Atop Appliances

I hate writing negative reviews, especially at a time like this but I feel strongly that my experience today needs to be shared.
Over the weekend, my washing machine started leaking. It would gush water from the bottom of the machine as soon as the machine was turned on. My husband and I tried to troubleshoot a few times, with and without clothes in the drum, and each time it would leak heavily, right away. With the local coin laundromat ordered closed, we were in a jam.
When our old and trusty washing machine died about a year ago, we were faced with the added dilemma that many Beaches and East York homes have; the basement stairs was too narrow for most standard new machines. On a recommendation from a neighbour, we contacted Atop Appliances on Gerrard and Woodbine, as we were told that they were “experts when it comes to old basements”.
Owner Gohar convinced us that a refurbished second hand machine was the way to go, as new machines are not worth the cost and don’t last as long as the older models, adding that either way, the replacement machine would have to be disassembled and reassembled to fit it down the narrow basement stairs. Taking apart a new machine would void the warrantee, so we went with his recommendation. We bought a second hand machine that Gohar said that he ”replaced all the parts, top to bottom, and that it would last us for years”.
My husband called Gohar yesterday, and explained that the refurbished machine that we bought from him was leaking water. Gohar diagnosed it over the phone as a possible cracked plastic water pump, and he agreed to come over and fix it if possible, for $200. Gohar said that he already had another appointment right beforehand close by and said that he would come over once he was finished with the other one.
When he arrived today, I was by myself in the house (my husband is an essential service worker) and Gohar couldn’t find anything wrong with it. He ran the machine twice and both times, the water wasn’t leaking. I felt terrible that he came out and had already decided that I would give him some money for his time. I figured $40 was adequate for 5-10 minutes of his time. Unfortunately, he became very rude, raised his voice and complained that he had to come all this way for nothing. He kept saying “What do you want me to fix!? There’s nothing wrong here!” I repeatedly apologized and said that when we called him, there was definitely a problem that seems to have corrected itself.
He then said “Give me $80 and I’ll leave”. I was surprised by the amount, so I asked “$80?” and he again complained that I had brought him here when my machine is working fine. He then repeated loudly “Give me $80 and I’ll leave”. It was an intimidating demand and considering we were alone in the basement of my house, I was made to feel very uncomfortable. I gave him the money and he stormed out of the house.
My husband and I try very hard to support local businesses, but I have my limits. If you are a single woman or senior citizen, I would think twice before having him in your home.