Overcharged for Circuit Breaker replacement?

Question

My refrigerator and microwave oven power was turning off even after resetting the circuit breakers. I called an electrician that had a website ad with satisfaction guarantee,etc. He looked at the panel and said some circuit breakers are burned and some breakers are not compatible,etc. And he gave me an estimate of $2400 to replace 13 circuit breakers. After the "web-discount" he settled on $2020. He said his price is the lowest and one and a half year gurantee is the best in the business and his company brocheture also says so.With all the wires hanging and him acting like I may have electrical hazard if I don't fix it immediately, I agreed. Before the job he said he will have to check the amp in the house wirings, replace this and that in the panel,etc but later all he did is replace some circuit breakers and he got them from his van. Whole thing took less than 20 minutes. Later I did a web search of the circuit breakers he replaced and found that they are about $15 each!

Answer 1

That is obscene. You were definitely treated unfairly.

I would start with the Better Business Bureau, but keep in mind that the BBB is a neutral, non-profit organization and they cannot force him to refund your money. But they are a good start. They are able to work as a mediator in the matter.

But in this case, you're dealing with a real crook so it's probably going to take some work to get your money back.

After submitting your complaint to the BBB, get in touch with the company manager and report the incident. Let them know you've already got the BBB involved and will only agree to close the complaint if you are refunded your money.

Hopefully that will get things resolved. If it doesn't, I would see what your options are with your bank. If you used a check, you might still be able to do a stop payment.

Answer 2

Are you sure that all he did was to replace some circuit breakers?  If that is all he did, then you were most certainly overcharged.  His service call shouldn't have cost more than $150 and his time and materials no more than another $100, for a max (and I mean max) of $250.  Also, are you sure than each breaker cost about $15, because usually they're less than half of that.  I would write him a letter requesting a refund of $1750.  After 10 days when he fails to respond, contact the better business bureau in your area as well as the governmental licensing agency (I'm assuming that he is a licensed electrician) that licenses electricians and complain in writing to both.  Then I would sue him in small claims court for fraud and try to sue for not only the $1750, but for triple the amount because some states allow for triple damages when you can prove fraud.  I would come to court with both the original bill and 2 written estimates from 2 licensed electricians for the same work performed.  Contact the licensing electrician association in your immediate area for the names of two electricians who could come to your house free of charge to give a written estimate.  Chances are that the association is as eager to out this person as you are and they may be willing to cooperate and provide the names of 2 electricians who will give free written estimates.

Answer 3

I think you got screwed...go to their office and contest the bill...it may have been a "bad" employee in a good company. If the company is legit then they'll be happy to make you happy.

Answer 4

Outright highway robbery!

Demand a refund & report this guy!

Answer 5

You can also contact the BBB if you have trouble with the company.

Answer 6

Yep you got ripped off big time.. To replace a few Circuit breakers and an electricians time you'd be looking at probably $100-$300, Any time that you have a problem like this you should always get a few quotes. And do some research first so they know you have abit of an idea. (Not sure where your from But here in Australia i would report them to "The Office Of Fair Trading",they'd probably take his electrical licence off him over here for fraud.And it would give you a good case to get a refund if you were lucky but unlikely)