Oh, where to begin.
After noticing a couple fleas on one of my dogs I did not hesitate to look up an exterminator for my home - I'm 8 months pregnant, this is no time to full around with an infestation! Terminix, thats a reputable company right? Called the 1-800 number, made an appointment for the next day. The scheduler advised that they would spray all floors and baseboards as well as the outside perimeter of my home for $249. Following this conversation I immediately made boarding reservations and flea treatment arrangements for my three pets as well as hotel accommodations for me per instructions from my midwife. Then I recieve a phone call from 'Scott'. He asked if he could move my service to the day after the scheduled date. I explained that that would not be possible because i had already made arrangements and I needed service ASAP - however, I was flexible with the timeframe, any time would do. After a long sigh he said a technician would be here between 11a-1p on the date originally scheduled.
No call, no show. Calling him was of no use - no answer. So, I call the 1-800 number. They were able to contact him eventually - he calls me and apologizes for the mistake. He will credit my bill $100 and someone will show up the following morning between 8a - 10a. At this point I called every exterminator in the area trying to get same day service with no luck (its already 2p in the afternoon).... I'm stuck. No choice but to pay an additional night of boarding, schedule another hotel stay.
'Patrick' shows up at 8:15ish. Walks thru the house with me and returns to his truck to get his sprayer back pack. I sit in the driveway waiting for him to finish. I remind him of the $100 credit, he states he is aware and will mention it to his supervisor once he gets to his truck and calls in to report that he has finished the job. I continue to sit in my car waiting for some sort of invoice, he drives away..... No opportunity to confirm the price or ask why the perimeter was not treated.
The next day I recieve an emailed invoice that lists a service provider's name of 'John' and a supervisor's name of 'David' (hence all the quotation marks). Odd, right? Who are these people? Further, services rendered do NOT mention spraying outside the house. No price listed either. 'Unavailable' is listed where my signature should be listed, 'John's' signature is signed as the service provider...... Ok, this seems shady - certainly not professional.
Well, as you can guess I recieve a bill over that weekend for the full amount of $269.30.
I call the local office number, 'Scott's' cell, and 'Patrick's' cell - no answer no call back (my spouse also tried to contact all three). So once again the 1-800 number. After speaking to two billing reps and two liaison reps I am told:
- I refused the one time offer of $100 credit
- The supervisor and technician probably use nicknames ( ha, really?... )
- I will have to wait 24 to 48 hours for the billing department to send an email asking about the credit and incomplete service
Surprise, surprise - no call back. I contact the 1-800 number once again after two days, mind you the bill is due in 5 days. Transfer, transfer, I reach another liaison who just applies the credit. Obviously they received no correspondence either. So, what about the incomplete service? Why am i still seeing a flea or two when the treatment 'expires' the next day? I am given corporate's number for complaints. Now we are getting somewhere, right? WRONG!
The lady I speak with is way less professional than the billing reps! She continuously speaks over me and then asks why I am calling, what do I want? Really??? I would like for you to hear me speak, tell me why I am paying for service that wasn't fully rendered! She tried to say just because I didn't see 'Patrick/John' (???) spray the outside that doesn't mean he didn't prior to me answering the door.... Really, lady? I watched him suit up after we spoke with the pack. Further, IT WASN'T LISTED AS PERFORMED ON YOUR INVOICE. Finally she said she will have to contact 'Scott' and see if he is willing to take more off the bill..... Oh the elusive 'Scott/David'... Needless to say I am not expecting any more correspondence.
Folks, this is a true story - happened in upstate New York, however I will NEVER use Terminix no matter where I live. Save yourself the headache - call a 'mom and pop' company or do it yourself. read more