Don't do business with these guys! I bought a used washer off of CL and decided to have it looked…read moreat because the machine vibrated a little more than usual during the spin cycle and the washer tub tilted slightly to one side. Even though I am a woman, I have experience making small appliance repairs, but in this instance, I thought it would be best to have an "expert" take a look this time.
When I first brought the washer in to REC, the repairman advised me the front washer's legs and clutch needed to be replaced and one of the plastic skid plates had fallen/worn off. And since the machine was a bit dirty inside the tub (calcium deposits and laundry soap scum), he said he would clean it all up too! He quoted me $50/for looking at it, $50/for a clutch, $45/labor and no charge for the skid plate and cleaning; for a total of $145.
Two days later I received a call from a second REC repairman stating he was taking over the job and wanted to know what I needed done to the machine. I went over repairman #1's recommendations with him, but also let him know I really didn't think the clutch was bad. He agreed, and said he would make sure there weren't other issues causing the vibration.
Four days later I drove over to pick up the washer. The manager informed me there was a third repairman working on my machine and that it wasn't ready to be picked up. I didn't think much of it and said to call me when it was ready. As I started to leave, the third repairman appeared and said the machine was fixed and ready to go. He said the only repair needed was the skid plate replacement. He charged me $50 for looking at it, $45/labor, and $20/for the skid plate; totaling $115.
After paying, I questioned repairman #3 about the vibration and why he didn't replace the legs, he stated emphatically:"All machines with agitators vibrate and there's nothing you can do about it!"..."and we don't have any replacement legs." What the what? An appliance repair shop that doesn't carry common parts???
In response to his arrogance, I stated "the machine vibrated much more than normal; like it shook the entire house." Impatiently, he retorted; "listen, these types of machines vibrate and there's nothin' you can do about it!" Then, I asked if he at least had a spare leg pin for the front leg since it was missing. He looked around the shop, but couldn't locate one. Instead he improvised and inserted a cotter pin and said that should do it. When I questioned him about the safety and longevity of using a cotter pin, he became frustrated and looked at me like I was some dumb women who didn't know what she was talking about. Then I asked if he cleaned the inside of the machine. He said, "ya, of course I did"..but he was untruthful because the filth was visible.
As you can guess, I felt cheated and insulted. After loading the machine, I quickly made my exit...NEVER to return. FYI the skid plates are actually called washer base pads or wear pads, which Sears sells for $14 for a set of three and the legs cost $5.00 for a set of two; including the pins.
Update: I forgot to add they lost the washing machine fill hoses and didn't offer to replace.
