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Make your own magical egg!
Posted by Tatiana Durbak on September 07, 2002 at 22:46:46:
In Reply to: Re: Legal Question posted by Petro on September 07, 2002 at 20:57:04:
Petro --
Consumer groups in the US strongly urge everyone to discuss price before having any work done. Checking an appliance is work. In some instances, this work may be done for a minimum charge, but almost always, there is a charge. If you don't ask ahead of time, then you have to pay what you are told to pay, unless you are prepared to have your appliance taken or to have difficulties defending your decision not to pay. It's hardly ever worth it. So, discuss price first. In some cases, it's worth asking several people what they will charge before deciding whom you want to do the work for you.
Good luck.
: Thank you for attending to this and profound reply. But what I wanted to know is whos responsibility to establish charges, serviseman's or customers'? Simple example. This guy comes to fix TV,not discussing into anything,opens cover and concludes that some parts areout of order.
: Then he charges for labour ,parts,blah blah,what is well understandable and $50 for "open charge" , means,
: for opening the cover. My question is if he should discuss the AMOUNT of that charge prior( for cover opening).No dispute about nature of that charge,it's about Amount and timing and whos have to talk about"opening charge" first.
: Thanks for writing about such a thing.I can assure you i'm not that misarable,that some could imagine.It's NOT about money to me ,just simply interesting to see them "charging".
: Regards,Petro.
: :
: : Tough question, and even tougher answer. The repair service must tell you what they charge per hour of service. They will probably also tell you that they charge separately for any parts that are needed.
: : But you cannot expect them to tell you how long it will take to fix it or what parts are required, if they have no idea what is wrong with the appliance until they look at it.
: : This is why some people take a maintenance agreement with such services. You should also be wary of the length of time that the original warranty is in effect, and what it actually covered by the warranty.
: : In some cases, it becomes not worth reparing if the repairs cost more than buying a new appliance.
: : See if you can get them to look at the appliance at no charge to you. Agree that if the estimated cost after the examination is within your means, that you will go ahead and have it repaired. Otherwise, tell them that you will have to buy a new unit. In general, if you can describe what the problem is, the repairman can take a best guess as to whether it wil be worth his while to come over with such an agreement.
: : The only other alternative is to make your own repairs - but this is recommended only if you have a talent fo fixing mechanical things. Find the nearest plumbing supply and/or hardware store, and ask them for advice. A knowledgeable salesperson may be abel to give you just enough information to do the repairs on your own.
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: : : Canany lawyer out there please answer me this:
: : : for instance, I'd like to repair my washing machine or TV.
: : : Repairman comes.Who is supoused to ask question about charges, before or after he/she goes through applience? It is strange somwe of them without any worning charge anything that come through they mind. Can I not to pay the price they charge or I have to make shure that I had to I ask about charges before hand. Thanks for your answer "in advance",cheers,Petro.