Community Content

There are no guarantees when you’re hiring a tradesperson for your jobs. Sometimes, even after you’ve done your homework to ensure a tradesman is vetted and even if they’ve come with a glowing review from a trusted friend, you may find you’re dissatisfied with the work provided. While these situations can be incredibly frustrating, it’s important to remember there are official procedures in place in Malta that are designed to help you as a consumer. So, if you’re unhappy with any work or services carried out in your home, you can follow the following steps to better protect yourself and resolve the issue: Use a verified tradesperson listed on Check Your Traders The best way to avoid an unprofessional tradesman from the start is to hire a verified tradesperson listed on our platform. That’s because we carry out a thorough verification process on each of our traders to ensure they offer quality service, fair pricing, and excellent workmanship. You can even read through the genuine reviews and ratings left by past customers to get a better insight into which tradesman is right for your job. All this information will help you hire a genuine professional and enjoy a smooth process from beginning to end. Protect yourself by being prepared At the start of any project with a tradesman, be sure to have all agreements in writing. This will ensure you have all the important information – such as sales contracts, costs, timelines, promise of works to be completed – in hand should you ever need to lodge a complaint down the line. It’s also a good idea to keep photographic evidence of works, especially if you are concerned about how they’re progressing. If anything looks suspicious or not up to scratch, a simple photograph is the best way to record these problems. Such photographs will come in useful should you need to provide evidence to an outside organisation to settle a dispute. Approach the tradesperson directly In case of a dispute with a tradesperson, it’s always recommended to first speak to them directly before escalating the issue further. Express your grievances as calmly as possible and request that they rectify the situation. Here, you can also rely on your saved documentation and photographs to clarify any issues. If you are dealing with a truly professional tradesperson, they should recognise that their reputation is everything. An unsatisfied customer is bad news for a tradesperson as it will more than likely affect their business negatively. So, you may find they’ll be willing to find a solution to the situation as quickly as possible. Provide the tradesperson with an opportunity to resolve issue Following a verbal complaint, the tradesperson is usually allowed a reasonable amount of time to resolve the issue. Should the tradesperson not comply within a few weeks, then you should submit a formal complaint in writing which details the exact specifications of the task in question, your grievances with the works, and how you feel the issue should be reasonably and satisfactorily resolved. Written complaints should be sent via registered mail to the tradesperson’s official business address. Ideally post the complaint as a signed for delivery letter, which will let you know your mail has been safely received. Alternatively, you can send complaints to the tradesperson’s business email address. Check if your email provider offers the option to use a send/receipt notification. This will notify you when the trader opens the email, providing you with proof that they’ve seen the complaint. Keep in mind that any written complaints must be sent within two months from when you first realised there was issue with works or services. Lodge an official complaint with the MCCAA If you find that the tradesperson is ignoring your complaints or is unwilling to resolve the issue, then it’s time to escalate the situation. Locally, consumer complaints can be filed with the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) which was set up to safeguard consumers’ interests and promote sound business standards in the local market. There are various ways to lodge a complaint with the MCCAA: Visit the MCCAA in person – You can submit your written complaint in person at one of the MCCAA’s offices in Blata l-Bajda, Valletta, or in Xewkija, Gozo. By mail – You can send your written complaint to the Director, Complaints and Conciliation Directorate, Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, Mizzi House, National Road, Blata l-Bajda, HMR 9010. Email – You can send an email complaint to consumer.rights@mccaa.org.mt Online – You can even lodge a complaint via the MCCAA’s Online Form To ensure you don’t experience any delays in the process, you should include the following documents and information along with your complaint: Details of the case; Copies of all relevant documentation, such as copies of receipts, sales contract, and guarantees; Your I.D. Number; Your address and contact numbers; The trader’s details and contact numbers. You must also make a statement in your email/letter giving consent to the MCCAA to divulge your details to the trader/entity involved in your case following the Data Protection Act. Next steps Once the MCCAA has received and evaluated your complaint, you’ll be appointed an official complaints officer to oversee your case with your tradesperson. The officer will do all they can to reach an amicable resolution between yourself and