APPLIANCE EXPERTS

Had a refrigerator I intended to put in an apartment I was getting ready for my granddaughter and her husband, who are being honorably discharged from the U. S. Army later this month. Freezer compartment was working fine, lower refrigerator seemed too warm. My wife was home this day and contacted Appliance Experts to check the appliance in question.

Appliance Expert tech responded promptly, checked refrigerator, said it needed charged with Freon. Quoted my wife a price of $289.00 including the service call, to perform these repairs. The tech left to get Freon. My wife then contacted me at work for my input before she had the repairs in question done.

Upon hearing the price quoted, my reaction was that $289.00 was about half the retail price of a comparable NEW refrigerator. Called HOME DEPOT to check price of comparably NEW Refrigerator, was quoted a retail purchase of $539.00.

Since the tech was traveling from Murrysville to Plum (a distance approx. less than 10 miles) to spend approx. 30 min diagnosing the problem, and adding a minimal amount of Freon (a 35 lb. canister can be purchased for approx. $150.00 and 35 lbs. of Freon will charge a WHOLE BUNCH of refrigerators). I questioned how the travel, work and technical expertise to do the job could support such a price. The tech was polite enough, explained that the charge was a standard rate and referred me to the owner of the business (Stan, I believe) for further explanation. I called the number given and in about 15 min. I received a return call from Stan from a phone number listed in Sarasota Florida.

Upon answering Stan's(?) return call, I questioned him in a direct manner as to how he could justify such a price for such a simple job. At this point, the person speaking (Stan?) offered me an unsolicited lecture (rant?) on the difficulties a small business owner faced in today's market, citing insurance, cost of labor, advertising, etc.., etc.. etc.. I told him that I thought his quote amounted to price-gouging, in view of the situation that most people find themselves in when they call for a repair service of this type-a mother or caregiver with his/her back against the wall and a refrigerator full of food that is not working. Over such a barrel, they have no choice but to pay the piper. I also questioned Stan's complaint about the overhead involved in today's business environment, citing the fact the MAYTAG has overhead as well and they manage to manufacture a WHOLE NEW refrigerator that commonly retails for about $600.00, give or take. Stan then accused me of being a non-paying free-rider, the type of person who contributes to high costs by not paying for services rendered. I am more than happy to pay a FAIR PRICE for services, however I refuse to be held hostage to what I consider to be unfair pricing. I state for the record that I am willing to meet with Stan(?) by appointment, face-to-face the next time he finds himself in the area and pay for the service call that Appliance Experts provided.IN CASH.. Would've done so at the time of service, but his tech did had to leave to get Freon for the job before my wife could pay (I canceled further service and the tech did not return). You'd think as a matter of course a refrigerator service man would have a key element such as Freon in his truck and ready to use.

SHOULDN'T THE COST OF REPAIR REFLECT THE ACTUAL WORK PERFORMED?.

The service provider answered the call promptly, arrived at the time he said he would, explained what caused the problem and stated what was needed to solve it. He had the parts needed to get the fridge operating again, checked to make sure there were no leaks and was on his way, giving us peace of mind, knowing that the defective hose and valves were replaced.