In this regular blog series, Bob Hall, the co-founder of Greenlite Lighting Solutions, makes sure you aren’t left in the dark about the lighting sector. This month, he says: “A good lighting maintenance firm is open, honest and transparent – don’t settle for anything less.”

I’m very aware that there’s a level of distrust when it comes to the lighting industry, and it’s true that some cowboys are ruining it for the reliable ones. But if you look out for some key guarantees when choosing a maintenance company, you’ll see the industry in a new light!

Avoid hidden charges

You may have noticed that I have a few bugbears about the lighting industry. But my biggest pet peeve – next to poor-quality LEDs, of course – is a lack of honesty.

As a commercial lighting specialist, I have spoken to many clients who’ve had previous bad experiences with hidden charges for call outs, mileage costs or simple routine maintenance functions. Some have even been over-charged for simple services. How these firms get repeat custom, I’ll never know!

Trust your gut

When looking for a reputable firm, the best advice is the simplest: trust your gut! One of my favourite mantras is: “if a price seems too good to be true, then it probably is.” Ask about additional costs and request a company price list – an honest firm with nothing to hide will offer information about these readily.

Total transparency

Some companies go even further to demonstrate their transparency. For example, at Greenlite, we provide customers with copies of engineer worksheets – signed on-site by the client – so they can cross-reference what has been done with what they were charged.

We are proud to be one of the firms that is committed to transparency, from our luminaire specifications to our green lighting services. I fail to see why more firms are not responding to the demand for values-led business – it’s something that creates a trusting relationship which is beneficial for both parties.

If you look out for these qualities in your new lighting maintenance contractor, it shouldn’t be too long before we banish those cowboys!