THE SCAM

                                                     Warning Signs of a “SEALCOATING SCAM ARTIST”

1. One of the biggest warning signs in asphalt contracting is the “I have extra material” line.  Of course we have extra material. We don’t by 5 gallon buckets, we buy hundreds if not thousands of gallons throughout the season. Any reputable sealing company does not buy “just enough” for your neighbors job and happen to have enough for yours. (If a neighbor was having a shed built would the contractor had enough wood left over to build you a shed)?  
2. Some companies go door-to-door while they are working in a neighborhood. Most if not all Municipalities, Towns and Boroughs require a solicitation permit before going door to door. A disreputable company is easily spotted when they come to your door and offer you a “now or never” deal. A reputable driveway sealing company is happy to come back another day, giving you time to decide and allow you time to get other estimates. DON’T BE PRESSURED! 
3. Beware of anyone who does not have have the company identified i.e. business cards, written estimates on business letterhead or their truck or tank lettered. We want you to know who we are. How else would you be able to recommend us to your friends and family.
4. Do you want a shinny driveway “NOOO”! Gilsonite commonly called "OIL BASED SEALER"  IS ILLEGAL IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY and most Northeast States, not PA. Stay away, the Gilsonite Salesmen won’t tell you the solvent dissolves and breaks down the asphalt binder and will wear away within a year and leaves behind damaged and weaker binder. Not to mention that is extremely slippery even if slightly damp.
5. If a deal sounds to good to be true. IT IS! 
6. Ask for references, office location, jobs completed (exact addresses), tell them to come back after you have had a chance to look into them. Your asphalt can wait a few hours, days weeks or years.    
7. If a contractor says that a price is for “today only,” or “working in your area this week only” that usually means that he is what’s called a “Traveller".  Traveller's or more commonly called "Gypsies" move from state to state and town to town.  After they have worn out their welcome, they move to a different state or town.  These people usually have out of state license plates, fancy trucks, and the reason you “need to do the work right now”. Just take a moment to see if they are local and have anything or way to identify themselves. Try a quick internet search.
8. If the contractor you hire will only accept cash or wants the check made out to cash, BEWARE. Never make a check out to "cash" and if they insists on using their personal name ask for a valid driver's license & copy all their information. A reputable contractor will always ask for a check made out in the name of the business.
9. If in any doubt, ask for their contractor's license number, to see their drivers license, or certificates of insurance. If they just give you information verbally tell them to return the next business day after you have had a chance to verify their information.
10. USE COMMON SENSE. While not every contractor who makes "cold calls" is disreputable, many are, often others are brand new, inexperienced, and desperate for work.