Have you ever wondered why plumbing repairs seem so expensive? It could very well be due to the fact that the plumber is deliberately trying to overcharge you. Whether you are dealing with an Atlanta plumber, or a plumbing company in Los Angeles, if you are not informed, they may very well try to overcharge you. It is a sad fact that many plumbers make their living day-in and day-out by taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers but this is indeed the case. Here are a few tricks that they will use to probe consumers prior to quoting an unbelievably high price for a routine repair.
1. Asking you whether or not you received another quote. This is the equivalent of the plumber saying “Do I have the green light to quote you an outrageous price?” The answer to this question should always be YES! This will make sure the plumber gives you a decent price and it will tell him that you are a savvy consumer since you didn’t hire the first plumber. If a plumber knows you have an idea of what this repair will cost then he is far more likely to quote you a fair and reasonable price for your repair. This is especially key when the plumber is providing a truly free estimate. Many companies advertise “free estimates” but their estimates are only free if you hire them to perform the work. If you decide not to hire them they often stick you with a trip fee and diagnostic fee for your supposedly free estimate. Ask the company ahead of time to clarify their policy on “free estimates”. Those that are truly free will want to make sure that they get your business and will likely offer you the best possible price upfront, especially if they peg you as a savvy customer.
2. Listing standard work as additonal or supplemental. This is a very common tactic and is used far too often in the plumbing industry. Unsuspecting consumers who have no idea that their repair is really “standard” are told that x,y, and z about their repair is unique so it will cost them more. To avoid this be sure to find out exactly what is standard and included before ok’ing the repair and you can definitely call local competitors to verify. This again sends the “savvy consumer” signal to the plumber and he is unlikely to try and overcharge you.
These simple tips can help keep more of your hard-earned money yours and make sure you deal with an honest plumber.
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