Experts On Call offers a free consumer concierge and request service across listed professional service categories. A request can help you start looking for a provider, but choosing a professional still requires care and information relevant to your circumstances.
This page gives consumers a practical checklist for assessing information relevant to a provider and service. Service and provider availability varies, and consumers should ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
Know who supplies the professional service
Experts On Call supplies the consumer request and concierge service. The relevant provider supplies their own quote, advice and professional service. Before proceeding, make sure you understand the provider’s identity, proposed scope, price or fee basis, timing and terms.
A request is not itself a provider quote, professional assessment or booking. Ask questions directly about the particular service and do not rely on general category descriptions as evidence that a provider is suitable for your job.
Checks to consider before proceeding
The appropriate checks depend on the occupation, service, value, risk and location. Consider asking the provider for:
- their full legal or trading name and reliable contact details;
- a written scope describing inclusions and exclusions;
- a written quote or clear fee explanation;
- the name or role of the person who will perform the service;
- expected timing and availability for your request;
- current licences, registrations or authorisations required for the work;
- insurance relevant to the work, where appropriate;
- experience, references or examples relevant to the request;
- payment, deposit, variation and cancellation terms; and
- a way to raise service questions or concerns.
Check important credentials with the relevant regulator or issuing body. A badge, logo, screenshot or verbal statement may not establish that a credential is current, applies in your jurisdiction or covers the particular service.
Review the quote and scope
The provider supplies their own quote. Read it carefully and ask for clarification before accepting it. A useful quote or fee explanation should make the proposed service, assumptions, exclusions and price basis understandable.
Ask what could change the price, whether additional work requires approval, when payment is due and what cancellation terms apply. Keep copies of relevant written communications and receipts. Do not send money or sensitive financial information merely because someone claims to represent a provider or Experts On Call.
If a communication seems suspicious, pause and independently confirm contact information. You can call (02) 8357 4899 about the Experts On Call request service. This number is not an emergency response or identity-validation service.
Extra care for regulated and high-impact services
Trade and building work
Licence requirements can differ by occupation, type and value of work, and state or territory. Ask the provider for the licence class relevant to the specific work and confirm it through the appropriate authority. Also clarify insurance, site safety, subcontracting, approvals, warranties offered by the provider and how variations will be documented.
Legal services
Experts On Call does not provide legal advice. A legal practitioner must assess your circumstances, jurisdiction, any conflicts and the service they can provide. Confirm current practising status, relevant expertise, the scope of the engagement and the fee basis. If a legal deadline applies, seek appropriate legal assistance rather than waiting on a general marketplace request.
Finance, tax and credit services
Experts On Call does not provide financial, tax or credit advice. Ask the provider to explain their relevant authorisations, professional scope, fees and any interests or relationships that may affect the service. Confirm status through the appropriate official register where relevant, and never share banking passwords or card security codes.
Health services
Experts On Call does not provide diagnosis, treatment, clinical advice or emergency assistance. A qualified health professional must assess medical concerns. Keep a general request limited to the information needed to identify the type of provider sought.
If there is an immediate threat to life or health, call 000. Do not wait for a website, email or concierge response.
Protect personal information
A service request may include contact, location and project information. Provide only what is reasonably needed to describe the initial request. Do not include passwords, payment-card details, unnecessary identity documents, detailed medical records or other sensitive information in a general enquiry.
Read the Privacy Policy before submitting personal information. If a provider later asks for additional information, consider why it is needed, how it will be sent and who will have access before sharing it.
If something goes wrong
For questions about scope, price, scheduling or service delivery, review the provider’s quote and terms and raise the issue with the provider where appropriate. Keep factual records of relevant dates, messages, invoices and photographs.
For a concern connected with an Experts On Call request, use the guidance on the Contact page. This page does not promise investigation, mediation, compensation or a particular resolution process or timeframe.
Where a regulator, professional body, consumer agency or emergency service is the appropriate authority, contact that body directly. If there is an immediate threat to life, health or safety, call 000.
Availability and outcomes vary
Listing a category or receiving a request does not establish that a provider is available or suitable for every circumstance. A provider’s quote, advice, work, timing and outcome depend on the provider and the specific engagement.
Take time to compare the information available, ask questions and make a decision appropriate to your needs. Nothing on this page replaces professional advice about your legal rights, finances, health or other regulated matters.
Make an informed request
When you are ready, describe the service, general location, timing and relevant requirements without including unnecessary sensitive information.
Make a free service request or read How Experts On Call Works.