7 Signs of a Bad Artisan (and How to Avoid Getting Scammed)

Most artisans in Nigeria are honest, hardworking people. But the few bad ones cost customers billions every year in shoddy work and vanished deposits. These seven warning signs — and one simple hiring system — will keep you on the safe side.

The 7 red flags

1. They demand 100% payment before starting any work.
2. They have no reviews, no photos of past jobs, and no reference you can call.
3. Their price is far below everyone else's (they'll cut corners or add charges later).
4. They're vague about scope, timing, or what's included.
5. They pressure you to decide 'now now' before you can think.
6. They won't put anything — price or scope — in writing.
7. They avoid giving any guarantee if the work fails.

The simple system that protects you

1. Check their work: ask for photos, reviews, or a reference before anything else.
2. Agree everything in writing: price, scope, timeline — a WhatsApp message counts.
3. Pay a fair deposit, never the full amount, and settle the balance on completion.
4. Inspect and test the work before you make the final payment.

Hire from people with a track record

On NaijaArtisans, every artisan has a profile with reviews, prices and photos — so you're never hiring blind. Post your job free and choose from people other customers already trust.