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Brother you lost out on refrigerant, gas(trip charge), leak search, time(being spent on another job), and so on. It's more than 95.00. A lot goes into our craft. I hate that for you. Keep giving great service.!🤘🏿
I never agree to free estimates. A service call /diagnostic is $95.00. Period. If I meet resistance I mentally let the job go and recommend them calling someone else. That ends these situations. Sometimes, if I screw up I don't charge or ask for $20 for gas and spending the time to try and fix the problem. I'm not a beginner and I have had a good track record for 45 years which I intend to keep.
i hate those type of people, and iv had a few that didn't want to pay for a part after agreeing on price. back n forth. sometimes you just gotta walk away, iv taken my part back off before and put the old one back on and said ok go call someone else.
Some people!!! Our company always gets us to sign for work authorization befpre we start a diagnostic. " mam before I start with the diagnostic call it will be 99 dollars, i need you to sign here so I can start"
Send them a bill in the mail for $95 for the service call showing time in, time out, procedure performed, and diagnosis. You've got nothing to lose from sending them a bill. If they don't pay, them consider turning them over to a collection agency. You don't have to sue to get some satisfaction. Create a paper trail protecting yourself. What if they claim you damaged their unit? Plus, who knows, maybe the husband, not the wife, pays the bills in the family, and he will pay your bill. Sorry you have to go through the hassle of it all.
This is exactly why i dont own my own company. You should've pulled her disconnect and put a lock on it. Here in baton rouge when we see that it means they owe another ac company money
had to call the cops on a guy because an install took to long and he wanted a discount...refused to pay full price.. called cops in front of his kids and wife. then cop said pay or threatened jail. he paid in full. lol
Patrick S you got lucky Iv called the cops and was told to settle it in court. Would of cost me more than the call so I ended up eating it. However, mine was not a install.
I'm in a different service business but non-payment can still present a problem. What I discovered works is explaining charges to the customer BEFORE starting any work. And then having them sign a written statement detailing what I just told them verbally. I charge an hour for the call out and a minimum of one hour for the diagnosis. That is clearly explained to new customers and without exception explained again when I arrive. The signature is critical BEFORE work is started. And I still get paid if they decide not to have me do the repair. After all, it's the diagnosis that takes most of the time, experience and knowledge. A monkey can replace a part. I want to make sure I get paid for my knowledge and experience.
You know that woman has no idea what your fieldpiece diagnostic equipment cost. You show up as professional as anybody could want, just to be treated like that. GOD sees everything. Your peaceful demeanor about it, will bring you blessings soon.
tomcat27557 That's the truth we use a digital program where all the techs have a ipad and any time a call like this comes in where we have had trouble with a customer in the past it throws a red flag
or just cut one of the control wires. I have been the guy many times on a service call to find just that part missing. got to let the customer know up front there will be a service call charge. I even quit giving free estimates on installs cause the customer would just show it to the next co. to give one and they would under cut you by 50.00 and get the job. not worth the time.
Me and my father run a refrigeration company. Anytime a customer doesn't wanna pay I get my tools back out and start to take the part back off. Works every time.
Everyone in the business has had this happen to them. If it wasn't a homeowner, it was a shifty general contractor...who conveniently goes bankrupt before it's your turn to get paid. Cash up-front is the only way to deal with them.
I wont work for contractors. If they call asking if I would be intrestested in a house build, I say "sure, do you have the homeowners number, Makes it easier for you." That usually ends the conversation.
I gave the money back to this couple so they won't bother me anymore. I called companies around to warn them about them. we have to share info about "special people"
1martinontherocks That's a great idea. Maybe someone can start a deadbeat list that all RHVAC technicians can add to as the opportunity presents itself. It may prove interesting.
The Lenawee Trekker There are some customers you just don’t want to sell a new unit to either. They will be calling in every week with there made up crap. And eat up any profits. It’s rare but they are out there for sure.
Hi John I'm the guy that sent you a text about your opinion on which system I should go with Rheem or Goodman system yesterday. I know what you mean with customers wanting your time/experience for nothing I own a swimming pool company and we do the same Free estimates on equip. replacement but not on diagnostics It's hard not to get pissed off but you doing the right thing and laughing about it. I need to learn to do that more. Thanks for the video
FYI , our service reports have to be signed before do any work that sows estimate and cost and then again after jobs done. But when ever I have a non pay I get in my truck like I'm leaving, when they go in I losen the schrader valve. I have repoed a pack unit.
As a plumber people do that stuff to me I cut open a ceiling found a leak guy wanted a price even though I said it was time and material . He got me for the hour of labor that he wouldn't pay and it is that much easier for the next guy . Some times I will mail the bill with a note saying invoices paid after 30 day are subject to penalty . It's funny the same people that do that to you will think nothing of calling you back again and won't understand when you don't want to come back
I started out working for a shop doing service calls and learned very quickly that I didn't like it because of customers like this. I now work for a non profit maintaining there equipment I have 10 buildings keeps me busy, I love it.
