Had an unusual situation, my parents both have dementia, but are managing at home w/some in-home care. When they couldn't get their TV to work Mom called Brummels to fix it. This happened over the weekend and I called Brummels at 8:00 Monday morning to cancel the appointment (most of the time they think they need something fixed it's just a false alarm). Well, Brummels never picked up the message, and the service tech went out anyway, cleaned the remote and put in new batteries. My Mom was charged $110 for this ""service call"". \r
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When I called Brummels I couldn't believe how uncooperative the owner was. I realize they did send someone out, and the $110 is their standard rate, but this was such a simple call, and obviously the customers were confused about the whole thing. I suggested a half-price fee, but the owner flatly refused. I then asked him to make sure to disregard any further calls from my parents, and his reply was ""What am I supposed to do, take away their phone."" \r
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I can't believe this local business owner could be so callous and uncaring. The only important thing to him was to get his money, and I'm sure if they happen to call again, he'll waste no time getting a tech out there to fleece a couple of old folks.\r
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I've had to work with many other businesses with similar issues (plumbing repair, lawn-mower repair, the post office, the grocery store, etc.) And all of them have been understanding and gracious, letting me know that they wouldn't take unnecessary orders. A couple have even offered to call me if my folks should call again. \r
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This is a business my parents have made many purchases from over the years - obviously that means nothing to the Brummels. \r
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I get it - they sent the service tech out, we owe the fee. But the owner's insensitive attitude and unwillingness to work with me even a little bit is really frustrating. All he could do was say ""we didn't do anything wrong"" (which I didn't accuse them of), and ""our fee is reasonable"". Well Mr. Brummel, sometimes it's better to DO THE RIGHT THING, even if you're ""in the right"". \r
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If you expect any kind of caring and service because this is a local business, not a big box store - forget it. Community and people mean nothing to them, they're just out for the money.
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