Water Softener Installation Up-Sell: Over the phone, I was given a range of $350-$420. After providing all the information along with pictures of the water softener, the pipes, etc., the lady confirmed that it is a basic job and should be done @ $350. The plumber came as scheduled, saw the room where it will be installed, checked the pipes, etc and then ripped open my new Whirlpool 30000 grain water softener. Suddenly he figured out the pipe sizes doesn't match and I need to buy 2 pcs of 3/4 x 1 inch female adapter. I was surprised but was okay with it and asked for the cost. He said he doesn't have it and need to buy it from the suppliers and it will increase by installation cost to $500. I was obviously shocked and asked him more detail about this adapter. After insisting a bit, he showed me a picture on his cell phone, which was basically an item from the home depot website. I re-confirmed with him that it is only those adapters which are causing an increase of $150 in my installation cost. He said yes, and he was also kind enough to offer me a $50 discount, thereby bringing my cost to $450. At the end I rejected his offer and started googling about the adapter. In any hardware stores, this adapter is selling for anyone between $4 - $13. I called back the "ANTA Plumbing Inc" customer care with my complaint and as expected they said it is the normal procedure to revisit the quote once the plumber visits the actual location of the installation and inspects everything.
I am not surprised, but disgusted to see these business practices are still so much prevalent in today's world.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $500.00
- Company Response
Thank you for your feedback Soum. We are happy to see you took the time the give us a some feedback from our visit. We would like to clarify that we came to your house to provide you with a quote at no charge. We are very appreciative to be able to offer our clients an option to have a licensed experienced plumber assess their plumbing needs in person at absolutely no charge or obligation to proceed with the quote. We understand everyone is on a budget and having multiple quotes would provide better peace of mind.
Over the phone we do our best with the information given to provide a budget to help with a baseline idea. You were originally advised $350-420 for the installation, the plumber corrected the price based on what they saw needed to be done in person.
We appreciate your opinion and we will try to educate our dispatchers further, so that they are better equipped to provide more accurate over the phone quotes.With best regards,
ANTA Plumbing Team