WARNING - CONSUMER ALERT !!!!
CLARKE Heating and Cooling engages in "Deceptive business practices" ie hidden fees.
More specifically Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Section 5 of the FTC Act, which bans unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce.
John Clarke aka CLARKE Heating and Cooling did not disclose there would be a 200 to 300 dollar charge for an inspection of my AC unit. After looking at my AC unit for approx. 20 minutes, Mr. Clarke demanded 200 dollars as an "diagnostic fee". This was a surprise to us, as we were not informed of these costs. John Clarke never stated there was any "diagnostic fees" on the phone prior to coming out.
John Clarke stated he would not leave the property until he was paid.
John Clarke's deceptive practice continued. Either we pay him the 200 dollars immediately, or we pay him 300 dollars more to temporarily fix the issue. Since we are in the middle of a heat wave, and the safety of minors is a concern, we felt backed into the corner and paid him the 500 dollars total for a "temporary fix". He knew we didn't want to loose the 200, and we were already "in the hole" with him.
Evidence of the above have been made available online i.e. payment etc.
Other then the above outlined violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act, in layman's terms does charging a family 500 dollars (for less then an hours work) for a temporary fix sound fair?
FACTS
CLARKE Heating and Cooling charges UNDISCLOSED "diagnostic fees" Of 200 to 300 dollars. 200 for Corona residents, and 300 for Orange County residents.
CLARKE Heating and Cooling Violates Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Section 5 of the FTC Act, which bans unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce.
John Clarke aka CLARKE Heating and Cooling charged my family nearly 500 dollars for less than 1 hour of work.
also note the BBB F rating. read more