Checking a business before you book
A few useful checks, the right registers and better questions before you commit to a service.
Before booking a service or paying a deposit, take a little time to check the business and the offer. Public registers and a consistent business footprint can help you verify details, although none guarantees the quality of future work. Here are a few useful places to start.
Verify the business is registered
Ask for the business’s Australian Business Number where applicable, or look for it on its website or quote. ABN Lookup is a free public search service. Compare the entity name, current status and business names against the information you have been given. An active ABN is useful evidence of registration; it is not a guarantee of quality or a recommendation. Ask the business to explain any mismatch before you commit.
Check licences for regulated work
Many services legally require a licence: building work, plumbing, electrical, gas fitting, and credit or financial services among them. Each state and territory runs licence registers through its fair trading or building authority, and you can search most of them online using the tradesperson's name or licence number. For anyone offering credit or financial services, ASIC's professional registers let you check licensing. Confirm the licence covers the specific type of work you are booking, not just a related category.
Look at the business's own footprint
Review the business's website for basics: a real service description, service area, and a way to contact them beyond a mobile number. Cross-check that details are consistent between the website, invoices and quotes. Reviews on independent platforms can help, but read them critically; look for patterns across many reviews rather than reacting to a single glowing or scathing one, and note how the business responds to complaints.
Protect yourself when paying
Avoid paying large amounts before work begins, and be wary of requests for payment by bank transfer to an account name that does not match the business. Get the agreed scope, price and timing in writing before paying a deposit, and keep records of every payment. Scamwatch, run by the National Anti-Scam Centre, publishes current warning signs for false billing and phony tradespeople; if something feels rushed or evasive, pause and verify before committing.
Your quick checklist
Tick these off as you go. This checklist resets when you leave.
Useful starting points
General information to help you ask questions. Check requirements for the particular service and your state or territory.