We use FieldEdge, paperless, dispatcher gets email address, I do up the work order with model serial numbers pressures temps, invoice the diagnostic, if they don’t want to pay
You have to get one of those smartphone or tablet credit card scanners -- and ask for the service call payment up front when you show up to a service call. And then ask for more payments as you are fixing the unit -- like refrigerant.
That is why I record every call that comes in to my cell. For those that will say recording is illega not in the state of AZ as long as one person engaged in the conversation knows they are being recorded and that's me.
@@ronpossick I use an app called" call recorder" I can send the recording by email or send it by text. I've had customers accuse me of treating them wrong on the phone and not telling them the correct price and soon as I say alright let's play back the conversation let's see, that's when they back up. I love it
Great attitude man. You win some, you lose some. It's funny how great a good customer can be, but how awful a bad customer can be. Can't let it get you down, and keep working. Thanks. Hope you are doing ok during and after Harvey.
Problem is, in my area, they send out a hired goon who breaks more than he fixes. An air conditioner only has so many parts to fix. It's like mechanics, for every one good one, there are tweenty more that just want to take your money ! It makes you all look bad. That's why you have to do your job 100% better than the next guy. A print out of the basic test with all of the "math" on it and the actual work done would show that you "earned" your money and didn't just "look" at it. It sucks that you would even have to explain that you can't just "look" and give an educated guess and that you have to actually perform physical task. I guess that part of your job will now be public realations so that you can explain all of that up front to the customer on the job site. Another hour. lol
Thanks for the video! Guess try to limit how much you do or how far you go when working for someone you don't know well in case you don't get payment. Maybe just have to be more upfront about cost on arrival.This is how it goes sometimes. What about having them sign an acceptance aggreement to the terms? Atleast just for those new customers? Let us know if they ever do call you back. Id probably pass back by for a "Courtesy" follow up if its not too far of a drive.
Have sign them right at door before your put a foot inside. Also have them initial for any repairs before start the work. Nice video John real life of HVAC technicians
Great video. Communications are tricky. As a contractor I had to learn to try and remember, before I started doing any work, to say 'if I do X, it's Y charge'. Sometimes that seems too blunt, but it's business, better than the troubles that arise from unspoken assumptions. Better yet I'd make a simple form then print it onto a paper pad, then when you're talking to the client you can dispassionately check boxes and have the client initial them to show understanding and agreement. Travel time = $w; 15 min of video chat diagnostic work = $x, 30 min = $y, 60 min =$z (maybe there's a better price for a relaxed 60 min of careful analysis vs. rushed 15 min of videochat analysis); Unrecovered testing gas = $a; Repair work = $b per hour; Common part prices are...; etc.
our company doesnt charge the credit card initially, but puts a hold of $320 (minimum 2 hour service call @ 160$hr), when the bills paid, the holds removed.
That is the way we are going...its terrible but some of the areas of Philadelphia pa and chester pa and the girls in the office need to be able to tell what these ppl are probably gonna do bc when I get the email that that's where I'm going next and I call and talk I can instantly figure out what the deal is
That’s why I completely cut out residential work. I don’t have time to play with people that don’t appreciate someone who’s trying to help them. But I will say, I wish I knew half as much as you do regarding HVAC.
As per the Lennox install manual, that unit's subcool should be between 3 and 9 degrees, depending on the indoor coil matchup. The same chart for subcool values is also in the control cover. RTFM.
I woulda went back to her unit and took out the Refrigerant I put in lol, if I don't get paid for my service I'm certainly not gonna lose money for these sort of customers
Ida Called the cops quick! even for $95. She commited theft of services! did a leak test and added refrigerant and recovered. all that time spent and gas...maaannn id be pissed. she wouldnt give his number...u got scammed. I would charge for a leak test 2. she owes me $300
civil matter.. cops wont take a report... can bill her and send it to collections though, or better, just accidentally shove some mud into her condensate line... she'll call back when the compressor stops and she gets no cooling, or the water spills all over...
If he called the cops she would probably write a negative review all over the internet, on google, facebook, linkedin, yelp, etc. Typical type A scamming bit*h.
Yea man this happens I've had this a few times over the 11 years . You're spot on too they don't get it lol . Even when you have them initial the diagnostic charge before you start they act dumb . It happens bro .
Had a very hard time getting a txv for a carrier - replaced bad txv with a piston and the unit would not work properly in phase 2 of cooling. I'm spooked on swapping in pistons now.
I had a Karen once. Most customers are really happy with my work. Especially since I perform maintenances on all of our customers systems. She was having problems with airflow. System was freezing. Filters and coil were clogged. I told her she needed a maintenance. Did the maintenance and suddenly her system was going off on low pressure. After cleaning the coils, the suction dropped to low and caused the system to go into 4hr lockout. I checked pressures and found txv the issue. System wouldnt equalize it was stuck closed. Was able to free it up temporarily. Told her she needs to replace txv. Started losing her sh**.. Saying I am scamming her parts. Made her buy filters she didn't need and coil cleanings we're not necessary. Made me leave. I told my boss I will not be returning to replace the part. Sent other tech to replace part. Running good ever since. There's always a Karen if your in this business for good
I think most customers understand that there is a service call me even without repairs been done, because it's not free for you to go spend an hour diagnosing a unit. There is the hour and ofcourse gas etc.
