Should I pay for time spent getting a tool? - Page 3

> Hi all:
> I'm a homeowner with a quesiton about a recent service visit. If this
> is the wrong forum, I apologize in advance.
> I recently installed a 1-ton Sanyo mini-split unit in a new bonus room
> addition. I called a local HVAC service company to hook up the
> lineset, vacuum the lines and check the refrigerant (R-410A). I have
> done business with this company for over 10 years and have generally
> been pleased with their work. When I called, I described exactly what
> needed to be done, and gave them the manufacturer information for the
> unit. When the technician arrived, he admitted he had never installed
> a mini-split before, but also said they were going to start selling
> them. Prior to vacuuming, the technician determined that he did not
> have the correct adapter to hook his vacuum pump to the unit. He left
> to go buy the correct fitting. He was gone for about an hour (may
> have been less if he waited to ring the doorbell when he returned).
> When all was said and done, the visit took a total of 3 hours,
> including the time he was gone to get the fitting. When he wrote 3
> hours on the ticket, I indicated that I shouldn't pay for the hour he
> was gone. He verbally agreed that I shouldn't have to, but said he
> had to account for his time. I wrote a note on the ticket to that
> effect (that he was gone for 1 hour out of 3), and initialled it. The
> technician initialled it, too.
> Got the bill yesterday. Sure enough - 3 hours labor at $65/hour. I
> called the service company and eventually got to the service manager,
> who said the following:
> 1: GPS records indicate he was gone for 24 minutes. Okay - I can't
> prove otherwise.
> 2: The adapter he bought probably won't ever be needed again, since
> they don't install Sanyo units. I argued about this one, but he said
> anything they sell wouldn't need an adapter and that mine must be
> different somehow. I told him to send me the adapter so that I would
> have it for the next visit.
> 3: They didn't charge me for the use of the vacuum pump like other
> places do. Huh?
> 4: If I had called and asked for an install quote, the price would
> have been much higher than $195.
> So basically, he refused to reduce the labor charge. He implied that
> because I did the mounting and electrical work myself, that I should
> expect to pay for their technician's time to track down an adapter. I
> think he was pissed because he didn't get to do the entire install
> (for which they and other places wanted $3000 - $3500 to do). I don't
> understand this attitude because he got all of the job that was
> available, and I could have taken my business anywhere.
> Am I being overly picky about this? It just doesn't seem right to pay
> for the guy's labor for getting an adapter when he came unprepared to
> do the job. How would you have handled this situation as an
> installer? Ultimately, assuming the guy was truthful about the GPS
> records, we're only off by $32.50, so I don't plan to fight it any
> more. I'm just wondering if I should shop around for another service
> outfit next time.
> Regards,
> John.

> Hi all:
> I'm a homeowner with a quesiton about a recent service visit. If this
> is the wrong forum, I apologize in advance.
> Regards,
> John.

>> Hi all:
>> I'm a homeowner with a quesiton about a recent service visit. If this
>> is the wrong forum, I apologize in advance.
>> Regards,
>> John.

> Sorry, John,
> I was busy didn't get to your post till now.

> Mike
>

> It even causes some of them to post incorrect information. I'm not sure
> why
> they do that, they don't get to see the end result, so I don't see the
> thrill.
> Maybe it makes them feel powerful.
> Look somewhere else for your answer.
> Mike

>> It even causes some of them to post incorrect information. I'm not sure
>> why
>> they do that, they don't get to see the end result, so I don't see the
>> thrill.
>> Maybe it makes them feel powerful.
>> Look somewhere else for your answer.
>> Mike

>
> Ya...Go to: www.whogivesafuck.com

>
>