the tradesperson. However, should no agreements with the trader be reached within 10 working days, the officer will guide you on the options available to you going forward, including how to take your case to the Consumer Claims Tribunal. Leaving a review on Check Your Traders Should you ever have a bad experience with a local tradesperson, you can really help your fellow consumers by leaving a review on Check Your Traders. Both your positive and negative feedback will provide other consumers with insight into your experience, allowing them to make more informed decisions about who they hire to carry out their jobs. Should we see that a tradesperson listed on our site is not abiding by our standards, we will even remove their listing from our platform. With your help and through your reviews, we can help create a better system of accountability in Malta, ensuring that the professionals are lauded for their quality work and excellent customer service, while the amateurs are flagged for their unprofessionalism. CONTACT DETAILS Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) Phone: +356 2395 2000 Email: info@mcca.org.mt The Check Your Traders complaints team Phone: +356 2152 2202 Email: support@checkyourtraders.com

Are you a new homeowner doing up your first house? Or are you a keen DIYer looking to carry out your next home improvement project? Whatever your situation, you can never be too careful in choosing the right products for your home. By sourcing the best materials from the start, you can rest assured you’ll save on headaches, repairs, and unnecessary costs down the road. If you’re looking for great quality products for your home, then it’s time to head to JCR Imports in Birkirkara. Founded back in 1982, JCR has built a reputation for stocking high quality home improvement products and materials at super competitive prices. Today, JCR represents many leading brands, including Edilchimica, La Matassina Technology, Siciliana Gessi, Novaglass, and Licata. What’s more, a visit to JCR also means you’ll get expert advice from their friendly team, who can guide you on the best supplies and solutions for your home. Here are four ways how JCR can help dramatically improve your home inside and out. 1. Find your perfect tiles for every room & space JCR stocks a wide range of quality tiles. They have a great selection of designs and finishes that will suit all kinds of rooms and spaces, from floors, bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoors areas like terraces and balconies. Whether you’re after a classic look or an ultra-modern finish, you can rest assured that the tile of your choice is highly durable, long-lasting, and offers a luxurious look. Plus, if you’re hoping to do a DIY job, you can also pick up excellent quality tile adhesives and spacers. The JCR team will be able to guide you on all the best products they have in store to lay your tiles with ease. 2. Make sure your home is watertight & protected against the rain Despite the relatively low levels of rainfall that Malta experiences, rain damage continues to be a major headache for Maltese homeowners. Every winter, many new- and old-build houses continue to experience water leaks through their roofs and walls. This causes costly damage to paint, gypsum soffits, and can even accelerate growth of harmful mould around the house. That’s why it pays to invest in quality waterproofing products that will help protect your house from heavy rain. JCR stocks a variety of durable waterproofing solutions, including liquid membrane, bitumen rolls, and geo textiles, that will solve any leakage problems and ensure maximum protection of your home. 3. Keep your home looking cleaner & fresher with good quality paint When trying to save costs on home decor projects, many homeowners tend to opt for cheap quality paint, thinking it’ll be just as good as any other paint. But cheap paint is rarely a good idea. It won’t cover surfaces properly and will not last as long, meaning you’ll end up having to redo your walls in a few years’ time, costing you more in the long run. Good quality, extra-breathable wall paint is a great investment for your home. Its finish will ensure your home feels cleaner and the colour will keep its lustre for much longer. Good quality paint will also help hide fingerprints and smudges, great for if you have young kids running around the house. JCR’s expert team can help you select the right paint for your requirements. They offer a great range of paints, colours, and finishes for all wall surfaces and for all budgets. 4. Prevent costly repairs with high-quality plumbing products When it comes to the plumbing of your home, you want to make sure you’re using quality products. A fault or failure down the line can result in lots of disruption in your home and very costly repairs. Good quality plumbing products are built to higher manufacturing standards, meaning they are more durable and less prone to damage. JCR specialises in a great selection of quality plumbing products, including shower channels, syphoned gullies, electro-weld gratings, and gratings. By installing durable products form the get-go, you’ll save on repairs and repeat work in the future. Explore JCR Imports’ full range of products and home improvement solutions on www.jcrimports.com.mt. You can also reach out to the team for advice by dropping them a line at info@jcrimports.com.mt or giving them a call on +356 2144 2466.

Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, having the right tools at hand is always half the battle. When you’re in the middle of a home improvement job, the last thing you need is for your tools to fail on you or let you down. Not only is this incredibly frustrating and time wasting, but it will also harm your reputation as a tradesman.  That’s why it’s important to choose your tools well. So, if you’re looking for expert advice and the best tool brands for your work, you need not look further than C&C Technik. Here are three top reasons why you must check out this leading local supplier of power tools, hand tools, machinery, and industrial consumables. 1. An unrivalled reputation backed by world-leading brands When a company has been around for over three decades, it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about the industry they operate in. Established by founder Pio Vella over 30 years ago, C&C Technik has steadily grown in reputation thanks to a highly experienced team that is truly passionate about helping local tradespeople find the best tools for their requirements and budgets. Customers also point to C&C Technik’s excellent aftersales service as a key reason why they keep returning. Today, the company runs two stores, conveniently located in St. Venera and Mosta, and represents over 30 top tool brands. They stock Narex, Ruko, DUSS, Femi, Festool, and many more. In fact, the majority of the world’s biggest tool brands have made exclusive deals with C&C to stock their products locally. That’s because international brands only want to be represented by the very best. These are truly exceptional tools that are highly reliable, super-efficient, and promise long lifespans. You’d be hard pressed to find a better range of quality tools from any other local supplier. 2. A super convenient tool hire service With so many types of tools available for all kinds of niche jobs, it’s pretty impossible for most tradespeople to own everything on the market. Yet, every now and then a job will crop up which needs that one specific tool which you don’t have. But why spend money on a piece of equipment you’re only going to use once or twice at most? Thankfully there’s now an easy solution. C&C Technik are launching a super convenient tool hire service. There’s simply no other service like this available in Malta. You can pick and choose from a wide range of top-of-the-line products, all of which can be booked online, over the phone, in person, or through the store’s social media channels. What’s more, tools can even be delivered direct to where you are, saving you the hassle of having to take time out of your busy work schedule. All tools available are always next-to-new and will be serviced and replaced regularly to ensure you’re getting a quality piece of equipment that is fit to tackle the job at hand. The team is also happy to provide one-on-one instruction for more specialist tools. 3. A team that boasts expertise & experience When you’re looking to purchase a new tool, you want advice from someone who has been on the job and actually knows what they’re talking about. The entire in-store team at C&C Technik has years of on-the-job experience covering a wide range of trades and skillsets, from woodwork and electrical to construction, automotive, and more. Every member of this friendly team is happy to talk you through the different brands, products, features, and all the latest tools in stock. The in-store and aftersales teams are there to help you find the right tools to get any job done right. So whatever question you have, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting expert knowledge from someone who understands the intricacies of your job. Check out the best tools available on the island by visiting one of C&C Technik’s two stores located on Canon Road, St Venera and Constitution Street, Mosta. The team is always happy to answer your questions. Give them a call on +356 21446798 or drop them a line at info@cctechnikmalta.com and they’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

Burmarrad-based motor dealership Cars & More made a huge impression at this year’s Local Business Awards, scooping up three major prizes. It was the first time that the prestigious awards body, which celebrates the crème de la crème of Maltese businesses, opened up the ceremony to the local automotive sector. Cars & More couldn’t have hoped for a better debut, taking home awards for Best Local Automotive Services Company, Best Automotive Customer Sales, and Best Pioneering & Emerging Business. Here are four undeniable factors that helped the dealership clinch three top awards. 1. Reviews rave about the team’s outstanding service One of the greatest aspects about the Local Business Awards is that customer opinions have a big part to play in the process. In fact, all nominees are shortlisted based on customer reviews, which are then passed onto a panel of impartial judges who carry out independent checks. This guarantees companies have proven they are delivering on what they promise and offer a top-notch service. Since they first entered the local motor scene, Cars & More have continued to rack up 5-star reviews and positive feedback from satisfied clients. Many have singled out the team’s helpfulness, trustworthiness, and reliability from start to finish when purchasing their vehicles. People also love the great prices and the team’s expert knowledge and guidance for a hassle-free, all-inclusive service with no hidden costs. 2. A full suite of car care services Cars & More has grown into one of the island’s best go-to dealerships for all things motor related. Not only do they sell an exceptional selection of approved and pre-owned vehicles, but the team also specialises in a full range of additional services. Whether you’re looking for back-to-shiny-new valeting, expert paint correction, or professional car accessory installation (including parking aids), the team goes to great lengths to deliver the highest standards of workmanship possible. 3. Personalised service every time Clients feel safe when doing business with Cars & More, and that’s because the dealership comprises a tight-knit team that knows the motoring business inside out. Operating exclusively from their premises in Burmarrad, Cars & More keeps a tight grip on its operations and doesn’t work in conjunction with any other dealerships. This ensures they are able to maintain a personalised service and exacting standards when dealing with each and every client. 4. Commitment to quality and transparency Not only have Cars & More proven to be a hit with customers, the judges at the Local Business Awards were also mightily impressed. As part of the evaluation process, an anonymous judge visited the Cars & More premises in Burmarrad to inspect everything from their customer service to the quality of the vehicles on offer. The judges were keen to highlight Cars & More’s value for money, clearly set prices, and well-maintained vehicles all sold with warranty. This gives customers further peace of mind that when they deal with Cars & More, they are guaranteed to get a first-class experience coupled with quality cars and products every time. Cars & More’s flawless delivery, readiness to go the extra mile, and fantastic customer reviews and recommendations, has certainly proved to be a winning formula. Visit www.cam.com.mt today for all your motoring needs.

