Is a guarantee a guarantee if you have to pay an annual fee for it? That’s the question Chris over at The Consumerist is asking. After paying $1,700 to have Orkin exterminate the termites in his 60-year-old house last year, Chris was surprised to be charged $214 this year to retain his “lifetime guarantee” for as long as he lives in the house. Hmm, sounds like he’s subscribed to an insurance policy, not a guarantee. The Consumerist did some digging and found Orkin settled with five states in a case regarding misrepresentation of their guarantee six years ago. Troubling to say the least. When dealing with any home improvement contractor, be sure to read the fine print of any agreement you sign.
Credit: Consumerist article
