Household Bait & Switch
Bait and Switch has many variations. Some service franchise companies use this technique to get you to sign an annual contract, then they inform you that what you have is bare minimum and will not satisfy your needs. Since they already have you under contract, their new sales pitch is worded so you think you are getting something special.
Lawn care companies promise to do monthly fertilization, using chemicals specifically formulated for your needs. Each month they alter what they use to attack early spring weeds, long-term problems, and even provide special pre-winter care. What they do not offer, and charge extra for includes grub control, shrub and tree fertilization, and dethatching. They push you to have these services. Their service is usually only for limited lawn space. To do your entire yard may double the advertised cost.
I have a personal problem with these services. My yard consists of half lawn and half flower and shrub areas. I once tried a lawn care service that promised that their technique would do no harm to my plants, yet the serviceman destroyed an area of pachysandra, a mugu pine, and some hosta. When I complained they said there was nothing they could do.
Pest control companies also offer annual contracts, but they rarely cover everything. There are many established and documented scams involved in insect control, such as finding evidence of infestation without finding any insects (because the insects are under your foundation or inside the wood), using improper or short-lasting chemicals, or even dropping insect pests from bottles and then showing you that you need extra service.
The South Carolina Consumer Affairs Bureau handles a large number of complaints against pest control companies. Their web site has this warning, “Pest control fraud is prevalent in areas where you are more likely to have problems with insects. This con game usually takes the form of a termite inspector who appears and informs you that termites have infested your home and if you contract for his services today, you will receive a discount. Always avoid such pressures. It is extremely doubtful that your house will start tumbling down around your ears that very day. Besides not applying pesticides properly, the pest control con artist may not use a recognized or effective pesticide. As a matter-of-fact, they may apply nothing but some chemically smelling liquid. Don't deal with door-to-door pest control operators. If you need their services check the yellow pages, call them and ask for an estimate based on your needs.”
You can have problems with companies that service inside the house as well. National carpet installation services offer low prices and quick installation. They, though, may attempt to get you to purchase better quality, explaining that the one on sale is not good for your situation, and charge extra for the under pads. The same can apply to companies that install or refurbish cabinets, wallpaper, or do household cleaning.
Bathroom refinishing companies have been cited many times for bait and switch, poor material, and refusal to stand by warrantees. Here is one example from the Internet consumer organization, CTV: “On May 31, 2006 {company} reglazed my bathtub, at a cost of $175.00, giving me a 5 year guarantee. It is now September 29, 2007, and the bathtub finish is peeling. I called the company, speaking to Will and was told to call him the next week and he would make an appointment to come and repair it. I phoned 4 times in the past two weeks and he has an answering machine, so I left a message. He is never in to take my call and he never returns my call.”
By the way, several companies offer spray-on bathroom refinishing kits for old and worn baths and showers. Attorney generals in several states have filed suits against a few stating that the products are short lasting and nearly useless. It is often less expensive to have a contractor install a new bathtub than to refinish an old one.
One thing to watch for in bathroom remodeling, especially for seniors and those with medical problems, are the advertisements for improved units where no price is listed. Once the salesperson is in your home, you are subject to both bait and switch and high pressure sales pitches for products that cost many times their value.
Window remodeling also attracts bait and switch tactics. The low advertised prices might be for poor quality windows that do not meet the building code in your area. The sizes offered may be irregular, and to fit your windows there is an additional fee. The salesperson may talk you into including features that you do not need.
Home alarm companies so overuse bait and switch that they need an entire section to themselves.
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1 comment:
Argh! Years ago we bought carpet from what we thought was a reputable company. The installers came and put down PIECES of carpet instead of one large rug. I called the company and insisted that I had not paid for PIECES of carpet but the entire rug in ONE piece. They claimed that the INSTALLERS were the ones who decided to put in pieces. We never bought anything from that company again and reported them to the BBB.
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