My furnace repair man tried to rip me off - what should I do?

Question

I had an inducer motor go bad and I called a repair man. He came out and told me that an inducer motor and the installation would cost me $800. He apologized and told me that it was because the replacement part was so expensive. Something didn't sound right to me so I told him I would think about it. He charged me $50 for the service call.

I bought the same part online for less than $80 and installed it myself in 15 minutes. I was happy that my furnance was fixed and that I didn't have to pay so much, but now I am angry that I paid $50 for the honor of them coming out and trying to rip me off. What should I do? Report them to Better Business Bureau? Do I have enough to charge them with fraud? Thanks!

Answer 1

There's probably little you can do. Most service repair companies do charge for a service call, even if it is to diagnose the problem. It covers their time and expenses to come to your home or business. I'd say $50 for a home service call is reasonable this day and age.

While you were smart to look at doing it yourself and saving the cost, and this guy sounded like he really pumped up the charge, there might be a few things at play here with his estimate. First, he has to not only cover the cost of the part but warranty of his work and the time it took him to install it. Obviously, he really padded the estimate!! Even if it might have happened over the Thanksgiving holiday LOL.

But you can't get him for fraud because you did not purchase any services beyond a service call for an estimate. However, you might want to research him through the BBB and find out if he is a member or a member of your local chamber of commerce. You can then just report the incident and what your outcome was to them BBB or local chamber of commerce.

Answer 2

I wouold take your complaint to your local prosecutor - there maybe fraud - depends how the laws are in your state. The BBB has no power what so ever. There a money making organization with no legal power. Id consider sending the repair man a certified letter and address the issue in writing and request the $50.00 back. Also, you might contact the Building Inspector in your area and let them know what happened in the event there is a code of ethics violation for those who do the type of work he does. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Most states have a board that licenses contractors including HVAC contractors. You can file a complaint with them against him. Most states require contractors to have a bond. If they side with you, you can get your money back from his bond.

This really depends on what state you live because the laws are so very different in each state.

Answer 4

i would for sure "REPORT" the "---hole", to many of the big contractors think we're "IDIOTS", i would probally go to thier office and show them the price you paid for the part and ask them to refund my $50. tell them you have or are going to report them, then tell all your friends, family and anyone else what they tried to do, word of mouth can hurt thier bisness faster than about anything. one thing they can't afford is bad talk around town. sorry you had this trouble, there are some good contractors out there but then there are the *******. my best to you. glad you didn't get took to bad.

Answer 5

if the estimate is in writing, go tell the BBB and see if you can get your 50 back.

greed is a powerful emotion.

the BBB can ruin their reputation with that city or town.

Answer 6

Drive by his house and run over his cat !!!

Answer 7

call the prosecuting attorney, office.

Answer 8

beat him down with a banana or sue him big time.