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Post by craftedbys on Mar 6, 2018 22:43:51 GMT
Right now I am fuming with a local plumbing company!
My 90 year father told me yesterday that one of the knobs on his bathroom sink was leaking slightly and he called a plumber to come today and fix it. Since he always did our home repairs I figured it was a big job, bit he said no, it should be easy to fix, but he didn't want to get under the sink and deal with it.
Young guy came in this morning (before I got there), shined his flashlight under the sink for a minute and then went and sat in his truck for over 20 minutes writing up his estimate.
$1,700+ to replace the faucet or he could repair it for just $475. Dad knew it wasn't that involved and gave the guy $40 cash for the service call and told him to "get his ass out". (Dad's filter has decreased the older he gets, LOL)
So Dad took the knob off, carried it down the the local hardware store and spent $2.89 on new parts and came home and reinstalled. I did have to help when I got here to check under the sink.
I get that service people have to make a living, and you pay for their expertise, but that kind of overcharging is way out of line. Dad is now talking about calling down there and letting the owners/manager know how over the top that estimate was. Personally, I think the company should be reported for trying to gouge a senior citizen.
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Post by destined2bmom on Mar 6, 2018 22:46:07 GMT
This makes me so angry! I am right there with you!
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Post by dewryce on Mar 6, 2018 22:47:02 GMT
Good for your dad! Without any other repairs needed that is outrageous unless it's a gold freak faucet. Did he keep the estimate in writing?
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,743
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on Mar 6, 2018 22:59:34 GMT
I think your dad's filter worked just fine considering- probably better than many people's. I'm also angry for him. If there is somewhere to complain, Better Business Bureau , Angie's List or whatever, I would. Hope they (he) aren't doing same to other people.
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The Birdhouse Lady
Drama Llama
Moose. It's what's for dinner.
Posts: 7,165
Location: Alaska -The Last Frontier
Jun 30, 2014 17:15:19 GMT
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Post by The Birdhouse Lady on Mar 6, 2018 23:02:58 GMT
That is ridiculous! I would definitely be calling and talking to this guys manager/supervisor. That is a total rip-off.
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Mar 6, 2018 23:03:23 GMT
Please DO report it! Where ever possible. Your dad's filter is just fine!
ETA: Not sure I would stop with the supervisor/owner, it may unfortunately be the business policy for big charges!
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teddyw
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,834
Jun 29, 2014 1:56:04 GMT
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Post by teddyw on Mar 6, 2018 23:16:28 GMT
If the owner doesn’t seem concerned leave reviews on yelp and wherever else you can.
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
Jun 25, 2014 21:31:58 GMT
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Mar 6, 2018 23:24:23 GMT
Report this, please. I'd even consider filing a police report becausd it is theft and fraud.
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CeeScraps
Pearl Clutcher
~~occupied entertaining my brain~~
Posts: 3,826
Jun 26, 2014 12:56:40 GMT
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Post by CeeScraps on Mar 6, 2018 23:29:00 GMT
Right now I am fuming with a local plumbing company! My 90 year father told me yesterday that one of the knobs on his bathroom sink was leaking slightly and he called a plumber to come today and fix it. Since he always did our home repairs I figured it was a big job, bit he said no, it should be easy to fix, but he didn't want to get under the sink and deal with it. Young guy came in this morning (before I got there), shined his flashlight under the sink for a minute and then went and sat in his truck for over 20 minutes writing up his estimate. $1,700+ to replace the faucet or he could repair it for just $475. Dad knew it wasn't that involved and gave the guy $40 cash for the service call and told him to "get his ass out". (Dad's filter has decreased the older he gets, LOL) So Dad took the knob off, carried it down the the local hardware store and spent $2.89 on new parts and came home and reinstalled. I did have to help when I got here to check under the sink. I get that service people have to make a living, and you pay for their expertise, but that kind of overcharging is way out of line. Dad is now talking about calling down there and letting the owners/manager know how over the top that estimate was. Personally, I think the company should be reported for trying to gouge a senior citizen. I agree....I'd contact the business, then go to the BBB and file a report. That's just crazy. I wouldn't of known any better, not that I would of paid that but holy dollars!
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,616
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:09 GMT
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Post by basketdiva on Mar 6, 2018 23:33:00 GMT
Before you go too ballastic, see exactly what the estimate was for. Sounds like both estimates are for much more than a leaky knob.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 10, 2024 17:18:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2018 23:34:06 GMT
The "little old ladies" that lived next to my sister got taken by a roofer about the same way. It was a leak in the roof, and they charged them an exorbitant amount--didn't replace the roof, just fixed the leak, and it cost MORE than when my sister replaced her whole roof! I don't think they contacted anybody about it, and now the old ladies have passed on, but my sister was livid that they had been taken advantage of!!
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Post by salem on Mar 6, 2018 23:36:33 GMT
What a scumbag. I think your Dad's filter is perfect. There are some really sleazy people out there.
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Post by gracieplusthree on Mar 7, 2018 0:00:02 GMT
I would certainly report that somewhere. Call the local newspaper, put it on the local fbook pages etc.. something. That sort of thing bugs the crap out of me.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 10, 2024 17:18:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2018 0:06:41 GMT
I'd call the business and demand the $40 back!!! You might be doing them a favor as the company might not even be aware of what that employee is doing.
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scrappinmama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,873
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Mar 7, 2018 0:08:50 GMT
That is awful! I'm so glad that your dad put a stop to it. I would take a look at what the estimate said, then contact the company and complain. If you don't get anywhere, I would report them to BBB.
