My basement drain needs torn up and replaced after 80 years of use. Had a couple estimates, 2 out of 3 were free. The last guy was a complete dick, upset because as he arrived, the other guy was leaving and he had to wait maybe 5 minutes tops. Then proceeded to interrogate me about what I was told. Long story short, I get a bill in the mail for an estimate which I have not gotten yet. $174.00! I’m tempted to call them and ask where did I sign, agree or where is it posted regarding the cost of an estimate! It’s nowhere on their website. And tell them I’m not forking it over….whats the worst that can happen? Maybe i should call BBB? I think I’m getting shafted.
After a through review of the submitted invoice it has been determined that (Company Name Here) henceforth known as "Contractor" is in violation of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 109:4-3 | Deceptive Acts or Trade Practices in Connection with Consumer Transactions / (A) 1. Which states.
(1) Fail, at the time of the initial face to face contact and prior to the commencement of any repair or service, to provide the consumer with a form which indicates the date, the identity of the supplier, the consumer's name and telephone number, the reasonably anticipated completion date and, if requested by the consumer, the anticipated cost of the repair or service. The form shall also clearly and conspicuously contain the following disclosures in substantially the following language:
"Estimate
You have the right to an estimate if the expected cost of repairs or services will be more than twenty-five dollars. Initial your choice:
_____ written estimate
_____ oral estimate
_____ no estimate"
At no time during the initial face to face meeting on (INSERT Date HERE) did Contractor provide the legally required forms to Consumer or disclosure a fee for estimate.
As a result of this review it's been determined that Contractor erroneously invoiced for an estimate that was not requested by Consumer for a fee and failed to provide the consumer the legally required documentation regarding their rights to an estimate.
At this time the Consumer considers this matter closed and will not release funds for the erroneous invoice. Further communication regarding this matter will incur Invoice Review Fee disclosed below.
DISCLOSURE OF FEES.
Be it known that Consumer charges a financial review fee for review and response to all invoice matters. Invoice Review fees are as follows.
Three Hundred Fifty Dollars and Zero cents billed at an hourly rate. Initial hour per event is billed at the whole rate whereas each additional hour is billed in half hour increments and rounded up to the advanced half hour.
If Contractor believes the Consumer review of this matter reached an incorrect conclusion of an Erroneous invoice; Contractor will in good faith agree to mediation through the Ohio Attorney General Office billable at the Financial Review fee rate disclosed above.
Truth be told I did have him on the camera arriving but not leaving so I bluffed and they folded. But my buddy who was there with them told me he wasn’t there longer than 15 minutes and that was being generous.