Re: Overcharged for Work?

Posted by Marty on March 13, 2002 at 02:17:58:
In response to Re: Overcharged for Work?
Jim: You neglected to mention how much the bill was!! Anyways, rates vary from place to place. Methods of charging vary from Time and Material to Flat Rate pricing.What should mater is things such as:Did the plumber show up when he said he would? Did he do the work that was asked of him in a professional matter? Did he clean up before he left? Below is an article I refer to when it comes to Service calls. When you call a plumber, you're usually in trouble. Right? Some situations are more critical than others, on a sub-zero night a dead furnace calls for immediate action, while a dripping faucet is no great cause for alarm. You should be aware that because of fixed overhead costs a minor repair could cost the same as a major one. The costs of service calls are often protested by customers. No doubt there is some cases of overcharge, but most people do not realize the factors involved even in a creditable charge. Good service doesn't "just happen". Operating a dependable service business requires competent management and a substantial capital investment. Just like any other business, a service company has fixed costs that must be absorbed. So the next time you call a plumber, ask the cost of his hourly rate or his flat-rate, whichever price structure he follows, even check his track record with the BBB, but remember that what he charges you cannot be judged solely on the time he spends in you home. Just food for thought the next time you get a bill that you feel may be too much. Marty

Posted by Marty on March 13, 2002 at 02:17:58:

In response to Re: Overcharged for Work?

Jim: You neglected to mention how much the bill was!! Anyways, rates vary from place to place. Methods of charging vary from Time and Material to Flat Rate pricing.What should mater is things such as:Did the plumber show up when he said he would? Did he do the work that was asked of him in a professional matter? Did he clean up before he left? Below is an article I refer to when it comes to Service calls.

When you call a plumber, you're usually in trouble. Right? Some situations are more critical than others, on a sub-zero night a dead furnace calls for immediate action, while a dripping faucet is no great cause for alarm.
You should be aware that because of fixed overhead costs a minor repair could cost the same as a major one. The costs of service calls are often protested by customers. No doubt there is some cases of overcharge, but most people do not realize the factors involved even in a creditable charge.
Good service doesn't "just happen".
Operating a dependable service business requires competent management and a substantial capital investment. Just like any other business, a service company has fixed costs that must be absorbed.
So the next time you call a plumber, ask the cost of his hourly rate or his flat-rate, whichever price structure he follows, even check his track record with the BBB, but remember that what he charges you cannot be judged solely on the time he spends in you home.

Just food for thought the next time you get a bill that you feel may be too much. Marty

Replies to this post

Re: Overcharged for Work? jim milner 14:33:13 03/13/02(0)