That might be one of them units with the Copeland compressor rust inhibitor issue the way it Acts. Bad thing about that one is the next guy will come behind you and accuse you of over Charing it and not knowing what you where doing. It takes all kinds i guess.
i had an incident with a customer the other day,i came out to his house his blower motor was not running, turns out it was a bad motor and by the way he was one of those customers that is watching every freaking move you make he was in the attic with me the whole time breathing in my neck, after i told him i would come back next day to install the new motor because it was sunday night and i didn't have the right motor with me he said it was fine. The next day i brought the motor went in the attic and started working on it he was there with me watching and i notice he had this attitude like he was mad for some reason, out of the blue he started yelling at me he said he was not stupid that his motor was good and i put the wrong capacitor on it, at this point I'm getting mad too he was calling me a liar and yelling then he told me to pick up my tools and to get my motor(the new motor i had just put in) and go home. i was almost done installing the damn motor i got real mad i had to get off that attic i felt like kicking his bipolar ass but i walked off. he followed me to my truck talking shit and i thank god i didn't punch him in the face because i was this close.. so anyways i told him he can keep the motor i had to leave or i was going to loose control and harm this guy..im pretty sure he is bipolar or something. in my 10 years on the feel i never had a problem with a customer.
Have had those customers. Or you diagnose the issue and give them a cost to repair and they bail, and they end up calling their buddy to fix it. Can't tell you how many times I've been back to fix their "buddies" mess. Oh well, the world we live in. Worst is doing a heatload calc on the house, they get the info as you go over the new install and they end up using that info to hire the cheaper guy. That doesn't happen anymore either. The ones that get mad when u don't hand them that info, I've learned are the bid shoppers. Good vid!
John Frank - People do that to me all the time. I’ve started to try and be as vague as possible with what I write up so I’m not giving some hack a game plan.
Having the client sign a pre written invoice with the details of the job and the price will solve that problem. The first thing I do is get a signature approving the service fee of x# dollars waived with repairs. I call it an authorizing signature . I do this process again after system eval,with new price update to repair/replace. Never lose again!
Do you have time to answer a couple questions regarding the Fieldpiece gauge sets??? Just want to make sure I get what I need nothing more nothing less. Thanks
@Uber Nerd Thermal detection cameras detect heat patterns. When termites invade buildings, they emit heat and only a thermal imaging camera can isolate the problem so it can be fixed.
this women I'm sure, does it to everyone. shes the kind that goes to a restaurant orders her food eats it, calls the manager over and says it gave her gas so she does not have to pay the bill.
Same thing happens in my state in New Jersey. My state even reinforce its theft of service law but to no avail the Karen's Prevail and the judges will not make them pay. The rule in my state is the women have to be believed.
Thanks appreciate the wisdom, and that lady sucks big time for not keeping up with her end of the bargain. Better to cut her loose now and not end up in court in the future. About the metering device had no idea a TXV system could be converted to piston type metering device.
i own and manage a few apartment buildings and i do 90% of the maintenance...nothing pisses me off more than first of the month and someone does not have the rent..i explain to them how i show up right away when they need repairs..i expect rent to be on time as well. if your going to be late call or email week ahead of time and let me know...i know money can get tight.
it´s even worse not paying an AC call .. because you don´t need AC to survive, it´s luxury...wait till you have the money... till when open the windows and sweat
the ones I always remember are doing a pm on a unit and then the people saying bill me and I would say no I did the work pay me now. I would say go to walmart or public and get some food and tell them to bill you. they would say its not the same they did not like it but they paid.
410a wasn't quoted before putting it in? I always quote everything after diagnosis is complete and reiterate the diagnosis fee with the cost of repairs. This way this is no question on what they owe me. With situations like this where you could possibly need an expansion valve, I get paid for today and they can call me back if it still isn't working right and notate on my invoice on the first trip that the system could possibly need an expansion valve.
Ask how they expect to pay when takeing the call, and note on invoice. Not that i care the method, but it reminds them that they do have to pay. Also gives you an opening to say "mam, you said on the phone you were going to pay by visa, and now you say its supposed to be free? Why do you think i asked for method of payment" Work for me. Rarely have issues. Also helps when doing cash call, and after estimate and work they say "oh this is under warranty" well, not from my company, and you said on the phone you would pay by check etc.
There is a recall on sman fieldpiece 360 460 . When hung on unit or disconnect box or anything grounded they will give a 20 lb higher pressure readings . When hand held they will give accurate readings.
