AC service call - how much? (Austin, Howe: to buy, construction, school)

[Moonlady]

No, they did not perform any additional work. We knew the line was clogged and tried unsuccessfully to clear it ourselves. I called the same service company that installed the unit and that I had been doing business with for years, so I didn't think to call for pricing. Also, we didn't need "emergency service" - they came out the next day. Here's what got me, the guy said (with a smirk) "yeah, I know it's high, but it's what it cost".

When the capacitor issue came up, I called them first. They said it would be until tomorrow and then I asked if there was any chance it was still under warranty since the unit was less than 5 years old (initially I thought it was the fan motor) and I got a snippy "probably not". So, you see, it wasn't just about the price - I thought I was a valued customer but I sure didn't feel like I was treated like one.

The other company came out, diagnosed the problem, replaced the capacitor, cleaned the unit and did a full diagnostic for $223. But best of all, they bent over backwards to try and schedule me in and made me feel like a valued customer even though I'd never done business with them before.

So you see, it's not just about the cost - had the original company been sympathetic or even explained why the charge was higher than normal, I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it. Instead I got Mr Smirk and Ms Snippy and frankly, that cost them my business more than the price.

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by BentBow

You made my point for me!
That's classic

Thanks!!

Your point being just what exactly?

[BentBow]

Originally Posted by austin-steve

Your point being just what exactly?

Seriously?? You were discussing "going rates" which is employee related.

I think your confusing "competitive pricing", with "the going rate". Meaning, Those that are employed and never have had their own business, never get it and most likely never will. You made my point for me.

We should take it to PM, if you wish to receive an education in "Business 101". So, instead of the hired management, you can understand what it takes to be the owner of the business at which you work..

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by BentBow

Seriously?? Your were discussing "going rates" which is employee related.

I think your confusing competitive pricing. Meaning, Those that are employed and never have had their own business, never get it and most likely never will. You made my point for me.

We should take it to PM, if you wish to receive an education in "Business 101". So, instead of the hired management, you can understand what it takes to be the owner of the business at which you work..

Well, I have a business degree from UT and have started, bought, sold and run my own businesses for many years. The discussion is about "going rates", relative to what an end customer pays. For example, "how much should it cost to have a licensed plumber swap out a 40 gallon water heater?".

There is a "going rate" for that, or more accurately, a reasonable range within which the cost should fall. That would be a price that a customer, under no duress, would pay to a company charging an amount approriate to operate a profitable business, but no more.

You seem to be saying that someone who is charged a price well in excess of the upper end of the going range is getting a fair shake and that they deserve whatever price they pay because they've never owned a business like you and therefore and must be a dummy. Do I understand you correctly.

If so, please tell us all the name of your company so we can avoid you.

Steve

[BentBow]

Originally Posted by Moonlady

So you see, it's not just about the cost - had the original company been sympathetic or even explained why the charge was higher than normal, I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it. Instead I got Mr Smirk and Ms Snippy and frankly, that cost them my business more than the price.

Yea!! You made a choice. No one put a gun to your head!!
Life is tough, ain't it. We all live and learn. Some the hard way, and some the easy way. Now you have your guy.

Buyers remorse, is an evil thing. So evil, that some people loose a lot of sleep about, and can't get over it. They feel ripped off, even when they had a choice. They wish to point the finger at everyone but the person in the mirror.

You paid the $189 and months later you call them back for more service needs. Your upset because the part, was not covered under warranty, then the sh*t hits the fan, and you call someone else, who's doesn't value his services, as much as guy #1. Now, someone has convinced you, they ripped you off and you feel the need to air your rant, when no one stole anything from you, no one ripped you off. Lets hear the other side of the story, as I sense a strong bias here. There is more to the story, or you would not feel to air it here over a simple service call.

Those that are employed and never have had their own business, never get it and most likely never will.

[Moonlady]

Originally Posted by BentBow

Yea!! You made a choice. No one put a gun to your head!!
Life is tough, ain't it. We all live and learn. Some the hard way, and some the easy way. Now you have your guy.

Buyers remorse, is an evil thing. So evil, that some people loose a lot of sleep about, and can't get over it. They feel ripped off, even when they had a choice. They wish to point the finger at everyone but the person in the mirror.

You paid the $189 and months later you call them back for more service needs. Your upset because the part, was not covered under warranty, then the sh*t hits the fan, and you call someone else, who's doesn't value his services, as much as guy #1. Now, someone has convinced you, they ripped you off and you feel the need to air your rant, when no one stole anything from you, no one ripped you off. Lets hear the other side of the story, as I sense a strong bias here. There is more to the story, or you would not feel to air it here over a simple service call.

