Hi OzB,
I'm just wondering what we all think of plumbers? I'm sure at some point or another, we have all heard about someones story who had a nightmare of a time dealing with one, but I'd like to know about the positive ones too. Reviews online for this trade are very hit and miss. These guys supposedly make more than doctors, and I am wondering if anyone cares to share their experiences whether it be good or bad, or even unsure about what experience they received but seek feedback. I am happy to answer anyone's questions.
Disclosure: Both my father and brother are self employed plumbers, and I have worked in some way or another linked to the industry over the past 8 years, however, I am not a trade qualified one myself and do personally believe they sometimes can be on the expensive side. Fire away!
90% have been bad experiences. Why? Plumbers are universal leaders in "drip pricing", especially now that airlines, ticketek and ticketmaster have faced the ACCC.
Other than one almost-retired plumber we had, every random plumber would dish out surprise charges AFTER the job was done.
40 minutes after ringing the doorbell:
Plumber: "And that'll be $250 as quoted…"
Grandma (thinking): "Hmmm, not cheap but guess it's a crappy job…"
Plumber: "…plus $550 for use of the water jetter."
Using Google, I've discovered one other industry that charges that much but at least their prices are upfront (NSFW): http://www.thegoldenapple.com.au/rates/