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Plumberdirect.net - Be Aware!
estebaan_nz
Posts: 1 Newbie
Hi, my partner uses this site all the time for advice etc. although this is my first post. I've been so dismayed at the experience I've had with the above company that I've signed up specifically to make others aware.
We have had no prior experience with UK plumbers (being immigrants to the country this is the first time we have had to enlist their services). Firstly, we were shocked to find that there is such a wild variety of hourly rates (essentially, anything goes). And, of course, we ended up on a £65 per HALF hour rate!
We agreed to this, essentially not knowing any better, and it's been subsequent investigation that we've discovered how outrageous this was for a simple toilet leak fix that was NON emergency.
First problem, but to be fair, one we signed up for and agreed to. (Not that it makes it right they can get away with charging that in the first place IMO).
What really was annoying is that they didn't make it clear that the pricing was per half-hour or PART THEREOF. This is a key point and wasn't explained to us over the phone, or by the plumber when he arrived.
Obviously, you can imagine what happened. They job ran about 5 minutes over 1 hour. Hence we were charged £195 + VAT labour in total for changing the ballcock and a threaded screw (not that we had the complete work listed on the paperwork left, it just said 'WC' under work carried out) With parts and VAT the total amount is a shade under £300! - I've seen people say they've had complete removal and replacement of toilets for less than that!.
We have tried to negotiate with the company concerned regarding the 'extra half hour' but of course, they won't have a word of it. They say the terms are clearly listed on their website (it is, WHEN you book ONLINE, not over the phone as we did).
All and all, this is just a cautionary tale for others to be aware. We are mostly to blame in this (barring the lack of communication when it came to the 'part thereof' issue), and should have gotten alternative quotes etc. but at least I thought I'd share so anyone else would be a bit more careful about using them in the future.
By the way, we are in the East Midlands area. You'd possibly expect those rates in Notting Hill not Nottingham! :eek:
We have had no prior experience with UK plumbers (being immigrants to the country this is the first time we have had to enlist their services). Firstly, we were shocked to find that there is such a wild variety of hourly rates (essentially, anything goes). And, of course, we ended up on a £65 per HALF hour rate!
We agreed to this, essentially not knowing any better, and it's been subsequent investigation that we've discovered how outrageous this was for a simple toilet leak fix that was NON emergency.
First problem, but to be fair, one we signed up for and agreed to. (Not that it makes it right they can get away with charging that in the first place IMO).
What really was annoying is that they didn't make it clear that the pricing was per half-hour or PART THEREOF. This is a key point and wasn't explained to us over the phone, or by the plumber when he arrived.
Obviously, you can imagine what happened. They job ran about 5 minutes over 1 hour. Hence we were charged £195 + VAT labour in total for changing the ballcock and a threaded screw (not that we had the complete work listed on the paperwork left, it just said 'WC' under work carried out) With parts and VAT the total amount is a shade under £300! - I've seen people say they've had complete removal and replacement of toilets for less than that!.
We have tried to negotiate with the company concerned regarding the 'extra half hour' but of course, they won't have a word of it. They say the terms are clearly listed on their website (it is, WHEN you book ONLINE, not over the phone as we did).
All and all, this is just a cautionary tale for others to be aware. We are mostly to blame in this (barring the lack of communication when it came to the 'part thereof' issue), and should have gotten alternative quotes etc. but at least I thought I'd share so anyone else would be a bit more careful about using them in the future.
By the way, we are in the East Midlands area. You'd possibly expect those rates in Notting Hill not Nottingham! :eek:
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