The have this "per job" pricing but won't tell you up front what is price is. I paid $200+ to install a toilet for 1 hour's work. Way too much. The catch is, they charge you $98 to show up for the estimate that you pay even if you decline the estimate. They apply the $98 to the job if you accept.
RESPONSE FROM Arnold & Sons Plumbing Htg:
Mr. Gannon,
first of all I want to apologize for your experience with Arnold & Sons Plumbing. As you mentioned we do indeed utilize a per job flat rate pricing system. We have successfully done so since 1995. This is to allow every customer to choose the best option that suits their needs. It is also beneficial for the customer to have the full scope of expectations set before they have to commit to any work being performed.
Unfortunately it sounds like you were not informed of your pricing options before the work began. That is not our policy and I do want to apologize if that was the case.
Our diagnostic/trip charge of $89 is also our policy. Our technicians spend a great deal of time listening to our customers and the problems they are experiencing as well as personally investigating the plumbing systems to properly diagnose the situation so they can in turn recommend the right solution, or multiple solution options.
This is what the $89 covers and it is only charged to the customer in the event that they refuse to have any of the suggested solutions performed.
This is very similar to bringing your car to the mechanic to solve a problem. First thing they do is diagnose what the problem is. If you have the mechanic do the work, they likely do not charge you to diagnose. But if you refuse the work, they are likely to charge you upwards of $120 for the diagnostic service. And you brought your car their service shop.
We are bringing our service shop to your home. While the diagnostic/trip charge does not always cover our expense to diagnose every problem, we believe it is a fair price given the circumstances.
Once again I want to apologize for your experience with Arnold & Sons Plumbing. I encourage you to contact me directly during business hours so that we may discuss this further.
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