There’s nothing more valuable than the security and safety of yourself, your loved ones, and the assets and possessions you hold most dearly. That’s why, from time to time, it’s essential to have back up you can rely on. C.A.M.C. Security is a professional security service team in Malta providing peace of mind that all aspects of your professional and personal life are in safe hands, no matter the circumstances. This highly trained team comes with expert credentials and are officially licensed in accordance with Maltese legislation. When you hire C.A.M.C. you gain access to a qualified and professional security team capable of mitigating all manner of risks and threats with foresight, intelligence, and integrity. Here are five situations that call for C.A.M.C.’s expert security team: 1. Private investigation C.A.M.C.’s private investigators are able to advise clients on all manner or delicate situations. They provide discretion and complete confidentiality to assist you with finding the answers you need. The professional and multi-disciplined team covers a wide range of commercial, legal, and private investigations and always operates to the letter of the law. Over the years, C.A.M.C.’s private investigators have assisted law firms, government bodies, local councils, commercial enterprises, and private individuals to obtain the evidence they need in support of their cases. 2. Residential security audits C.A.M.C. also specialises in a range of services to give homeowners absolute peace of mind that their property is well protected. The team carries out on-site inspections to identify potential weaknesses in your security set-up and reveal actionable measures that can be implemented to boost your home protection. This will help counter all manner of risks, such as vandalism and intrusion of your property. The team has vast experience in supplying security audits for all types of residences, including villas, apartments, and penthouses. 3. Corporate building and hotel security Large-scale buildings, such as business centres and hotels, require specialised security measures to keep employees, visitors, and guests protected at all times. C.A.M.C.’s team are experts at carrying out thorough security audits to design tailormade security strategies specifically for each building they are called in to protect. Furthermore, the agency provides on-site security personnel, for around the clock protection. These special units of security guards are trained in everything from crowd control, patrolling, and surveillance duties to dealing with fire, first aid, and bomb threat situations. 4. Event & wedding security Gatecrashers, intoxicated individuals, aggressive brawls – large crowds and gatherings pose a number of security and safety issues. Whether an event is large or small, C.A.M.C. has the right personnel, skills, and the track record to ensure any event is secure, safe, and well run. The team understands that all events are unique. By carrying out thorough security assessments in the lead up to the event, the team works closely with clients and organisers to ensure each event unfolds without incident. From carrying out ID checks at the door to monitoring the crowd throughout the evening, the security team has vast experience in maintaining order so that everyone remains safe while having a good time. 5. Close protection and body guarding High-profile executives and VIPs are more at risk of being victims of security threats. The C.A.M.C. team specialises in close protection and body guarding services to ease the burden of stress from potential threats that can escalate due to invasion of personal space, theft, and physical attacks. The team’s security personnel are required to undergo vigorous training to be in line with all the latest security tactics and protocols. C.A.M.C. also understands that every individual requires different levels of security. The team offers bespoke protection services according to the client’s needs. Are you looking to take advantage of C.A.M.C. Security’s expert protection services? The team provides all clients with a free consultation to guide them on the right solutions for their requirements. Explore C.A.M.C.s services in greater detail at www.camcsecurity.com.

