Rip off Britian

[PaulSC]

Had a call from a customer today concerned his eletrics needed upgrading, so popped round to see what I could do. This old gentleman in his mid-eighties had a visit from his national service company who are BRITISH and service both electrical and GAS installations

They told him his lights didn't comply and had presumably offered him a CU upgrade at an extortiojnate cost. The existing Crabtree unit must have been only 10-15 years old, 16th edition split load with only lights non-RCD. All PVC cables with CPC present, earthing and bonding faultless. Even had the install inspected a couple of years ago, due for next inspection 2016, labels and schedules all present and correct.

I explained the installation didin't comply with the latest version of the wiring regulations, but as they are not retrospective, they didn't need to. He calmed down when I told him wiring was FAR better than most of the rubbish I come across.

My charge to this charming old fella? Nothing. Left him some cards and hope for something in the future.

I'm making NO money at present, but wouldn't stoop so low to rip off pensioners who simply don't know any better. And this was from huge BRITISH company (who also do GAS) that most punters think are whiter than white.

Think again headbang

 

[ianmacd]

The AA?

 

[m4tty]

Good on you mate. Its good to know there are decent folk out there still. TBH mate id have done the same. It gives you great satisfaction going home knowing youve helped the older generation out and stopped them from getting ripped off. Good stuff matey

 

[Badger]

The AA?

dont be daft ian it was RAC :^O :^O

 

[ProDave]

Nice one.

I hope you left him a few cards. My experience is an encounter like is likely to lead to work for you as he will be happy to recommend you as a decent fellow.

 

[Ali]

Nice one PaulSC - how nice to spread the word that there are (a few) non-cowboy electricians around. I hate the way we all seem to try so hard to help customers and get their work done as cheaply as possible, but the general customer assumes we are out to rip them off.

Hope you get lots of work out of this one - you deserve it.

 

[Manator]

Its almost common place these days with national companies doing the same sort of thing. Some employees will act without the companies knowledge and others will be instructed to drum up as much business as possible. These actions reflect on all electricians and is so unfair when you hear stories like PaulSC's.

Name and shame them is what I say, I would have asked the client to report this incident to firstly the company which is BRITISH and does GAS, and inform them that trading standards will also be told, not as complaint but as warning.

 

[septiclecky]

The AA?

You may laugh at putting the AA but they are both owned by the same company Centrica :innocent

 

[Doc Hudson]

Unfortunately some of these organisations have staff who are also on a sales commission bonus arrangement, which tends toward an element of overselling.

Doc H

 

[Andy™]

good to see there are still some decent people left. been to many situations exactly the same as this in the past

 

[M107]

AA indeed ...... what do you take us for?

http://www.theaa.com/homeassist/plumbing-and-electrician-services-00.html

http://www.theaa.com/insurance/home-emergency-response.html

Oh I see

 

[Andy™]

[No message]

 

[Evans Electric]

PaulSC..you are a gentleman :Salute

 

[PaulSC]

Not really Deke,

Nicked his pension book on my way out

 

[Badger]

paul :coat :slap