Repairmen

I have needed a number of appliance repairs this summer. First, my washing machine started leaking water on the floor. Then my dryer needed a new belt. Then the ice maker died. The shower in the master bath started leaking constantly. And then my washing machine would not fill with clean rinse water. Now my washer and dryer are 19 years old. I am not surprised when a belt or valve to go out. What does surprise are the repair prices.

The first couple of times, I called a local appliance repair company. They sent this guy who was wild-eyed and a bit twitchy. He turned out to be very competent and worked cleanly and quickly, and I never had to look at his butt crack. But when he looked at me, I couldn't help but think I was getting the kind of tender gaze Charles Manson gave his victims. Plus, he wore a shirt that said in big letters on the back "TIPS APPRECIATED." Yeah, I'll bet they are. Trouble is, I had no money left after $175 for the washer, $150 for the dryer, and $250 for a new ice maker. The local appliance repair company charges $125 just to come to your door. I swear, I think they have Sears beat on bend-you-over pricing. I'm only 1½ miles from their shop, so it's not like they're burning a lot of $2.50/gallon gas to get here.

The plumber who came out was very nice. He had a $135 minimum just to start his van and point it in my direction. Luckily his work was covered by our home warranty so it only cost me a $50 "copay." He said it would have been close to $200. (We extended the home warranty because we are sure one or both of our A/C units will die the moment we cancel it.)

So earlier this week, when my washing machine wouldn't fill for the rinse cycle, I called Mr. "Tips Appreciated" Manson to see if we could work a deal. He'd already been out 3 times in 6 weeks, at a minimum of $125 per visit. Plus parts. Plus labor. Plus tax. No tip. I asked him if I could get a "volume discount" or some sort of price cut for being a loyal customer. After he quit laughing, he said if I mentioned their ad in the new phone book, he could take $10 off. Ten bucks!? I don't even have a new phone book yet. While I'm not too proud to ask for discounts, I'm no liar. I called another company and gave Manson-Eyes the day off.

We had just recently updated and extended the home warranty to include appliances. (doesn't cover ice makers... ask me how I know....) So I called the warranty company and they sent out a guy who answers his own cell phone, makes his own appointments, and shows up on time wearing knee pads to do the repair. My washer is now working for a copay of $50. He said the visit would have cost about $100. Still cheaper than Manson Eyes, and no guilt about not tipping. I hope I've seen the last of repairmen for awhile.