Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Do I pay call out fee if problem not fixed?

33 replies

bobbycock79 · 16/01/2024 18:49

More of a WWYD. Boiler has packed up, no heating for 2 days and engineers like hens teeth. Found one today willing to come around and "have a look" at the end of his day. Very nice guy, tried a few things, but ultimately couldn't fix it. He was here for about 35 mins. As he was leaving I asked him what do I owe for call out and he looked embarrassed and said " I don't know, I didn't fix the problem so you decide". Now I feel awkward, I have no idea what to pay or what the etiquette is. Any suggestions of a fair amount would be gratefully received. I'm not on the breadline but like everyone having to be careful and a no doubt big bill coming up. I'm also panicking a bit as it's obviously freezing and I have 3 young kids with no heating, thankfully we do have hot water with immersion .

OP posts:
Technonan · 16/01/2024 19:31

He's given you his time and he should be paid for it. Annoying he's being so vague though.

RandomUsernameHere · 16/01/2024 19:29

I would expect to pay the call out fee. It's a bit annoying that he was so vague though, personally I'd rather just be told how much I owed!

LIZS · 16/01/2024 19:25

Is he coming back, ordering a part? I would expect to pay a call out as a minimum.

bobbycock79 · 16/01/2024 19:25

thanks for replies. He said we'd need an engineer specific for our (old) boiler and so no, he's not coming back to do anything else.
I am ringing the emergency home insurance in the morning (phonelines close at 5.30pm I's assume emergency might have been 24 hrs) to see what they say. I guess we'll all be in bed like the grandparents in Charlie and the choc factory this evening.

OP posts:
ronoi · 16/01/2024 19:24

What happened next? He left? Did he leave payment information?

I wouldn't pay him anything but I need people to be absolutely clear with me about these things.

He is a professional and should have rates accordingly.

NoTouch · 16/01/2024 19:18

If he couldn't fix it there and then what is he doing? ordering parts?

I would pay the call out fee if it was leading to him taking further actions to get it fixed for you. Maybe getting parts and coming back tomorrow morning for example.

If he just walked away saying he had no idea what was wrong with it and left me to find someone who knew what they were doing he would get nothing.

Regretsandregrets · 16/01/2024 19:02

£40??
Depends on what the call out rates are in your area.

Wictc · 16/01/2024 18:59

Yes, the call out fee is just for that.

Swipe left for the next trending thread