Reliable Awnings and Signs

Guy will rip you off. Will demand cash and give you the run around for weeks. Empty promises. Definitely do not use these guys.

We contracted with Reliable Awnings and Signs (Mr. J. Rivera) to install a new awning for our retail store for a total of $ 2,500. We gave him a deposit of $ 1,200 on the day of contract acceptance. It was agreed that the work was to be completed in 2 – 4 weeks, which Mr. Rivera said included time for him to obtain city permits and 2 weeks to order/​receive the awning material. After approximately 2 weeks, we did not receive any status regarding permits or ordering of material. Mr. Rivera also repeatedly did not present to our store as promised to work on the project. This happened on at least four to five occasions. He was also difficult to reach by phone. At the time of the contract acceptance, it was also agreed that the $ 2,500 total would include $ 200 for the removal of our current storefront sign. He removed the front portion of the sign, but left unsecured large plywood boards on the back portion of the sign, above our entrance. We repeatedly raised concerns about these plywood boards, as it posed dangers to those who walked on the sidewalk. Again, Mr. Rivera would make promises to come by to secure it, but did not arrive as promised. About 2 weeks after contract date, one of the large plywood boards fell to the ground. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but feeling the urgency of the matter, we hired other contractors to completely remove the sign material and secure the storefront. We were finally able to get in touch with Mr. Rivera and expressed our displeasure with the lack of progress on our project, his inability to keep promises, and his poor handling of the sign removal. It was agreed on that he would refund us $ 900 ($ 1,200 deposit-​sign removal fee $ 300) within 2 days. Although he did not complete his obligations of sign removal and was now increasing the fee by $ 100, we agreed in order to quickly rid ourselves of Mr. Rivera’s antics. He predictably did not fulfill his promise of returning the $ 900. It should be noted that Mr. Rievera’s previous business operated under the name Reliable Signs and Graphics Co. of 2420 N. Cicero Ave., which has an F with the Better Business Bureau.