Over the past few months, the local market has been experiencing a severe shortfall in cleaning and hospitality staff. Many businesses have been at a loss who to turn to outsource their cleaning services. Thankfully, one cleaning agency in particular has significantly upped its recruitment and training efforts to ensure Maltese businesses are covered for all their cleaning needs in their hour of need. ACJ Cleaning & Hospitality Services provides an industry-leading and cost-effective cleaning service through outstanding customer service, high levels of training, and meticulous quality control. These cleaning experts are equipped to provide your household or business with the best cleaning professionals in the business, ensuring that all your day-to-day and specialist cleaning needs are met with care. Read on to discover six irrefutable reasons why you should hire ACJ to handle all your cleaning duties today. 1. Professional cleaners that get the job done thoroughly The ACJ team prides itself on its high levels of expertise and proficiency in all things cleaning. Anyone can vacuum floors or wipe down surfaces, but ACJ’s professional staff are experts at tackling those tougher cleaning jobs with ease. Whether its removing stubborn stains from carpets, getting grimy spaces squeaky clean, or polishing windows to a gleaming finish, ACJ’s team know all the proper techniques and have the best tools to get your cleaning tasks done thoroughly. By carrying out a rigorous hiring process, ACJ only recruits the very best in the business, giving clients total peace of mind that all their cleaning needs will be handled professionally. The agency provides its staff with continuous training, enabling its cleaners to enhance their knowledge on housekeeping, hospitality etiquette, and many other essential skills. This ensures ACJ is fit to handle any job in your household, hotel, office space, or industrial factory operation. 2. Impress your guests or customers ACJ can help you make a great impression among guests and customers. By outsourcing all your cleaning jobs to ACJ, you can rest assured that customers walking into your place of business will feel welcome and at ease. If you’re a customer-facing organisation, it’s important to maintain consistent and scrupulous levels of cleanliness and hygiene. People are more likely to trust you and spend their money when your business looks the part. ACJ will handle all the menial jobs so you can focus on greeting and servicing your clients. 3. A flexible service that works for you Not every household or business requires the same level of cleaning. ACJ offers a flexible cleaning service that fits comfortably around your schedule. Whether you need a daily tidy up or a one-off deep clean, ACJ can provide you with the right service to meet your needs. The team can also work during your preferred hours, ensuring that everything is spick and span in a timely fashion. With a focus on personalised service and competitive rates, ACJ always strives to exceed expectations. 4. No need to spend money on expensive supplies Mops, buckets, industrial-grade vacuum cleaners, heavy-duty detergents… there’s no two ways about it, cleaning supplies add up. Buying supplies for your household may amount to a reasonable cost, but over large-scale offices and buildings, these monthly supplies can really eat into your budget. When you hire ACJ, you don’t just get access to their team of cleaning professionals, but also their well-stocked and versatile supply of equipment and cleaning materials that are fit for any job. Not only will you save a significant amount on your cleaning costs, you also won’t need to worry about replenishing your cleaning cupboard every few months. 5. Free up time to focus on your business One of the biggest benefits of using ACJ’s services is the convenience. The team takes the hassle out of scheduling and organising who will be taking care of your cleaning duties, when and how. It’s all taken care of so that you’ll have more time to dedicate on the important day-to-day tasks of running your business. Untidy spaces and clutter also create stress. When you allow professionals to handle your cleaning, you won’t ever have to worry about where to begin cleaning. ACJ can help you maintain a calm place of business where you can get on with your job efficiently. 6. Happy Staff = Happy Customers A long list of clients from private households, hospitality operators, and businesses across all sectors, continue to rate ACJ highly. Why? That’s because ACJ’s staff recognise that cleaning isn’t just a job, it’s a valuable service that improves its clients’ wellbeing and ability to focus on the job. ACJ’s happy staff are sure to add a sparkle to any place of business and are always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to meet your cleaning needs, no matter how challenging. ACJ is always on the lookout for skilled individuals ready to join their friendly team of cleaning professionals. If you feel you’re up to the task, reach out to ACJ on magagement@acjmalta.com. They’ll be happy to set up a call and explore any work opportunities they currently have available. Interested to learn more about ACJ Cleaning & Hospitality Services? Get in touch on enquiries@acjmalta.com to find out more about their wide range of services and get an instant quote.