How to avoid tradesman scams and bad quotes in Morocco
Photo : Kiwiev · CC0 1.0
Updated 2026-10-19
Most tradesmen in Morocco are honest people who live from their reputation. But if you are a foreigner, an absentee owner or a tourist with an urgent problem, you are an easier target for inflated prices, unfinished work or materials quietly swapped for cheaper ones. A few simple habits protect you from almost all of it.
The most common problems
- A price that doubles once the work has started
- A large payment upfront, then the tradesman disappears or stops coming
- Cheaper materials used instead of the brand you agreed
- Extra work added without asking, then billed
- Middlemen (a samsar) adding their own commission between you and the artisan
- Work hidden under tiles or plaster that was never done properly
- A job left unfinished while the tradesman moves to another site
Always get a clear quote (devis)
Ask for a devis before any job beyond a small repair. It does not need to be a formal document; a detailed WhatsApp message is already useful because it is dated and written. Registered businesses can also give a stamped quote with their ICE number, the company identifier used on Moroccan invoices.
A good quote lists each task, the materials and their brand, quantities, who buys what, the total price, whether VAT is included, the start date and the expected duration. If something is not in the quote, assume it is not included and ask.
Pay in stages, not upfront
Paying something in advance for materials is normal in Morocco, especially for made-to-measure work like windows or gates. The risk comes from paying too much too early.
- Keep any advance reasonable and linked to materials you can see delivered
- Tie the next payments to finished stages, not to days passed
- Keep the final payment until you have checked the work
- Ask for a written confirmation of every payment, even on WhatsApp
- Prefer bank transfer for large amounts so there is a record
- Never pay in full for work that will be done in the future
Warning signs
- The tradesman refuses to give any price before starting
- The price is much lower than every other quote
- Pressure to decide today or to pay cash immediately
- No address, no previous clients and no photos of past work
- Vague answers about materials: "don't worry, I'll buy good ones"
- Requests to pay for the whole job before it starts
Simple checks that make a difference
Get at least two or three quotes for anything significant and compare what is included. Ask a Moroccan friend, neighbour or your building's gardien what the usual price is. Take photos at each stage, especially before pipes and cables disappear into walls. If you are abroad, ask someone you trust to visit the site.
Check reviews from other clients, and ask to see or call a previous customer. Buying the main materials yourself, from a DIY store or a local quincaillerie, is another way to control quality, as long as the tradesman gives you exact references.
Using AloAji safely
On aloaji.ma you contact artisans directly by phone or WhatsApp, with no middleman and no commission, and it is free for clients. Read the reviews left by other clients and leave your own after the job. Please note that not every profile is verified: profiles marked "Non vérifié" are businesses found through their own website and not yet checked by AloAji. Apply the same checks as with any tradesman.
FAQ
Is it normal to pay an advance to a tradesman in Morocco?
Yes, a reasonable advance for materials is common, especially for made-to-measure work. Avoid paying most of the job upfront, and pay the balance after checking the result.
What should a quote include?
The tasks, materials and brands, quantities, who buys what, total price, whether VAT is included, start date and duration. A dated WhatsApp message with these details is better than a verbal agreement.
What is an ICE number?
The ICE (Identifiant Commun de l'Entreprise) is the identifier of a registered business in Morocco. It appears on quotes and invoices from companies. Many independent artisans do not have one, which does not by itself mean they are dishonest.
What can I do if a tradesman abandons the job?
Keep all messages, quotes, payment proofs and photos. Try to resolve it calmly first. If that fails, you can seek legal advice, which is easier when you have written evidence.
Are all artisans on AloAji verified?
No. Some profiles are marked "Non vérifié" because they were found on the business's own website and have not yet been checked. Always read reviews and ask questions before hiring.