care, due diligence, and research in selecting an investment advisor for a retirement portfolio, you must perform this same research when you choose a home watch service.
There are many wannabe and 'fly-by-night' people who claim to have a home watch service. One of the ways to separate the wheat from the chaff is to find out if the company accepts credit cards. This is important for three reasons:
It demonstrates that the Company you are considering has enough credibility that a credit card company is willing to extend it credit.
It demonstrates that a company is operating according to common business and government rules as opposed to collecting only cash without reporting it for taxation or other purposes.
It indicates a Company that is planning on being around for some time, as the investment in credit card handling can be burdensome.
Let's look at each of these points in more detail.
The first point is important because it means an outside agency has determined that the Company you are considering has adequate credit references, is an ongoing business, and has the methods in place to conduct business to the credit card company's higher standards. This says a lot about the owners of the business and is a secondary endorsement of the credibility. Not every business can qualify to accept credit cards. Many will claim that they do not accept credit cards for other reasons, but in today's environment, any business that is customer service oriented accepts some type card payment scheme. If not, there is every chance that the next point is in play.
The second reason you should ensure the home watch Company you are interviewing accepts credit cards is to ensure that this is an 'above board' business. There are many examples of cash only businesses that are not licensed or insured (a different discussion) and are hiding their income from the government. You do not want to operate with people in this situation for two reasons. First, if they cannot be trusted in this area, how can be trusted with your home? Secondly, when they are hauled into court for tax evasion, do you want to be subpoenaed to appear to support the government's case? Honesty is always the best policy and a cash-only business, more often than not, is not an ongoing concern that is operating within the tax laws. You pay taxes- and they should, too.
Finally, gaining the ability to accept credit cards is a simple sign that the owner is a customer service oriented person who intends to be around for many years. While a cash- only home watch company will shut down at the first sniff from a tax agency, a business person dedicated to the trade will do everything possible to meet and exceed their customer's needs. This includes commonly accepting credit cards.
As you evaluate the companies and representatives that come to your door seeking to manage your valuable home, you can reliably use credit card acceptance as one indicator of a professionally managed business that cares about you. Combine this with other signs to pick the best choice and enjoy months without worrying about your seasonal home.
Mark Mehling, known as 'MarktheHomeWatchGuy', is one of America's Premiere Experts and author of the leading book "Leaving Your Home-ALONE". Purchase the book at buythebook.thehomewatchguy.com buythebook.thehomewatchguy.com/. Anyone leaving a home empty for months at a time should visit thehomewatchguy.com thehomewatchguy.com to learn how to protect the property when it is unoccupied.
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