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Sue
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,234
Location: SE of Portland, Oregon
Jun 26, 2014 18:42:33 GMT
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Post by Sue on Mar 7, 2018 0:19:43 GMT
I'd be tempted to call a consumer reporter from one of your local television stations to let them know about this attempt to defraud your senior Dad. It would make a good story for them. So disgusting.
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Why
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,136
Jun 26, 2014 4:03:09 GMT
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Post by Why on Mar 7, 2018 0:22:10 GMT
My neighbor lost his job because he was not doing enough "up selling". It is common in the service industry
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Post by hop2 on Mar 7, 2018 0:26:25 GMT
I replaced all four of our sinks and faucets about 4 years ago, each entire sink & faucet was just under $500. Each entire sink and faucet was less than $500. Yes I repeated that. The dude wants to charge your dad $1700 for JUST A FAUCET!!!!!!! We did 4 sinks & faucets for just under $2000!!!!!
There hasn’t been that much inflation in 4 years! That’s bizarre!
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,616
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:09 GMT
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Post by basketdiva on Mar 7, 2018 0:27:59 GMT
Report this, please. I'd even consider filing a police report becausd it is theft and fraud. How is it theft and fraud- the serviceman gave her dad an estimate and he declined? He is out of pocket the $40 for the service call ( a reasonable fee)
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Post by artisticscrapper on Mar 7, 2018 0:34:31 GMT
My friend’s grandfather went through this with a dentist. He went for a checkup and came home with several hundred dollars worth of ‘special’ mouthwash, toothpaste, and a Water Pik that was marked up close to 100%. Fortunately my friend took all the items back and demanded a refund. As far as I’m concerned any company that habitually rips off the elderly should be fined and closed down.
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
Jun 25, 2014 21:31:58 GMT
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Mar 7, 2018 0:36:08 GMT
Report this, please. I'd even consider filing a police report becausd it is theft and fraud. How is it theft and fraud- the serviceman gave her dad an estimate and he declined? He is out of pocket the $40 for the service call ( a reasonable fee) It's exploitation of the elderly, which is a crime.
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Post by gizzy on Mar 7, 2018 0:39:54 GMT
Go Dad! So happy to hear he thru his ass out.
Stories like this make my blood boil. I'd call the company and ask them what they thought of the estimate vs what the part actually cost. At the least it will give them notice that people are paying attention. Depending on what is said after that, I may get in touch with my local news or paper.
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,616
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:09 GMT
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Post by basketdiva on Mar 7, 2018 0:59:21 GMT
How is it theft and fraud- the serviceman gave her dad an estimate and he declined? He is out of pocket the $40 for the service call ( a reasonable fee) It's exploitation of the elderly, which is a crime. I still say no crime was committed-the estimate was not accepted. Just because OP’s father is 90, it doesn’t mean the plumbing company is taking advantage of the elderly. They could be taking advantage if anyone they do business with.
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Post by Scrapper100 on Mar 7, 2018 1:07:39 GMT
Good for your dad that is horrible and the guy didn't deserve a filtered version. I can't even imagine how many elderly have that kind of money sitting around to repair a sink $475 for a $3 part seriously that guy needs to be blasted on local media and news that should be criminal to take advantage of someone so bad. I know they need to cover their time but that is insane. Makes you wonder how many people don't know any better and fall for it.
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
Jun 25, 2014 21:31:58 GMT
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Mar 7, 2018 1:13:09 GMT
It's etxploitation of the elderly, which is a crime. I still say no crime was committed-the estimate was not accepted. Just because OP’s father is 90, it doesn’t mean the plumbing company is taking advantage of the elderly. They could be taking advantage if anyone they do business with. People are found guilty for merely attempting crimes all the time. Trying to forge a check, trying to pick-up a prostitute, trying to hire a hitman. I would still call the police.
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Post by smasonnc on Mar 7, 2018 13:37:15 GMT
Report this, please. I'd even consider filing a police report becausd it is theft and fraud. You're right. It isn't theft, but it is attempted fraud. I would report it to anyone who will listen. Here in Florida, people try to scam old people all the time. It's awful. Good for your dad, telling the slimeball to take a hike.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 10, 2024 17:18:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2018 13:42:10 GMT
There are so many in our society who would take advantage of the old, the young, the mentally, emotionally or physically challenged. It makes me ill.
I'm sorry he went through this. He fared well in the end because he has good reasoning skills. There are so many who don't have his good abilities and it is disgusting that profiteers will make their profits on the backs of the less capable.
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,616
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:09 GMT
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Post by basketdiva on Mar 7, 2018 14:47:00 GMT
I still contend that without seeing the estimate and knowing the extent of the work, done of us on this board can call the estimate "attempted" fraud. There could old pipe that needs replacing and brought up to code.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Mar 7, 2018 14:58:47 GMT
This is why it’s so important to either get personal referrals from people you know and trust for the names of the companies they use, or look up online reviews with places like Angie’s List, Google Reviews or Yelp because you will get unfiltered reviews from real people with real experiences. My DH is also in a service related industry and he said that the BBB is more for when work was actually done but it wasn’t done properly.
I agree that it isn’t just older people that some companies prey on, it’s anyone that the technician thinks might be vulnerable. I also agree that while the estimate was definitely outrageous and predatory, it wasn’t criminal because it was only an estimate that was offered and refused. I would think differently if the technician would have done the work first and then hit dad up with the crazy high bill.
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Post by Judie in Oz on Mar 7, 2018 15:22:52 GMT
It's well known that some tradesmen will try and over-charge elderly people. The tradesmen think that the elderly person has no idea of how much things cost or how big the scope of work is. Your father certainly knew! By all mean, check the estimate before you call in any local media etc. if you feel the estimate is inflated. Maybe it will save someone else from being over-charged.
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