1. What does a CRVS rating mean?
A contractor or service provider’s CRVS Rating (expressed as a star rating, out of 5) indicates to what extent they can be trusted to deliver work of a consistently high standard and meet customer expectations. A contractor who has agreed to be rated has indicated a commitment to have the quality of their work independently verified and/or to increase and maintain the quality and standards of their own work, and of the industry as a whole.
2. What does it mean if a contractor DOES NOT have a CRVS rating?
A small number of contractors may elect not to take part in the rating program, and thus their commitment to independently verify the standard of their work remains uncertain.
A very small percentage of contractors do not qualify for even a 1 star rating - these contractors should be avoided, as they represent a risk to successful project completion.
3. What does a poor (1 or 2 star) CRVS rating mean?
A poor CRVS rating may mean that a contractor has not quite yet illustrated an ability to consistently do work of a high standard, however the fact that they are willing to have themselves continually rated is a good sign that they are committed to improving the quality of their work. Their quoted rates may be lower than market rates. Please do support them, but be aware that there is a higher risk of your expectations not being met.
4. What does an average to good (3 or 4 star) CRVS rating mean?
An average to good CRVS rating means that a contractor has proven an ability to consistently do work of a satisfactory to high standard, as measured by the satisfaction rating of actual customers for whom they have done work in the near past. They can be trusted to deliver what they promised and meet customer expectations.
5. What does a 5 star CRVS rating mean?
A 5 star CRVS rating indicates that a contractor can be considered to be one of the best in their field, based on their proven ability to consistently meet or exceed customer expectations. They can be trusted to deliver work of an excellent standard, as measured by the satisfaction rating of actual customers for whom they have done work in the near past. They have also been verified to comply with a stringent set of quality, risk management and regulatory requirements. Their quoted rates may be higher than others’, but this reflects their proven ability to deliver work of a high standard, and the resultant lower risk of a failed project to their customer.
6. How is the research needed to determine a CRVS rating, conducted?
Actual customers where a contractor did on-site work in the past 6 to 12 months are contacted to determine their level of satisfaction with the work the contractor did. Random on-site audits are also undertaken, to verify the authenticity of references given by the contractor.
An objective and consequent measuring standard is used in each and every case (GlobalCRVS does not have a bias to either negatively or positively influence a contractor’s rating). These responses remain the most important component of the eventual rating that is derived.
In addition to the above, as a requirement for a 5 star rating, a contractor business is also verified to comply with a number of additional requirements, which includes, amongst others, financial background and stability of the business, reputation of directors and owners of the business, presence of liability insurance and workmen’s compensation cover for workers, as well as various other regulatory requirements.
7. For how long is a contractor’s CRVS rating valid?
In the interest of maintaining standards over time, a CRVS Rating Certificate is issued with a validity period of only 1 year. This means that a contractor is rated at least once per year, to ensure that their standard of work is maintained.
8. How long does it take to have a CRVS Rating Certificate issued?
A contractor’s CRVS rating is based on actual research done in the market, involving a number of past customers where work was done. Depending on a Contractor's willingness to cooperate and the contactability of the References provided, the process of issuing a contractor rating may take up to 4 business days.
9. Can the outcome of the CRVS rating process be manipulated?
No. All research and verifications required to derive a CRVS rating are done independently and according to exactly the same processes and standards for each applicant. GlobalCRVS, who issues the Rating Certificate, stands in a neutral position, and has no interest in either advancing or deterring the standing of any contractor.
Should a contractor attempt to influence the outcome of a rating process, in a fraudulent or dishonest manner, that contractor’s CRVS rating will be suspended, pending an investigation which may result in their permanent disqualification from receiving a CRVS rating in future.
10. Are there costs involved in issuing a CRVS Rating Certificate?
Yes. In order to do proper research and verification of a contractor’s work history, as well as to verify their compliance to the various requirements, a substantial amount of time and staff resources are employed by GlobalCRVS.
11. What is the cost of a CRVS Rating Certificate?
The current cost to have a CRVS Rating Certificate issued or renewed, is R480.00 per contractor, and is payable by the person or party applying for the rating.
12. I am a contractor. How do I obtain a CRVS Rating for my business?
Any contractor may also request us to issue a rating for their business, and may apply for it
here.
13. How long will it take to have a certificate issued?
On average, an applicant should expect to wait 3 to 4 work days to have a rating certificate issued.
14. I am a contractor who needs a rating certificate, but I have a ‘skeleton in my closet’.
GlobalCRVS is interested in forming a balanced picture of a contractor’s ability to do work of a good standard in the recent past. Our aim is not to look for, or try to find, negative information on the contractor or individuals in their business. The exception to this is if one of the Directors of a registered business (with CIPC), or the contractor himself (if he is a Sole Proprietor) has had a criminal judgement for financial fraud handed down against them in the past 5 years, in which case their business will be prevented from achieving the highest rating (5 stars). Under no circumstances will any specific negative information about the contractor or their business be made known to the applicant or any other outside parties.