I just wanted a brief rant and caution to others. Just finished our long awaited dream road trip this past week going cross country, it was an amazing experience except for one service stop.
Found Mike's RV center in Madera, CA and got him to change oil in MH and genny. When i left the MH in the am he quoted 80 & 40 respectively for service. High, but went ahead anyway. Got back that afternoon and he had completed service. It seems he did an acceptable professional job as He changed oil in both, and replaced air filter in genny. However when we got to the bill he had decided to use (without my consent)synthetic oil in both and charged for all parts separetly(air filter, oil, oil filters). The final bill was $260 for a gasser oil change/service and genny OC.
Here is my admission - i did not clarify, rather assumed, the quoted cost included oil and filters.
here is my problem - $80 and $40 SHOULD have included those - if i had known it didn't he would not have done the service. He should not have used sythetic without my consent($80 cost by itself). a basic OC and lube for a gasser should never cost anywhere near this amount.
I have marked it up as lesson learned - maybe a little stupid tax for me - but will do my due dillegence next time.
I am posting as a caution for using this guy and getting info up front - DUH!
For me a case of highway robbery, i hope for others a little reminder for not getting hosed...
End of rant!!!
Wife, Daughter 16, Dog female - Girls have me surrounded
1999 Winnebago adventurer 35C
05' Chevy Suburban
2003 Kawasaki Prairie 650 & falcon 250 for the kid
Did you get a written estimate? If so, you are not responsible for the difference between the amount of the written estimate and the additional charges. You can file a Complaint with the State and they will act on it. No Repair Shop wants the State on their rear, the investigators tend to bring in other Agencies, which is a hassle for the owner. If you did not get it in writing, you should in the future, especially in California.
Here is the website for anyone interested in case you are traveling through or live here and need some work done. Written estimates are required by California Law. CLICKY
2007 Fleetwood Excursion 40E Cat C7 350 HP
2007 Chev 2500HD D/A Long bed CC
2011 Toyota Tundra
Gone but not forgotten, 2008 Jayco 299 RLS
In California a written almost exact estimate (approx. 5% lee way) is required by law. If he did not give you a written estimate then you are out of luck. You can contest this but he will probably say you told him to just "fix it". You will win but it will take time and possibly a trip to small claims court. If he did give you a written estimate you are required to pay no more than the estimate unless a verbal upsell is noted on the repair order. This upsell must include additional cost, time, individual and method of contact.
Randy
We were surprised and saddened to read Mr. Garland's negative comments. We saw no evidence that he was unhappy while recently a customer here at the RV Center. Mr. Garland was given a written estimate for labor which stated that it did not include charges for oil and filters. Mr. Garland left quickly for Yosemite and we were unable to contact him by phone. Although he didn't specify synthetic oil, we believed it to be superior in this application, and what he would want used. Mr. Garland seemed happy with our work and pricing when he returned to pick up his vehicle. He never complained about the pricing, or asked to pay less. Customer satisfaction is always a priority for us here at Mike's RV Center. Mike Poulsen, Owner
randallb wrote: In California a written almost exact estimate (approx. 5% lee way) is required by law. If he did not give you a written estimate then you are out of luck. You can contest this but he will probably say you told him to just "fix it". You will win but it will take time and possibly a trip to small claims court. If he did give you a written estimate you are required to pay no more than the estimate unless a verbal upsell is noted on the repair order. This upsell must include additional cost, time, individual and method of contact.
Randy
Repair shop is REQUIRED by law to give a written estimate, and the customer signs it. If shop does not give a written estimate THE SHOP is in trouble! Not the customer. The estimate must be within 10%. If repairs exceed estimate by more than 10% the shop MUST get authorization from customer before proceeding.
If you did get written estimate, compare it with your final bill. If you did NOT get a written estimate contact CARB and file a complaint.
They WILL investigate, and they have teeth. They can impose fines and go so far as to actually close the shop for repeat violations.
Good Luck
CarlGeo
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