You're right Dear Valued TruTech Customer, Fieldpiece discovered a faulty component in SMAN460's, SMAN340's, and SMAN360's shipped from late March through May that causes incorrect pipe temperature readings when the manifold is grounded (for example when hung on the condensing unit). Technicians will typically observe 20 degrees higher readings than actual on suction line temperature. If the manifold is not grounded (for example when held by the technician and not touching metal, or hung on something that is not grounded) technicians will see normal readings. To ensure our customers have only the highest quality tools in their hands, Fieldpiece will replace any manifold with serial numbers between these ranges: SMAN460 1701xxxx - 1706xxxx SMAN340/360 1703xxxx - 1706xxxx
I will ask a belligerent customer, "Please trade places with me for a minute. Would you come out with a truck full of expensive equipment and spend your time working for FREE? C'MON!
File a lien on the property. If the house goes into escrow, you'll get your money. The customer needs to sign a work order before you start and all the information about charging is on that form.
You can usually tell if the customer doesn't have money.....If they complain alot that is a sure sign. As soon as you get the inkling walk away and make it some one else's problem.
There's a Recording App on IPhone that records your conversation, that way you would have proof of the conversation, that you told that lady about a "Free" estimate. These Home Owners always want something for nothing.
Sorry to hear my Refer Brother! Do people actually think we can go around all day giving out free diagnostic services? How could you make a living? I once had a customer when I worked out in Las Vegas bring out his shot gun because he didn't want to pay for the service call. I just stuck a note in the control panel for the next refer guy, shook my head and moved on.
Record your conversations. Even if you didn’t get a recording or if it’s technically Illegal, just offering to play a recording back for them will usually resolve the problem.
Well first of all I don’t think it was low at all! Look at v-sat originally it was at 42 degrees, little high for my standards. I like 38-40 with a txv you should charge by sub cooling 10-15 degrees. The customer will be happy with the results
Gotta cover your time, I've got a short blacklist but you better believe I have one! She'll do it to the next guy and eventually NO ONE with work for her.
The diagnostic fee always applies. You just got beat for a service call the word free should never come out of your mouth ever in conjunction with your trade.
Man those I hate that’s the hell of working for yourself you are the one to takes the hit . However, you can make it up between other calls that’s what I do.
Brother you lost out on refrigerant, gas(trip charge), leak search, time(being spent on another job), and so on. It's more than 95.00. A lot goes into our craft. I hate that for you. Keep giving great service.!🤘🏿
I never agree to free estimates. A service call /diagnostic is $95.00. Period. If I meet resistance I mentally let the job go and recommend them calling someone else.
That ends these situations. Sometimes, if I screw up I don't charge or ask for $20 for gas and spending the time to try and fix the problem. I'm not a beginner and I have had a good track record for 45 years which I intend to keep.
i hate those type of people, and iv had a few that didn't want to pay for a part after agreeing on price. back n forth. sometimes you just gotta walk away, iv taken my part back off before and put the old one back on and said ok go call someone else.
Some people!!! Our company always gets us to sign for work authorization befpre we start a diagnostic. " mam before I start with the diagnostic call it will be 99 dollars, i need you to sign here so I can start"
Yep the good old days of being able trust people are gone.
Good idea. Probably language in there about liability too. All contracts can be torn to shreds in court but it is better to have than nothing at all!
@@Guillotines_For_Globalists Always get a signature incase you take them to court or get a lien on the house.
yep, get agreement in writing, then the client can't say it was unclear and you won't have to say 'I just assumed that they understood...'
Send them a bill in the mail for $95 for the service call showing time in, time out, procedure performed, and diagnosis. You've got nothing to lose from sending them a bill. If they don't pay, them consider turning them over to a collection agency. You don't have to sue to get some satisfaction. Create a paper trail protecting yourself. What if they claim you damaged their unit? Plus, who knows, maybe the husband, not the wife, pays the bills in the family, and he will pay your bill. Sorry you have to go through the hassle of it all.
Great advice.
There is an acronym for this type of customer: C cant U understand N normal T thinking
This is exactly why i dont own my own company. You should've pulled her disconnect and put a lock on it. Here in baton rouge when we see that it means they owe another ac company money
I lock my disconnect so it doesn't get stolen or monkeyed with. But if someone locked mine I'd have the lock cut in 30 seconds.
Clip a wire on the transformer before you leave! Let her sweat and think about it.
You could always loosen the Schrader cores. Just enough that it would take a couple of days before the Condenser stopped working
@@scottfrench3354 Oh yeah...I left some tools by the condenser then I'll be on my way! LOL
Jjjaaa you can't have a company payaso
had to call the cops on a guy because an install took to long and he wanted a discount...refused to pay full price.. called cops in front of his kids and wife. then cop said pay or threatened jail. he paid in full. lol
Patrick S you got lucky Iv called the cops and was told to settle it in court. Would of cost me more than the call so I ended up eating it. However, mine was not a install.
in canada, police do not get involved. where did it happen
@@marknasri3490 , the police don't get involved in the US either, it's a civil matter.
@@chrisfoxwell4128 depends on what state you live in. Might be considered theft in some states.
