I recently remodeled my home and needed a permit to get the gas turned on. A mutual friend introduced my Dad to JB a plumber for Kent's plumbing. Upon arrival JB informed me that the company charges 3 to 3.5 hrs for the gas test at $175/hr. I responded, "Ok, if that's what the company charges then that's just what I'll have to pay." After completing the inspection, he notified me that there were some leaks that needed to be repaired and that he could repair them at the rate of $175/hr. He climbed into the attic and in 2.5 hrs repaired 4 leaks that he identified and stated that it would be a charge of 3 additional hours added with the original 3.5 hrs. After the house passed the city's inspection, JB contacted me for payment. I asked him if I could pay with my debit card over the phone or whether I needed to pay in person. He responded that it would cost an extra 10% if I used my debit card. I responded that I was fine with paying the extra 10%. Then he responded that he didn't have it written up through the company, and that it would cost more if he went through the company. I responded that the only reason I agreed to the $175/hr was because he said that was what the company charges. He responded that the company would charge $225/hr. I realized then that he just really wanted me to pay him in cash. I told him I'd call him back, and I called the company and learned that they only charge $150/hr. This plumber was trying to be paid cash under the table while charging more than the company charges. After our conversation JB didn't contact me anymore. He contacted my Dad for payment because he knew I wasn't going to pay him in cash, and he also dropped the charges to $1000 which is $154/hr and more in line with what the company charges. My dad paid him partially in cash and partially with a personal check written out to JB with the company name written in the memo part, but requested that JB provide him with a receipt of service. JB began feeling nervous about what he was doing and finally involved the company. I am not aware of what JB told the company, but the company issued my Dad a receipt for the $1000 in case there were issues with the gas repairs. The company also notified my Dad that we could never use the company's services again. I found that both insulting and rather funny because after this type of customer service, we never intended to use the company again. read more