Was I taken for a ride?

[onlinehandyman]

I live just outside New York City and yes that price sounds "high" As soon as you mention the price going from $1900 to $600 one word pops up in my mind "SCAM" They tried to get you to bite high and when that didn't work they made it look like you were getting a deal - still high, but a deal. Unfortunately, it happens all to often and you can at least file a complaint with the BBB. I am sure if they tried it with you they are trying it with others and I am sure enough complaints will get something happening.

[Redwood]

I think you guys place way to much faith in the BBB!
Some of the biggest scam companies there are hide behind the arbitration of BBB.

[singingintherain]

Well, I was just over at the BBB site and there was only 1 other complaint in 36 months regarding practices.

When I tried to file re: pricing, the next window said that the BBB does not accept complaints about pricing.

I suppose I could fole under high pressure tactics, but the bottom line is price.
They will say...If you didn't like the price, you didn't have to accept the service...which is true. I learn from my mistakes and......Buyer Beware!

As far as the BB is concerned, this company is pristine squeaky clean.

I think next time, rather than going to a well advertised BBB co., I will contract with the local guy with 10 kids looking for work. Forget big companies!

[pushkins]

Whatever your future contracting choices, ask a couple of simple questions BEFORE allowing any work to commence.
1. Cost of work requested.
2. Are you a licensed contractor in this city ?
3. Are you insured ? (ask to at least sight a copy of these documents if your still unsure)

[onlinehandyman]

Excellent point Pushkins. I cannot tell you how many times I have lost jobs because of uninformed customers. I have always considered it one of my most important jobs to educate customers - Excellent point!

[hcj]

You encountered a plumbing company whose only goal in life is to get into as many homes as possible for the first time. They have absolutely no interest in people, other than the most gullible, calling them the second time. They must have copied their billing practices from a writer for a national plumbing magazine who seems to charge exactly the same way. And yes you were probably taken for a ride given your description. But since you are not likely to have been the first one, any complaint will be filed in the circular file cabinet along with the myriad of others.