When you arrive on site with parts collect payment or collect it before hand
I'm in a different service business but non-payment can still present a problem. What I discovered works is explaining charges to the customer BEFORE starting any work. And then having them sign a written statement detailing what I just told them verbally. I charge an hour for the call out and a minimum of one hour for the diagnosis. That is clearly explained to new customers and without exception explained again when I arrive. The signature is critical BEFORE work is started. And I still get paid if they decide not to have me do the repair. After all, it's the diagnosis that takes most of the time, experience and knowledge. A monkey can replace a part. I want to make sure I get paid for my knowledge and experience.
You never forget the ones that owe you money.
You know that woman has no idea what your fieldpiece diagnostic equipment cost. You show up as professional as anybody could
want, just to be treated like that. GOD sees everything. Your peaceful demeanor about it, will bring you blessings soon.
black list their names. that's what we have done with hundreds of customers in my area.
now they have to pay up front for any service .
tomcat27557 That's the truth we use a digital program where all the techs have a ipad and any time a call like this comes in where we have had trouble with a customer in the past it throws a red flag
that's great we did it on a web page.
walk off with the disconnect
or just cut one of the control wires. I have been the guy many times on a service call to find just that part missing.
got to let the customer know up front there will be a service call charge. I even quit giving free estimates on installs cause the customer would just show it to the next co. to give one and they would under cut you by 50.00 and get the job. not worth the time.
+tomcat27557 sad but true...
Customers are your best friends until it’s time to pay!
Me and my father run a refrigeration company. Anytime a customer doesn't wanna pay I get my tools back out and start to take the part back off. Works every time.
i would have hooked up my manifold and bled the high side liquid into my recovery tank until it stopped going in on compressor power. f that b
If they don’t pay , my snips are gonna accidentally snip the low voltage outside 🤣
Everyone in the business has had this happen to them. If it wasn't a homeowner, it was a shifty general contractor...who conveniently goes bankrupt before it's your turn to get paid. Cash up-front is the only way to deal with them.
LEO ASHRAE Or they will always owe you just enough to keep you coming out to the next job. Pricks they are
I wont work for contractors. If they call asking if I would be intrestested in a house build, I say "sure, do you have the homeowners number, Makes it easier for you." That usually ends the conversation.
I gave the money back to this couple so they won't bother me anymore. I called companies around to warn them about them. we have to share info about "special people"
1martinontherocks
That's a great idea. Maybe someone can start a deadbeat list that all RHVAC technicians can add to as the opportunity presents itself. It may prove interesting.
We have all been stung at one time or another, you got to expect it occasionally.
@@TheLenaweeTrekker call it the real Blacklist.😂
The Lenawee Trekker There are some customers you just don’t want to sell a new unit to either. They will be calling in every week with there made up crap. And eat up any profits. It’s rare but they are out there for sure.
Thanks for sharing, hope you get pay for this job. Thanks John.
Hi John I'm the guy that sent you a text about your opinion on which system I should go with Rheem or Goodman system yesterday.
I know what you mean with customers wanting your time/experience for nothing I own a swimming pool company and we do the same Free estimates on equip. replacement but not on diagnostics It's hard not to get pissed off but you doing the right thing and laughing about it. I need to learn to do that more.
Thanks for the video
FYI , our service reports have to be signed before do any work that sows estimate and cost and then again after jobs done. But when ever I have a non pay I get in my truck like I'm leaving, when they go in I losen the schrader valve. I have repoed a pack unit.
Been there, now I always tell them it’s $85 to pull in the driveway. Can usually tell when you’ve got a deadbeat on the phone, then I pass on those.
As a plumber people do that stuff to me I cut open a ceiling found a leak guy wanted a price even though I said it was time and material . He got me for the hour of labor that he wouldn't pay and it is that much easier for the next guy . Some times I will mail the bill with a note saying invoices paid after 30 day are subject to penalty . It's funny the same people that do that to you will think nothing of calling you back again and won't understand when you don't want to come back
"Pump it down and replace TXV with a piston, best way to fix it" - way to go bro, especially if 13HPX-036-230 is a heat pump unit.
13HPX = (HP) = Heat pump.
Heat pumps should always use TXVs.
I started out working for a shop doing service calls and learned very quickly that I didn't like it because of customers like this. I now work for a non profit maintaining there equipment I have 10 buildings keeps me busy, I love it.
We use FieldEdge, paperless, dispatcher gets email address, I do up the work order with model serial numbers pressures temps, invoice the diagnostic, if they don’t want to pay
I love these videos, being a service tech here in Southwest Florida we deal with a lot of customers that are just like this.
@Ray Trammell They must be democrats!
Customers like this always give clues over the phone.
You have to get one of those smartphone or tablet credit card scanners -- and ask for the service call payment up front when you show up to a service call. And then ask for more payments as you are fixing the unit -- like refrigerant.
That is why I record every call that comes in to my cell. For those that will say recording is illega not in the state of AZ as long as one person engaged in the conversation knows they are being recorded and that's me.
Larry Cole wrong. Notified the authorities on you
www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/recording-phone-calls-and-conversations - he is part of the party so he can record in AZ without any consent.
cosmophonic12 you are a idiot, he is good to go
how do record on a cell phone?
