Business ProfileforSewing Machine Repairs by Tom

OUTRAGEOUS RIP OFF!! EXCESSIVELY OVERCHARGES!! DECEPTIVE PRACTICE!!
I called Mr. **** (***) about a couple of sewing machines I have that needed repairs. When I spoke with him, I described the repairs needed on the machines: one needed the timing fixed and the other had a motor that would run but the machine would not operate. He told me to drop them off at his house (he works out of his house, evidently). His 2 car carport was so overcrowded that I could barely make it to the door. After speaking with his wife at the door, per her instructions, I filled out a claim ticket for each machine and left them on the carport (wondering if someone might come by and steal them before he even got to them). His wife said he would contact me within a week.
A couple of days later, Tom texted me with an estimate: the machine with the timing problem-$169, the other one-$125 (needed tune-up and oiled). I felt that was way too much for the repairs...I could buy a brand new computerized machine for less than that, therefore, I texted back: DO NOT REPAIR!!
He responded that I could pick them up after three more days. When I went to the house to pick them up, his wife informed me that I owed $55. My husband asked what that was for and she replied, "It is his 'bench fee'." Husband replied, "He NEVER mentioned that when we talked with him." She said, "It is posted out there on the wall!" We looked over the walls and the only sign on the walls was a BBB sign. Nothing about a bench fee.
As a business person myself, I believe a person should be compensated for their time and I was fully prepared to pay up to $30 for the time he took to diagnose the problem...BUT, I also believe from a GOOD business standpoint, he should have told me about his 'bench fee' up front when I first spoke with him AND/OR he should DEFINITELY HAVE A SIGN POSTED FOR CUSTOMERS TO READ UP FRONT!! .
I also believe that if he has been repairing machines for the length of time he professes, he should most like be able to diagnose the problem IN NO TIME AT ALL..(definitely not $55 worth of time) based on the symptoms. Much like a mechanic has a pretty accurate idea of the problem with your vehicle from your description of the 'symptoms' and/or your doc pretty much knows your diagnosis based on your symptoms.
To sum this up, I feel that I was ripped off by this man and WOULD NOT RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE!! For this man, the old adage rings true: "Let the buyer beware!"

There is a sign posted advising of a $25 estimate fee. (See picture). Even without it being posted a reasonable person would expect there to be a fee.(25 years ago Sears charged $35 for this service. $25 today is very reasonable.)
When this customer posted her defamation on NEXTDOOR a number of customers posted that they had seen the sign.( She has since removed this post).
The customer assumes she knows all the details of estimating a machine. Unlike the auto mechanic she refers to, once I give an estimate it is firm.
If I run into something I overlooked it's on me to repair at no charge. Therefore I am very thorough in estimating.
The only contact I have personally had with this woman was her initial call. The texted estimates were from an employee. She has never once tried to discuss this situation with me before making all these complaints.
I would have quickly refunded the money rather than having a dissatisfied customer.
However, the estimates given were reasonable. She will find no one else anywhere that will do the work required that low.
Yes she can buy a new low quality machine for the price to replace hers. She'll soon realize her mistake.
I simply quote what it will cost to repair. The decision is up to the customer.
I'm sorry that she is out of touch with the cost of labor today and that she feels that I and my employees should not be paid for our labor.

It appears there is no way for me to attach a picture of my signs. I will gladly send them to anyone that cares to see them