Allow a company to use your address?

[Eanix]

Hey Guys,

Looking for your input on this one. There's a company I've done work with for of of those IT platforms called iYogi. They're an Indian based company with clients they serve remotely for basic computer issues. They outsource their on site work to techs on IT outsourcing platforms. Initially (last year), they were paying decently for virus removals, etc. However, as of recently, they're paying like $40 for virus removals/backup tickets.

I've done work with them, and they have tried to shade me out of money before. However, with very little fighting, I've always received money due to me.

They contacted me yesterday asking if they could put up a listing on Yelp using my address. They say they will forward me all work in the area. They have not discussed pricing, no are they looking for a signed document. They sent me an email, asking me to reply "yes".

What say you guys? Take the free advertising? Can they really do anything or benefit from using my address? Looking for your input, and as always, thank you.

-Amro

 

[GeeksInKhakis]

You really want to be associated with iYogi or something similar? It's probably one of those fake services putting scamware on client's computers. I wouldn't do it!

 

[K007]

As tempting as it may sound, I wouldn't do it.
Actually, is it legal for anyone to use the address of someone else as official business address? I doubt it.
They don't care about it because the Companies House or whatever regulatory body is in your country cannot go after them. They will probably come after you if serious complaints are being made.

 

[mraikes]

....snipped....

Initially (last year), they were paying decently for virus removals, etc. However, as of recently, they're paying like $40 for virus removals/backup tickets.

I've done work with them, and they have tried to shade me out of money before. .... snipped.....

They say they will forward me all work in the area. They have not discussed pricing, no are they looking for a signed document. They sent me an email, asking me to reply "yes".

Absolutely, you should do this. What could go wrong?

1. They get leads but refer them to someone else (how would you know?).
2. They get leads, offer them to you at a ridiculous price which you then feel obligated to accept. Bitterly.
3. They get leads, offer them to you at a ridiculous price, which you decline, so they give them to someone else instead of offering you more
4. They get leads, offer them to you at a ridiculous price, which you decline, they offer a little more so you accept, and then they "shade you out of money" again.
5. They get leads, someone else does the work, does a crappy job, terrible reviews are posted back that somehow mysteriously get associated with YOU. Oh yeah, it's because they're using YOUR address.
6. I don't know. Do we really need to come up with a 6th?

 

[papuchazo]

I've done work with them, and they have tried to shade me out of money before. However, with very little fighting, I've always received money due to me.


-Amro

I think that's your answer right there.

 

[Boston Pro Comp Serv LLC]

Sounds like they have thier own intrests in mind, trying to 'shade' you out of money would be my first red flag that something isn't right. From one business to another who does that? I mean you must like I, have many relationships with other businesses. There's work I do and work they do and we pass each other accordingly... never have I tried or they tried to 'shade' each other out of a few bucks. Just a thought.

 

[Mercenary Roadie]

Why would you want to associate yourself with a company known for ripping consumers and techs off?

 

[lsi]

what could go wrong?

1. They could absolutely suck and you end up being associated with them
2. They are a bigger company and steal your local seo results when someone looks up "computer repair" in your area
3. People look up your address to see if you're a real business and the first result ends up being this Indian firm with really bad reviews

I wouldn't chance it.

 

[mkeathley]

iYogi is scum. Run! Run! Run!

 

[twincountycomputers]

iYogi is scum. Run! Run! Run!

exactely, I've heard nothing good about them.

 

[Markverhyden]

iYucky is not someone you want to be associated with. They had managed to get some of the biggies signed up in the past but I think most have dumped them. Avast officially did. HP and Dell consumer used to steer non-warranty calls to them but I think that has stopped.

Why would you give them permission to use your name and contact without an iron clad contract - meaning one that is enforceable. They operate on Work Market, a platform which does not do anything to try to act as a intermediary in disputes. Beyond that they are just a shell company in the US. No assets to go after.

But, in my opinion, the biggest reason is their business model. They do not charge T&M so they are not going to pay T&M to a third party. Beyond that they are dealing with the consumer sector which really is not willing to pay meaningful sums for support. And those that are will not be looking for a company in another country to get things done.

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

Thats clever...why didnt I think of that...oh right cause im not that shady. (Edit: 9/5/2013...I changed my mind so sue me =P)

They can't top the local results so they want to join them by using your address. I don't think they would pay you enough for that.

Edit: and they only going to pass along stuff to you that they can't fix remotely.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Highly recommend you DISassociate your business from those scam artists as fast as you can!

...and never mention a past history with them again in public....

 

[Tony_Scarpelli]

I would not allow someone to post feedback on my name.