@@ronpossick I use an app called" call recorder" I can send the recording by email or send it by text. I've had customers accuse me of treating them wrong on the phone and not telling them the correct price and soon as I say alright let's play back the conversation let's see, that's when they back up. I love it
Sometimes I wish I had a body camera, its coming to that unfortunately, people be crazy and unpredictable anymore 😱
Great attitude man. You win some, you lose some. It's funny how great a good customer can be, but how awful a bad customer can be. Can't let it get you down, and keep working. Thanks. Hope you are doing ok during and after Harvey.
Problem is, in my area, they send out a hired goon who breaks more than he fixes. An air conditioner only has so many parts to fix. It's like mechanics, for every one good one, there are tweenty more that just want to take your money ! It makes you all look bad. That's why you have to do your job 100% better than the next guy. A print out of the basic test with all of the "math" on it and the actual work done would show that you "earned" your money and didn't just "look" at it. It sucks that you would even have to explain that you can't just "look" and give an educated guess and that you have to actually perform physical task. I guess that part of your job will now be public realations so that you can explain all of that up front to the customer on the job site. Another hour. lol
Thanks for the video! Guess try to limit how much you do or how far you go when working for someone you don't know well in case you don't get payment. Maybe just have to be more upfront about cost on arrival.This is how it goes sometimes. What about having them sign an acceptance aggreement to the terms? Atleast just for those new customers? Let us know if they ever do call you back. Id probably pass back by for a "Courtesy" follow up if its not too far of a drive.
Nobody wants that kind of customer. Better to cut your losses. Lifes too short to deal with People like that.
ProCoil AC KS sve7d897z976-z
Have sign them right at door before your put a foot inside. Also have them initial for any repairs before start the work. Nice video John real life of HVAC technicians
Great video. Communications are tricky. As a contractor I had to learn to try and remember, before I started doing any work, to say 'if I do X, it's Y charge'. Sometimes that seems too blunt, but it's business, better than the troubles that arise from unspoken assumptions. Better yet I'd make a simple form then print it onto a paper pad, then when you're talking to the client you can dispassionately check boxes and have the client initial them to show understanding and agreement. Travel time = $w; 15 min of video chat diagnostic work = $x, 30 min = $y, 60 min =$z (maybe there's a better price for a relaxed 60 min of careful analysis vs. rushed 15 min of videochat analysis); Unrecovered testing gas = $a; Repair work = $b per hour; Common part prices are...; etc.
I have a friend in the Bay Area charges the minimum on CC before going out. Or he dose not go.
Nor-Cal Refrigeration & H.V.A.C I tried this I was loosing the good ones with the bad ones
If you've ever had Sears do any work that's exactly what they do. It's like we're the only industry where we can't get away with it.
our company doesnt charge the credit card initially, but puts a hold of $320 (minimum 2 hour service call @ 160$hr), when the bills paid, the holds removed.
That is the way we are going...its terrible but some of the areas of Philadelphia pa and chester pa and the girls in the office need to be able to tell what these ppl are probably gonna do bc when I get the email that that's where I'm going next and I call and talk I can instantly figure out what the deal is
The king has spoken 🙌 nor cal for life
Get away from her asap, knowing who not to work for is invaluable!
That’s why I completely cut out residential work. I don’t have time to play with people that don’t appreciate someone who’s trying to help them. But I will say, I wish I knew half as much as you do regarding HVAC.
As per the Lennox install manual, that unit's subcool should be between 3 and 9 degrees, depending on the indoor coil matchup. The same chart for subcool values is also in the control cover. RTFM.
Jimbodaddy74 Just get it beer can cold 😉
I woulda went back to her unit and took out the Refrigerant I put in lol, if I don't get paid for my service I'm certainly not gonna lose money for these sort of customers
Ida Called the cops quick! even for $95. She commited theft of services! did a leak test and added refrigerant and recovered. all that time spent and gas...maaannn id be pissed. she wouldnt give his number...u got scammed. I would charge for a leak test 2. she owes me $300
civil matter.. cops wont take a report... can bill her and send it to collections though, or better, just accidentally shove some mud into her condensate line... she'll call back when the compressor stops and she gets no cooling, or the water spills all over...
If he called the cops she would probably write a negative review all over the internet, on google, facebook, linkedin, yelp, etc. Typical type A scamming bit*h.
Yea man this happens I've had this a few times over the 11 years . You're spot on too they don't get it lol . Even when you have them initial the diagnostic charge before you start they act dumb . It happens bro .
Had a very hard time getting a txv for a carrier - replaced bad txv with a piston and the unit would not work properly in phase 2 of cooling. I'm spooked on swapping in pistons now.
