Customer service ?

[cdiver2]

After the last hurricane we had an electrician come in to check out our power supply after the line from the pole to the house caught fire, whilst doing the check he informed us the fuse box was inadequate (I already suspected this) and we also started talking about home generators.
The next day I called the office to see about getting a esta mat for a new breaker box and home generator. It took a week and a number of phone calls to set up a date for them to come to the house.
Tuesday evening 6:10 he calls to say he is ruining late and will be there by 6:30, ok no problem, 6:40 he calls again and asks if it is still raining by us. "yes" well I can-not work in the rain how about I come tomorrow evening, "ok how about 7pm?"
he asks how about 6pm and I tell him no my wife will not be home from work until about 6:45. He then says well I'll come at six and have all the measurements done by the time she gets home. (the price for all this will be in the $7000-$8000 range) Is it me or is this a case of the tail waging the dog?.
Now the biggest whine the money for all this is coming from savings to go back to PNG diving :17: :hanged:

 

[smokey braden]

cdiver2,
please get another estimate

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

... is a myth.

At least GOOD customer service. It's a fable. A figment of the imagination.

The rudest waiters always have 18% gratuity automatically included in the check.

Customer Service at my on-line bank tried to tell me that my debit card tracked my purchases, so was more up-to-date than their on-line system. (I'm not aware of any 'smart' debit cards, and certainly don't have one. Debit cards only 'know' your account and PIN numbers; when the machine connects with your bank it accesses other account info.) BTW the purchase in question was a pizza delivery guy who used a crayon to make a 'rubbing' of the card. Guess I have a 'real smart' card.

Customer Service at my cell phone company tried to tell me that the roaming charge on my bill was due to the fact that my phone connected with a non-local tower. The call was made from my home in Austin, and my local calling area extends beyond the state of Texas. Which means that my ~500 mW phone connected with a tower in, what, Oklahoma? Yeah, right.

Customer Service at my employment agency told me that I can travel on business trips, but can't drive the rental car (only ride along), "for your own safety." So without knowing me or the fella I was going with, knew that he was a better driver than I.

I get really cheesed at customer service reps who give a "make the customer happy'" answer when they don't have any idea what they're talking about.

 

[cdiver2]

cdiver2,
please get another estiment

I will be getting a couple of others and hope one will be better than this yo yo so I can tell him where to go.

 

[smokey braden]

cdiver2,
make sure that the contractor you choose is licensed and bonded.
it is to your advantage also make sure an electical permit is issued so the work can be inspected

 

[cdiver2]

cdiver2,
make sure that the contractor you choose is licensed and bonded.
it is to your advantage also make sure an electical permit is issued so the work can be inspected

I never thought about a permit, thanks

 

[Potapko]

Cdiver,
I am a licensed Master electrician in the state of MD. Was in the trade 20 years before God caled me to preach, but anyway.

Take to heart these suggestions for a second, and/or third opinion. And of course don't tell the second company what the first estimate was.

Now, I do not know the full scope of the work, but in my opinion it sounds at least 50% overpriced.

The last complete service change I did, granted it was a couple of years ago in PA. I charged $1500 and made reasonable money. $7000- $8000? Tell him to wear a mask!

Well, unless you live in the Beverly Hills of FLA, then it sounds about right Only kidding.

What size is your service?

 

[cdiver2]

Cdiver,
I am a licensed Master electrician in the state of MD. Was in the trade 20 years before God caled me to preach, but anyway.

Take to heart these suggestions for a second, and/or third opinion. And of course don't tell the second company what the first estimate was.

Now, I do not know the full scope of the work, but in my opinion it sounds at least 50% overpriced.

The last complete service change I did, granted it was a couple of years ago in PA. I charged $1500 and made reasonable money. $7000- $8000? Tell him to wear a mask!

Well, unless you live in the Beverly Hills of FLA, then it sounds about right Only kidding.

What size is your service?

The price is for a new breaker box the old one (fuse box) is overloaded and not up to code, AND a 15k in home generator with a seven day size propane tank installed
But as you said I will not tell him about other price quotes but will tell him I am going to get others.

 

[MikeC]

What are you planning on running with a 15kw generator, the Pentagon? Having a fuel backup is a great idea. How large of a home do you have? Have you done the math on the wattage you would need? Is your home 100% electric or do you use some gas? Fridge, sump pumps, some lights, freezer should take maybe 7,500w. Good luck.

 

[Potapko]

I apologize, I didn't notice the generator in there. That can easily add several thousand depending on size and manufacturer. I misjudged the man without all the facts. He may be within reason.
You will confirm it with the other estimates.