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southcoastboile

Plumbers Arms member
Plumber
Gas Engineer
Oct 20, 2011
1,279
208
63
Phoned the office 3 times about our prices before saying to go ahead. She was told its £42 plus vat to diagnose fault and then plus parts and add labour if required. She agreed and I went out. When I got there I realised she was an ex insurance customer. I asked her why she wasn't with them and she said she missed a payment and is trying to sort it out with them.

got there, boiler locked out on low pressure, topped up, heating working, no hot water, found flow switch at fault.

told her she would need a part and that it's £42 plus vat for today's call. She replies "what, you haven't even done anything" I explained that yes I have got the boiler working on heating again and diagnosed a fault with the flow switch.

she offered to pay by cheque and asked me to return same day to replace part.

Sensing she was trouble I told the office to tell her we needed today's call and the repair cost before we fitted parts. I didn't take the cheque as I suspected it would bounce.

I told the office to tell her it was a diverter valve she needed because I could see what was coming and with a bit of luck she would order one have it fitted and not be able to return it.

sure enough she refused to pay for the repair or the first call.

She signed my job sheet and terms and conditions so I will be invoicing for the call.

i hate these people! They have so much cheek and think they can take advantage of people trying to earn an honest living.
 
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Our company takes card payment up front before visiting the property and again if parts/additional work is needed.
 
I think that's the best way. I've just looked into getting card machines. If it was me who took the call about her askin the price 3 times we would never have gone in the first place. Fed up of customers like that. I think you get so sus them out after a while but it's so frustrating and you never know for sure.
 
At least you've not repaired it - that would be even worse. I struggle to understand their mentality - she still needs the repair so she might as well get it done. Sounds like shes brassic. In which case, why do they ring
 

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