Handy Man Company Tries To Take Advantage..

As the saying goes.. "I was born at night, but not last night." 

As a Realtor we are expected to "know people." I have a long list of different types that I recommend for different things all the time & I stand behind them because I trust them.

Recently I decided to try and "add" to my list by taking on a new Handy Man company. I won't disclose who they are because I don't feel it's fair to bash someone unless they are given the opportunity to defend themselves.

Anyways,

This company is a nationwide franchise (red flag #1, high overhead)

I called them up and asked if they could give me a quote to add 4 deadbolts, including the new holes in those same four doors in a vacant home that I had on the market. The house was coming up for lease and we needed to get it up to code. No biggie.

The representative was like, "sure we'll send somebody out to get you that quote."

2 days later a guy calls me from somewhere and says it will cost $847.00.

I literally started laughing. Why did I laugh? Because "MY GUY" could, would & ultimately DID do it for $375.00.

Next, I said WHAT & WHY? Are you sitting down? This is really funny. The guys says.. We charge $75 per hour. "WE" as in he an his helper, so it's really $150 per hour. One guy to work and the other to watch if you ask me. They ALSO charge drive time! That's not a miss print! or a miss hear. They charge you LABOR while they drive! LOL!

It get's better...

He then tells me that this is the "going rate!" I was so appalled the only thing I could think to say was... DUDE! You are soooo full of horse manure if you think I'm going to even pass along this quote to  my client! NEVER! Thanks & goodbye.. BUGHH BYE!

Two days later I get a $175 INVOICE for the quote!

I quickly picked up the phone, called the company and immediately demanded to have the invoice removed or I would report them to the BBB, State Attorney Generals office & any OTHER authority that I could, including our local media for SLAMMING me with a bill that was not discussed prior, nor is on their website or anywhere else!

The owner threatened to put a LIEN on the house!

At the end of the day I would have never allowed the lien to take place, but I wasn't about to allow this moron or his pathetic company to intimidate me or shove my client around. So I did exactly what I said I was going to do. It was pretty easy really. I called up my Real Estate Attorney and in one phone call the invoice was history.

Good Realtors have Good relationships. Case closed.