Electrican let me down,do I still have to pay call out fee?
This morning I booked a electrican to fix a ceiling light for me.I booked him for 4pm,I booked this time because I had to leave home at 6pm so I thought Id have plenty of time.
They didnt arrive at 4pm but at 5pm they rang me to say they would be late, he said it was due to traffic and he was still around 15 miles away.I told him I have to leave for at 6pm.He said he would call tomorrow instead but I told him that wouldnt be good for me so I wished to cancel.
He told me to ring their offices which I did,however I was told in no uncertain terms that I would still have to pay the £50 call out fee because I have cancelled it..I told him I wouldnt and he was very angry and quite intimidating to me,in the end I ended the call.
He has now rang me 15 times but I havent answered and I feel very worried by the calls because I live on my own and am a oap.
Am I best to just pay it if he comes to my door???,
He didnt take any bank details when I rang him this morning.
Advice from 6 local tradespeople
It's unfortunate that you're facing this situation. You're not obligated to pay a call-out fee if the electrician didn't provide the agreed-upon service. If you're concerned about the persistent calls and feel uneasy, consider seeking advice from local authorities or a consumer protection agency. It's crucial to prioritise your safety and well-being.
No you don’t have to pay any Callout fee if the engineer didn’t even arrive at the property in the right time frame you requested.
I would expect a call-out fee to be a component of the whole job; I wouldn't expect it to be paid if no work was carried out.
Otherwise where do you draw the line? If they simply choose not to do the work because they don't want to, should the customer pay? Or if they get lost on the way and never turn up?
If he was to turn up at the door please say no you aren't paying as they didn't fulfill there side of the verbal contract and didn't call before Ur arranged time to suit Ur time scales
No as it was specified in the beginning.
If the electrician was late and you canceled the appointment, it's generally unreasonable for them to charge a call-out fee. However, the terms of the service agreement or any verbal agreement made can affect this.
Given the situation, it's essential to prioritise your safety. You should not feel intimidated or threatened by any service provider.
1. Contact the Company: Call the company's main office and explain the situation calmly. Let them know about the late arrival and your cancellation due to your schedule.
2. Document Everything: Keep a record of all calls and interactions. If the calls continue and feel harassing, consider reporting them.
3. Seek Advice: Contact a local consumer rights organization or a legal advisor to understand your rights in this situation.
4. Stay Safe: If you feel threatened, do not hesitate to contact local authorities for assistance.
Your safety and peace of mind are paramount.
