Media Release
The Master Painters Association of Victoria (MPAV) is increasingly concerned — and frankly frustrated — by the growing number of painting companies advertising fixed prices on social media to paint three- and four-bedroom homes without inspecting the property.
These advertisements are not only damaging to professional painters who operate ethically, but more importantly, they are misleading consumers.
Painting is not a one-size-fits-all service. Every home is different, and the true cost of achieving a professional finish depends on a range of factors, including surface condition, preparation requirements, access, materials, and workmanship. Quoting a fixed price sight unseen creates a false narrative about what professional painting should cost and what consumers should expect.
Legitimate professional painters take the time to:
- Inspect properties thoroughly
- Assess preparation and surface conditions
- Specify appropriate materials and application methods
- Deliver quality workmanship without cutting corners
- Ensure OHS requirements are met
- Shortcuts inevitably lead to poor outcomes.
Unfortunately, MPAV has been inundated with calls from homeowners seeking inspections, rectification, and remediation after accepting “too good to be true” offers advertised online. We are fielding up to 4 or 5 calls on some days from consumers seeking assistance and direction and in some cases consumers have been directed to the MPA after contacting VCAT. Consumers have very little protection and can end up paying significantly more to fix defective or incomplete work, often after experiencing high-pressure payment tactics and substandard workmanship.
While these tactics are not new to the industry, social media has provided a new and highly visible platform for them — allowing misleading offers to spread rapidly and reach unsuspecting consumers.
A Warning to Consumers
Consumers are urged to be cautious. If a painting price is offered without an inspection and sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Professional painting has real costs for good reason. Quality preparation, correct materials, skilled labour, and accountability all matter. You truly get what you pay for.
When engaging an MPAV member, consumers have the added confidence of dealing with a qualified professional who is accountable to an established industry body and offers avenues for dispute resolution if something goes wrong.
Supporting Professional Standards
MPAV continues to advocate for higher standards across the painting industry and encourages homeowners to support qualified, reputable painters who do the job properly.
Your home deserves nothing less.