I had a Karen once. Most customers are really happy with my work. Especially since I perform maintenances on all of our customers systems. She was having problems with airflow. System was freezing. Filters and coil were clogged. I told her she needed a maintenance. Did the maintenance and suddenly her system was going off on low pressure. After cleaning the coils, the suction dropped to low and caused the system to go into 4hr lockout. I checked pressures and found txv the issue. System wouldnt equalize it was stuck closed. Was able to free it up temporarily. Told her she needs to replace txv. Started losing her sh**.. Saying I am scamming her parts. Made her buy filters she didn't need and coil cleanings we're not necessary. Made me leave. I told my boss I will not be returning to replace the part. Sent other tech to replace part. Running good ever since. There's always a Karen if your in this business for good
Yup - I know several folks wanting something for nothing.
Then they complain when their repair goes bad.
sometimes the lesser said the better-per phone conversation. Have them sign work orders before you start, stating your price per hour.
I think most customers understand that there is a service call me even without repairs been done, because it's not free for you to go spend an hour diagnosing a unit. There is the hour and ofcourse gas etc.
Her poor husband
Sure he is the same way.
That might be one of them units with the Copeland compressor rust inhibitor issue the way it Acts. Bad thing about that one is the next guy will come behind you and accuse you of over Charing it and not knowing what you where doing. It takes all kinds i guess.
The bulletin is out for trane units
Brother that sucks. It sucks there are these type of people in this world. Thanx for the video man!
i had an incident with a customer the other day,i came out to his house his blower motor was not running, turns out it was a bad motor and by the way he was one of those customers that is watching every freaking move you make he was in the attic with me the whole time breathing in my neck, after i told him i would come back next day to install the new motor because it was sunday night and i didn't have the right motor with me he said it was fine.
The next day i brought the motor went in the attic and started working on it he was there with me watching and i notice he had this attitude like he was mad for some reason, out of the blue he started yelling at me he said he was not stupid that his motor was good and i put the wrong capacitor on it, at this point I'm getting mad too he was calling me a liar and yelling then he told me to pick up my tools and to get my motor(the new motor i had just put in) and go home. i was almost done installing the damn motor i got real mad i had to get off that attic i felt like kicking his bipolar ass but i walked off. he followed me to my truck talking shit and i thank god i didn't punch him in the face because i was this close.. so anyways i told him he can keep the motor i had to leave or i was going to loose control and harm this guy..im pretty sure he is bipolar or something. in my 10 years on the feel i never had a problem with a customer.
Have had those customers. Or you diagnose the issue and give them a cost to repair and they bail, and they end up calling their buddy to fix it. Can't tell you how many times I've been back to fix their "buddies" mess. Oh well, the world we live in. Worst is doing a heatload calc on the house, they get the info as you go over the new install and they end up using that info to hire the cheaper guy. That doesn't happen anymore either. The ones that get mad when u don't hand them that info, I've learned are the bid shoppers. Good vid!
John Frank - People do that to me all the time. I’ve started to try and be as vague as possible with what I write up so I’m not giving some hack a game plan.
If you charge them for the heat load, the report belongs to them. That is a service in itself I would think.
Having the client sign a pre written invoice with the details of the job and the price will solve that problem. The first thing I do is get a signature approving the service fee of x# dollars waived with repairs. I call it an authorizing signature . I do this process again after system eval,with new price update to repair/replace. Never lose again!
Do you have time to answer a couple questions regarding the Fieldpiece gauge sets???
Just want to make sure I get what I need nothing more nothing less.
Thanks
if you are ever in the area one late night stop by and take her disconnect out lol
Been there done that bro. I usually just pull out what I put in and leave it back in not working order.
Never pull the gauges until they pay.
I've been using a flir E8 for refrigerant leaks....works great about $1000 bucks...( also building envelope-breaker-fuses-loads etc)
@Uber Nerd
Thermal detection cameras detect heat patterns. When termites invade buildings, they emit heat and only a thermal imaging camera can isolate the problem so it can be fixed.
I hate it when they do that. And your right. Nothing you could have said would have made a difference
Never get too specific on the part needed or remedy. "Repair" costs this much, so you have a CC # and want to proceed...?
opps how did that disconnect plug fall out
lol
Take blue wire nut off thermostat wire in condenser. Snip such wire. Put blue wire nut back on. Less obvious.......lol
this women I'm sure, does it to everyone. shes the kind that goes to a restaurant orders her food eats it, calls the manager over and says it gave her gas so she does not have to pay the bill.
Same thing happens in my state in New Jersey. My state even reinforce its theft of service law but to no avail the Karen's Prevail and the judges will not make them pay. The rule in my state is the women have to be believed.
But you can bet if you owed fines you would be threatened with jail time.
Thanks appreciate the wisdom, and that lady sucks big time for not keeping up with her end of the bargain. Better to cut her loose now and not end up in court in the future. About the metering device had no idea a TXV system could be converted to piston type metering device.
Yup in Canada what ever is brought onto property is now owned by customer paid or not
i own and manage a few apartment buildings and i do 90% of the maintenance...nothing pisses me off more than first of the month and someone does not have the rent..i explain to them how i show up right away when they need repairs..i expect rent to be on time as well. if your going to be late call or email week ahead of time and let me know...i know money can get tight.
it´s even worse not paying an AC call .. because you don´t need AC to survive, it´s luxury...wait till you have the money... till when open the windows and sweat
the ones I always remember are doing a pm on a unit and then the people saying bill me and I would say no I did the work pay me now. I would say go to walmart or public and get some food and tell them to bill you. they would say its not the same they did not like it but they paid.