Those that are employed and never have had their own business, never get it and most likely never will.

Bentbow, I'm not sure why you are so angry. Do you own a business? If so, I hope you treat your customers better than this. There is not an "other side of the story" unless you want me to include the time when this same company took a month to replace the fan motor when it was under warranty. The bias is that they haven't been a good service company since the unit was installed and the $189 charge for blowing out the lines was the last straw for me. I've tried to stay loyal - they are a family owned business - but they lack basic customer service skills and in my opinion, they're the ones that failed me. I have no remorse or regret and I'm not slamming anybody - I'm simply taking my business elsewhere.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by BentBow

Yea!! You made a choice. No one put a gun to your head!!
Life is tough, ain't it. We all live and learn. Some the hard way, and some the easy way. Now you have your guy.

Buyers remorse, is an evil thing. So evil, that some people loose a lot of sleep about, and can't get over it. They feel ripped off, even when they had a choice. They wish to point the finger at everyone but the person in the mirror.

You paid the $189 and months later you call them back for more service needs. Your upset because the part, was not covered under warranty, then the sh*t hits the fan, and you call someone else, who's doesn't value his services, as much as guy #1. Now, someone has convinced you, they ripped you off and you feel the need to air your rant, when no one stole anything from you, no one ripped you off. Lets hear the other side of the story, as I sense a strong bias here. There is more to the story, or you would not feel to air it here over a simple service call.

Those that are employed and never have had their own business, never get it and most likely never will.

So predatory pricing and overcharging people who don't know any better is OK in your book?

[Dr.Mom]

Originally Posted by Moonlady

Bentbow, I'm not sure why you are so angry. Do you own a business? If so, I hope you treat your customers better than this. There is not an "other side of the story" unless you want me to include the time when this same company took a month to replace the fan motor when it was under warranty. The bias is that they haven't been a good service company since the unit was installed and the $189 charge for blowing out the lines was the last straw for me. I've tried to stay loyal - they are a family owned business - but they lack basic customer service skills and in my opinion, they're the ones that failed me. I have no remorse or regret and I'm not slamming anybody - I'm simply taking my business elsewhere.

Besides, why does the OP have to justify their choice to take their business elsewhere to you? They were asking a straightforward question, "Was I ripped off?" From previous posters, the answer appears to be yes. Regardless of those opinions, the OP feels ripped off and, as all business owners know, customers who feel that way will not return for future services. Question asked, question answered.

[BentBow]

Originally Posted by Moonlady

Bentbow, I'm not sure why you are so angry. Do you own a business? If so, I hope you treat your customers better than this. There is not an "other side of the story" unless you want me to include the time when this same company took a month to replace the fan motor when it was under warranty. The bias is that they haven't been a good service company since the unit was installed and the $189 charge for blowing out the lines was the last straw for me. I've tried to stay loyal - they are a family owned business - but they lack basic customer service skills and in my opinion, they're the ones that failed me. I have no remorse or regret and I'm not slamming anybody - I'm simply taking my business elsewhere.

No one is angry, but you... The reason for your post?? I understand your frustration, but I'm just telling you like it is, as I have no bias in the deal.

The only one slamming anyone, is the original poster, which would be you and now your in defense mode. There is a difference in slamming someone, and trying to be tactful in educating someone that has no use for the education. Your character here, tells anyone that is in business for themselves, like I am, that "your that client". point fingers at everyone but that person in the mirror, that has all the blame.
Your actions here, speak volumes.

[BentBow]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

So predatory pricing and overcharging people who don't know any better is OK in your book?

Ignorance is no defense. Educating yourself after the fact, brings buyers remorse. There is no such thing as overcharging, in a service related business. That is why you will never be profitable trying to run your own business. There is more to coming up with a price for your services, than just pulling a number out of thin air.

Ever hear, Cavet Emptor? That is a two way street!



What if "the going rate" was $100, and the guy charged you $70 would the "going rate" now be $70 or $100. What if the "going rate" was $100 and they said it will be $130, would the "going rate" be $100, or would it be $130.
What is the "going rate" for a gallon of gas? What is the "going rate" of a hamburger? What is the "going rate" for a new HVAC? What is the going rate for a Chevy pickup truck? "Going rates" equate to what you as a consumer are willing to pay. Some companies going rates may meet what your willing to pay, other companies, "going rates" may not meet your budget, or your idea of what it is worth to you.

There has to be a regional disaster for predatory pricing and overcharging, to be even considered an unethical practice in a capitalistic society.
Now, if you want to talk about a socialist society, and price fixing, that is a different subject.