I purchased a porcelain light socket for a light fixture repair. It was a part I hadn't seen at any of the big box stores or the local hardware store. I was told the price was $15 which I thought was very expensive for the part and commented on that to the owner. He told me that is what the part cost because it was a Leviton part and not the cheap Chinese stuff that gets dumped on the market. To save time and running around I bought the piece despite my reservation about the cost. He offered an explanation of how to replace my existing part and provided a universal adapter for fitting the fixture canopy to the ceiling box and ball nuts (parts worth $2 at no additional charge?) that he thought would be useful in my repair effort.
Later we were out looking for lampshades and came across two other sources for the same type of lamp socket. The first source, sold the identical socket for $4, the second a similar socket (a Leviton brand) for $2. Feeling annoyed that I had been sold a $2 - $4 part for $15, I decided I would buy the less expensive part and return my original purchase.
When I went back to the studio, the owner was on the phone and seemed agitated about another matter, so I apparently caught him at a bad time. Nonetheless, when he got off the phone I told him I wanted to make a return. He very abruptly demanded to know why. I told him frankly that I bought what I needed for much less. He then asked why I bought it in the first place if I knew it was too much and complained that I had taken advantage of his expertise and advice on executing the repair. After venting, he said, "Ok, I'll give you your $15", which he did indignantly. I said "thanks" and he said "you're not welcome".
The shop had beautiful stained glass and lamps and light fixtures , but if I were in the market for some high end items, I certainly would not spend $3000 dollars at this shop when the owner is willing to sell a $2 - $4 part for $15 and treat me so poorly when I asked for a refund. read more