Local Pros Do not vet vendors for public safety

In latter January 2025, i sourced a person through Local Pros in Port Elizabeth to replace 2 kitchen cupboard panels. The vendor, Cape Carpenters in Newton Park, owner named Ernest agreed an overall price of R2500 with 50% down-payment to order the panels. As the invoice looked professional and legitimate, I processed the R1250 in good faith to his Standard Bank a/c more than a week in advance of the job card i.e.14 Feb 2025. Ernest was a no-show on the day. I contacted him and he presented all kinds of excuses promising to meet the following day. Again a no show. Local Pros referred this vendor. They claim to connect customers with experienced and vetted home service professionals in your area, but my experience is contrary to what they proclaim. I had to take up the matter myself with both Standard Bank and Absa ***** division to have my monies reimbursed to me. While Local Pros did try to assist by freezing the service providers account until payment was made, ultimately I could only wait in trepidation that same would be paid back to me. In my opinion the Banks were better at assisting me in a matter that should never have materialised in the face of a customer. I will never recommend using Local Pros to anyone. Daniel/Ashley from Local Pros, your company obviously does not vet as you claim and you place customers at risk. I do not want apologies from yourselves or Local Pros as an online marketplace, I simply want people to do their jobs properly, abstain from hollow promises to sutomers and provide authentic services that protect consumer interests!