Price increases not advised in advance
Beware Unadvised price increases by J&J Insulation Inc
In September 2021 based upon accurate measurements and photos J&J Insulation, in Port Perry Ontario, provided a quote range dependent upon 3 or 6 inches of sprayed insulation under our sunroom.
Installation dates given for October and then November were cancelled just prior to agreed times.
Finally, the work was finished on December 13, 2021
After the work was completed, we were presented with a verbal bill that was significantly higher that the largest of the two quotes provided in September. Worked out to a 25% increase.
When we questioned this increase the response was:
1. The September quote was only a “ballpark”
2. Our costs have increased 50% since September
3. Quote did not include a fuel surcharge or labour costs
No accounting has been provided 6 days later as to the number of inches sprayed.
From our perspective a price increase should have been advised prior to sending a crew to do the work allowing us the option to accept or decline same.
Additionally, when the original quote was provided there was no indication it was a “ballpark” nor that it did not include a fuel surcharge or labour costs.
Had they undertaken the work in mid October as originally advised price increases may have been avoided.
While the team that did the work were professional and courteous the communications and failure to advise of price increases and additional fees by the owner is not what we expect from a reputable company and potential clients should be aware of these practices. Given the above we would not recommend the company to anyone.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $1.00
- Company Response
Hello Gerry,
Thank you for your response. While I understand this is your account of the situation, I do feel inclined to provide further information so future customers may have a more well rounded understanding of the multiple factors at play during our time of hire. The information given in any over the phone or email conversation, whereby our company has not personally seen the work to be done is always to be considered a rough estimate, or “ballpark” as stated in your review. At any customers request, our company is willing and able to view a job beforehand and provide a written estimate complete with inclusive cost breakdown, terms and conditions of our work. Even still an estimate is by definition an approximate calculation of cost and is subject to change. We are disappointed to have our costs increased, and pass that increase onto our customers as well. However, such are the times we are in as supply and demand for products are skewed. In many industries these imbalances lead to both delays and added cost, as in your case. We have been transparent on all our media outlets, posting the letters from our suppliers as it relates to these cost increases. With complete understanding of how this may affect yourself, I personally took some of the burden off your cost and only added a 25% increase and absorbed the rest. In addition, your attempts to circumvent paying tax by using cash is unfortunately not an option we are willing to endorse at this time. Of note, payment of any kind was not ready at time of job completion and our employees would not follow you to the bank, on paid company time in a company vehicle. As I understand it this was an issue for you as well. A correction to your statement, fuel surcharges and labour costs were not added in addition to your quote, nor is that a standard practice of ours. Those costs are built in at the time of estimate / final billing. I am happy to hear of our courteous and communicative team, and I hope this thorough response may shed more light on the situation. We are not in the business of cheating our clients, we have a pristine reputation both locally and away, and we make great efforts to reach such customer approval ratings.