Join Today for Unlimited Access
Tired of getting ripped off and receiving poor service? For more than 40 years, our nonprofit has helped thousands of consumers find high-quality, fairly priced service providers in their communities without accepting advertising or referral fees from the businesses rated.
Join Checkbook Today or Sign In
Our price research and ratings will help you save money and find top service pros.
Unbiased Reviews and Undercover Price Research on Local Services
We aren't loyal to businesses, we're loyal to you.
Easily find ratings, reviews, and advice on local service providers.
Checkbook is nonprofit, independent, and provides unbiased information.
We don't run ads or take referral fees from businesses that we rate.
More from Checkbook
-
![Used Cars Often Sold with Dangerous Defects image]()
On the Road Again, Despite Dangerous Defects
Our investigation found that used-car dealers often sell vehicles without addressing known life-threatening problems.
-
![Saving Energy at Home image]()
Saving Energy at Home
32 changes that will cut costs and help the planet.
-
![Home Maintenance Plan image]()
Home Maintenance School
Here’s a yearlong plan on how to keep your home from falling apart.
-
![Car Buying Strategies image]()
How to Get the Best Price on a New Car
Websites like TrueCar promise low, upfront vehicle pricing. But these companies don’t deliver. Here’s how to force dealers to compete for your business.
-
![Vehicle Service Contracts image]()
Vehicle Service Contracts
Don't buy these plans. They are big hassles and bad deals for most drivers.
-
![Contractors: Remodelers & General image]()
Read Before Remodeling
Your closest ally in a remodeling project is your general contractor. Hiring the right one can be the difference between getting what you want (within your budget), and disaster.
-
![Water & Sewer Line Warranties image]()
Do You Need Coverage for Water and Sewer Line Repairs?
Warranty companies, with help from their public utility partners, pitch nightmare scenarios. But these programs stink.
-
![Tree Care Services image]()
Do Your Trees Need TLC?
Here is advice on how to tell if your trees need help, and ratings of local branch managers if they do.
-
![30 Tricks Sellers Use to Make You Pay Up image]()
Buyers Beware
Think you’re getting a deal? 30 tricks sellers use to make you pay up and pay too much.
-
![Acupuncturists image]()
Acupuncture
Should you try the gift of jab? Here’s a roundup of what we do and don’t know about acupuncture.
-
![Timeshare Exit Companies Deserve a Time Out image]()
Trouble with Timeshare Exit Companies
We found many timeshare exit operations provide little, if any, service for their high fees.
-
![Buying Used Stuff image]()
Best Bets for Buying Secondhand Stuff
Our team went secondhand shopping for everything from electronics to armchairs and saved a bundle. A bonus: buying used stuff helps the environment. Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) consider buying used.
-
![Auto Body Shops image]()
Finding an Auto Body Shop That Will Do a Bang-Up Job
Collision-avoidance auto technology doesn’t change one vital factor: Humans still get behind the wheel, so accidents still happen. Fortunately, our ratings have you covered.
-
![Appliance Repair Services image]()
Appliance Repair: Get Your Fix
Your fridge or washer goes on the fritz, you need help fast. Our ratings evaluate local fixers for quality and price.
-
![Computers & Devices: How to Keep Yours Safe image]()
How to Protect Your Computers & Devices
15 steps to take to keep your digital devices safe.
-
![Online Privacy: How to Guard Yours image]()
Guard Your Online Privacy
These tips from experts are easy and effective.
-
![Electricians image]()
Shockingly Good Electricians
Need to install a new light fixture or do some other wiring around your home? Pull the plug on DIY electrical work—our ratings will help you find a pro.
-
![Medical Alert Devices image]()
Many Medical Alert Devices Delay Emergency Response
We hit the panic button—290 times—to test the value of medical alert devices, and many of them came up short. Here’s what we found, and what we recommend if you’re interested in buying one.
-
![Defective Products: Strategies to Get a Refund or Replacement image]()
What to Do About Defective Products
You bought something that broke, or that never worked right. Here are strategies for how to get a refund, free repair, or replacement.
-
![Computer Repair Shops image]()
Surviving the Crash
Ratings of computer repair shops, plus advice on keeping your devices safe.
-
![Home Security image]()
Planning a Home Security System
Because most burglars enter homes by simply opening unlocked doors or windows—or pushing and kicking locked ones until they open—even the most basic protective measures will improve your security.
-
![Housecleaners image]()
Managing Your Mess
How to find a great housecleaner.
-
![Life Insurance image]()
Life Insurance for Less
Shop around to save thousands of dollars.
-
![Painters image]()
Primer Time
How to paint your house or hire someone to do it for you.
-
![Free Perks You Didn't Know You Have image]()
Free Perks You Don't Know You Have
We sifted through member benefits that come with credit cards, warehouse clubs, health insurance plans, and more, they discovered dozens of free, often little-known perks.
-
![Hearing Centers image]()
Hear Here
Where to shop for the right hearing aid.
Current Issue
-
Drain Trust
Ratings of area plumbers for quality and price.
-
65 Things You (Probably) Shouldn’t Pay For
Stop wasting money on services and products that might seem useful but are actually bad buys.
-
Acupuncture
Should you try the gift of jab?
-
Primer Time
How to paint your house or hire someone to do it for you.
-
On a Roll
Wallpaper is back. Here's what to do if you want it.
-
How to Get the Best Price on a New Car
Websites like TrueCar promise low, upfront pricing. But These companies don't deliver. Here's how to force dealers to compete for your business.
-
Vehicle Service Contracts
Don't buy these plans. They are big hassles and bad deals for most drivers.
-
Managing Your Mess
How to find a great housecleaner.
-
Lawn & Order
How to hire a service (or hire yourself) to make your grass greener.
-
Guard Your Online Privacy
These tips from experts are easy and effective.
-
Life Insurance for Less
Shop around to save thousands of dollars.
-
How to Get Rid of Your Unwanted Stuff
Decluttering strategies plus ideas for how to jettison extra belongings, from books to electronics to sporting goods to toys.
-
Clothing Resale Options
Ready to sell your past fashions? Here’s how to get the most for your stuff, your time, and your effort.
-
This Whole House
Estate sales can help you offload a ton of stuff.
-
Window Washers
Find clear winners for quality and price.
