Exploitative , thieving scum

This morning I received the following annonymous unsolicited sms: " 24 Hour Plumbing. Electrical and Appliance Repairs.All areas.Best Prices. ph ********** . reply stop to opt out *** save this message "

I proceeded to call these unamed maintenance service provider to find out more information about their offer as I had a few possible areas to be repaired at my place. This included the replacement of the light switch in our bedroom and the repair of a loose hinge in our oven door (possibly caused by negligent handling by our hired help ) . I was told a call out fee is charged at R395. When asked about a convenient time I confirmed that we are usally home from 18H30 onwards otherwise the weekend is also fine. I also enquired about estimated fees for the light switch repair but was referred to the R395 preliminary call out (inspection) fee which is waived subject to us agreeing to commencement of any quoted repair/replacement work.

What occured shortly after arriving at home was nothing short of bizzare and left me completeley speechless and flabbergasted.

A fellow by the name of Ambrose arrived with a 2nd "assistant/hand" in tow. Effectively I was told that my light switch would be repaired at a minimum fee of R695 excluding the R395 call out fee meaning that I was looking at paying just over R1080 for a bedroom wall switch repair/replacement. Having previously enquired with one of complex maintenance service providers on the estimated fees for this minor job, this quoted fee seemed extremely exorbitent. I therefore declined the proposed fee/rate and told them I would rather pay them their call out fee as stipulated and we can part our ways never to cross paths ever again! Ambrose insisted I had been given the quote by the Anchor office earlier this afternoon which was the furthest thing from the truth. I proceeded to pay the call out fee (R400) - albeit very gruudgingly - and personally vowed to never ever deal with this unscrupulous thieving company/bunch of people ever again. Tis worth mentioning that after my protestations the manager told me telephonically that I'm clearly not the type of client their company prefers to assist and should rather source my maintenance from outside "Builders Warehouse." I felt deeply exploited by this experience and am still reeling from the brazen nature of this OVER CHARGING FIASCO !!!