If the TXV Sensing bulb has lost its charge or some. You can always stick the sucker in hot water and recheck your numbers.
410a wasn't quoted before putting it in? I always quote everything after diagnosis is complete and reiterate the diagnosis fee with the cost of repairs. This way this is no question on what they owe me. With situations like this where you could possibly need an expansion valve, I get paid for today and they can call me back if it still isn't working right and notate on my invoice on the first trip that the system could possibly need an expansion valve.
Ask how they expect to pay when takeing the call, and note on invoice. Not that i care the method, but it reminds them that they do have to pay. Also gives you an opening to say "mam, you said on the phone you were going to pay by visa, and now you say its supposed to be free? Why do you think i asked for method of payment" Work for me. Rarely have issues. Also helps when doing cash call, and after estimate and work they say "oh this is under warranty" well, not from my company, and you said on the phone you would pay by check etc.
There is a recall on sman fieldpiece 360 460 . When hung on unit or disconnect box or anything grounded they will give a 20 lb higher pressure readings . When hand held they will give accurate readings.
Brian Ellsworth recall is for temp readings, not pressure.
You're right
Dear Valued TruTech Customer,
Fieldpiece discovered a faulty component in SMAN460's, SMAN340's, and SMAN360's shipped from late March through May that causes incorrect pipe temperature readings when the manifold is grounded (for example when hung on the condensing unit). Technicians will typically observe 20 degrees higher readings than actual on suction line temperature.
If the manifold is not grounded (for example when held by the technician and not touching metal, or hung on something that is not grounded) technicians will see normal readings.
To ensure our customers have only the highest quality tools in their hands, Fieldpiece will replace any manifold with serial numbers between these ranges:
SMAN460 1701xxxx - 1706xxxx
SMAN340/360 1703xxxx - 1706xxxx
Sorry to hear.
Thanks for the warning.
I will ask a belligerent customer, "Please trade places with me for a minute. Would you come out with a truck full of expensive equipment and spend your time working for FREE?
C'MON!
By Lennox if you taking SC by ACU Its okay to be between 8-28 degree
Havecustomer initial a statement stating your diagnostic fee and if they refuse then walk if they initial they are binded by contract to pay
I knew it was the TXV as soon as you said Lennox Lol
If the question is Lennox, the answer is always apparently TXV.
File a lien on the property. If the house goes into escrow, you'll get your money. The customer needs to sign a work order before you start and all the information about charging is on that form.
You can usually tell if the customer doesn't have money.....If they complain alot that is a sure sign. As soon as you get the inkling walk away and make it some one else's problem.
You should have never mentioned the dreaded "F" word(free). After the customer heard it that'sall they focused on
There's a Recording App on IPhone that records your conversation, that way you would have proof of the conversation, that you told that lady about a "Free" estimate. These Home Owners always want something for nothing.
I tell customers a required one hour prepay via PayPal. And if I can’t make it, I’ll easily return payment same way.
For sure a TXV look at the way the liquid line is fluctuating about 15 psi
Should’ve took the disconnect with you hah!!
Sorry to hear my Refer Brother! Do people actually think we can go around all day giving out free diagnostic services? How could you make a living? I once had a customer when I worked out in Las Vegas bring out his shot gun because he didn't want to pay for the service call. I just stuck a note in the control panel for the next refer guy, shook my head and moved on.
Yea I hate when customers pull that shit off. How do you properly size a piston to a TXV? Especially one that has an external equalizer line?
Record your conversations. Even if you didn’t get a recording or if it’s technically Illegal, just offering to play a recording back for them will usually resolve the problem.
Everyone just for a tip there is an app you can record every call that's going out and coming in. Look in the apple store and android store
Well you should have actually tested the TXV prior to entering any refrigerant.
And always explain the fee before you start the work
People due understand completely what you mean. Many people play dumb and try to get free sevices.
How nasty were the coils? Dirty condenser can make high head pressure or if the evap is impacted and nasty it throws all that off
That is for sure!! Amen
Well first of all I don’t think it was low at all! Look at v-sat originally it was at 42 degrees, little high for my standards. I like 38-40 with a txv you should charge by sub cooling 10-15 degrees. The customer will be happy with the results
It’s so close to being ok, I think it may just need a little better air flow, I would of tried a thin filter and a condenser washing..😳
You gauged up and added gass beforr even looking at the indoor coil?
Gotta cover your time, I've got a short blacklist but you better believe I have one! She'll do it to the next guy and eventually NO ONE with work for her.
The diagnostic fee always applies. You just got beat for a service call the word free should never come out of your mouth ever in conjunction with your trade.
Man those I hate that’s the hell of working for yourself you are the one to takes the hit . However, you can make it up between other calls that’s what I do.
Those people are everywhere.