ComplaintsforJames L Johnson Jr Plumbing & Heating

• Initial Complaint

  01/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  The business was replacing my hot water tank. The gentleman that came told me he was going to ********** on 14th street, Huntington and pick one up. Several times I asked how much it would cost. He told me that I had to sign a blank job invoice, in order to pick up the merchandise. There was nothing on that invoice at that moment except for my name and address. I went online and checked the prices of the 40 gallon hot water tank (gas). The price for the model they picked up is $796.48. The man went and picked it up. He also picked up pipes, adapters etc. He told me that they did not have a 40 gallon,but got a 50 gallon for the same price,again I asked for a price, said I would get a bill. He put the hot water tank in, told me that it was finished and again I asked how much? "You will get a bill". I did get the bill and he charged me $1681.92 for the hot water tank that online at ********* was $796.48. I called several times and finally a man, I guess the owner, started screaming at me as soon as I questioned the billing of this tank. I told him several times that it wasn't a fair price, he told me, "well, what do you think the fair price is?" I said, the price it was at the store. He screamed at me "how would i pay my bills if i did not raise the price?" He then continues to scream about his business bills. I said that is not fair, he said, "well, did I charge you tax?" I said, no, you did not, which I don't think that is legal. Again he yelled. I told him that I would pay him the cost of the hot water tank, supplies and he could put the tax on it. He screamed at me again, and said, "you do what you have to do!" He then said, "I will do what I have to do", in a threatening tone. He then hung up on me. I was never given any information about how much any of this would cost. I told the gentleman that he could come back and get the tank. He said, "I can't sell used". I did offer to pay the correct amount for the model of the tank, which is listed online as $796.48.

  Business response

  02/13/2024

  To Whom It May Concern:
  

  I am writing in response to the complaint made by a customer. The customer called our place of business stating she needed a new gas hot water tank. Our technician called her back to evaluate the issue before going to her address. Our Policy, as with others in our industry, is one hour minimum. Our hourly rate is $95.00 per hour. We have worked for this customer in the past and there has never been an issue with our pricing.
  

  The customer went Online as well as calling our Wholesale Distributor to obtain her pricing. We done the job as ******* Improvement which eliminated the tax.
  

  She is right on the Technician not providing a price. This is not, Our Policy . We believe this to be a fair price.
  

  I apologize that she felt I was rude. I did not feel it beneficial for us to argue over the phone because we would not agree on the outcome she wanted. The recourse for small businesses to  recuperate unpaid invoices is magistrate court. We have been in Business over 50 years.
  

  We believe that our prices are fair and competitive with other plumbers in the area. Our plumbers are fairly compensated for their skill and thus, our rates. We do not take advantage of our customers. We pride ourselves on fair and quality work.
  

  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns.
  

  
  

  Customer response

  02/13/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  

  My response is, no he did not evaluate anything. He walked into my house and I showed him where the tank was located. He hooked the hose up and drained the tank. I have NEVER had him do any work in my home. However, my brother-in-law has had work done in his house. My brother -in-law suggested I speak with them about getting this done. As far as how much they have paid, I would have no idea as to the price. 
  

  As far as how I was spoken to on this call, I was screamed at by an adult male who talked down to me and tried to make me feel like I was stupid for questioning  why he thought it was a fair price to upcharge the hot water tank especially at 100%. I suggested he come and pick it up, he refused. He said he could not sell used.  I am angered that he tries to justify the fact that he is lying. I have never had work done in my home.   

  I do not care how long he has been in business.  One might think that being a local business you would not take advantage of people. My thoughts are that he does this all the time and this time someone complained. As far as fair market, I spoke with another plumber and he told me that they never upcharge like that. maybe 10%-30% but not 100%.  Now, he states he will take me to court.  I had every intention of paying for the work,I was upset about the labor cost,  but I let that go. My issue is upcharging a hotwater tank 100%. That is not fair. It should be illegal.Honestly, I thought it would be no more than $1300.00. 

   Regards,

  ******** *******

• Initial Complaint

  09/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  They Are Lazy They Keep Postponing And Backdating A Work Order That Should Have Been Addressed Days/Months Ago And Walking Back Contradicting They Word With Every Second Step. Everyday Its They Coming Today Then That Changes And They Say They Pushed It Back To The Next Day. They Also Have A Problem With Following Instruction, They Keep Wanting To Arrive Contradictory To Our Work Schedule Instead Of The Paying Attention To The Days And Times We Informed Them We Have To Work And Acknowledging Our Day Off To Arrive Then. They Showed Up On A Prior Date And Watched Us As We Sat On The Porch And Pulled Off Without Getting Out The Vehicle, Calling, Or Saying A Word. They Are Unethical And Handle Themselve With An Extreme Unprofessionality.

  Business response

  10/06/2022

  I have not got a clue what this person is talking about and he needs to get his facts right before accusing us of something we know nothing about.
  I didn’t start the job & will not finish it.  I don’t know who told him that we would do the work.  Evidently this must be a rental unit owned by Real Property management.
  This is unreal & I refuse to spend anymore of my valuable time to respond to this person that I have no contact with or been on this job. 
  
  

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