"Up Charge Electric"

[69Ludwigs]

Had a breaker switch pop off and would not reset. Looked at the websites for several local electricians. "In Charge Electric" in Leesburg was all about their many 5 star reviews. Said they give a discount to residents in The Villages.

The guy came and flipped the breaker and it worked, no need to replace it or do anything else.

Charged $144.00

Wonder how much they charge for actual work?

[retiredguy123]

I agree that you were overcharged. They obviously are not interested in making you a regular customer.

For those who don't know, when a circuit breaker trips, you need to push the switch to the "off" position and then push it to the "on" position. It is a two part process to reset the breaker.

[Dana1963]

Had a breaker switch pop off and would not reset. Looked at the websites for several local electricians. "In Charge Electric" in Leesburg was all about their many 5 star reviews. Said they give a discount to residents in The Villages.

The guy came and flipped the breaker and it worked, no need to replace it or do anything else.

Charged $144.00

Wonder how much they charge for actual work?
Consider it an educational experience on ”how too”. Now it's time to figure out why the breaker tripped.

[John41]

Had a breaker switch pop off and would not reset. Looked at the websites for several local electricians. "In Charge Electric" in Leesburg was all about their many 5 star reviews. Said they give a discount to residents in The Villages.

The guy came and flipped the breaker and it worked, no need to replace it or do anything else.

Charged $144.00

Wonder how much they charge for actual work?

To reset the breaker push it farther to the left than the tripped position then all the way to the right for the on position. That’s for breakers on the left. For breakers on the right it’s reversed (thanks to another poster for pointing out the right side is reversed)

[retiredguy123]

To reset the breaker push it farther to the left than the tripped position then all the way to the right for the on position.
Whether you push it to the left or to the right to turn it on depends on which side of the panel the breaker is located. Breakers on the right side need to be pushed to the right and then to the left to turn it on.

[photo1902]

Had a breaker switch pop off and would not reset. Looked at the websites for several local electricians. "In Charge Electric" in Leesburg was all about their many 5 star reviews. Said they give a discount to residents in The Villages.

The guy came and flipped the breaker and it worked, no need to replace it or do anything else.

Charged $144.00

Wonder how much they charge for actual work?

How much do you think a licensed electrician should charge for driving to your home and fixing the problem you made an appointment to have repaired? Like another poster indicated, chalk it up to a learning experience.

[retiredguy123]

How much do you think a licensed electrician should charge for driving to your home and fixing the problem you made an appointment to have repaired? Like another poster indicated, chalk it up to a learning experience.
I think it was a bad business decision to charge that much to a new customer who really didn't have a problem that required any work. It would have been better if the company had told the customer that the minimum charge was going to be $144 before he agreed to the visit. But, as a customer, I would have asked about the minimum charge in advance.

[perrjojo]

Lenhardt charges $95.00 for a visit. I have always been pleased with their prompt and friendly service.

[VApeople]

How much do you think a licensed electrician should charge for driving to your home and fixing the problem you made an appointment to have repaired?

Probably about $144.

[Jayhawk]

Had a breaker switch pop off and would not reset. Looked at the websites for several local electricians. "In Charge Electric" in Leesburg was all about their many 5 star reviews. Said they give a discount to residents in The Villages.

The guy came and flipped the breaker and it worked, no need to replace it or do anything else.

Charged $144.00

Wonder how much they charge for actual work?

According to their website, it shouldn't have been a surprise:

Up Front Pricing | Florida Electrician | In Charge Electric (https://www.inchargeelectric.com/pricing-financing/pricing.html)

UP FRONT PRICING

What is Up Front Pricing?
Up Front Pricing is giving an exact quote to the penny for any type of electrical repair or installation you may need. There are never hidden fees in our pricing. No surprises. We will show you the price up front, before any work is started in writing and the price will not change, guaranteed.

[npwalters]

How much do you think a licensed electrician should charge for driving to your home and fixing the problem you made an appointment to have repaired? Like another poster indicated, chalk it up to a learning experience.

much less than $144

[retiredguy123]

According to their website, it shouldn't have been a surprise:

Up Front Pricing | Florida Electrician | In Charge Electric (https://www.inchargeelectric.com/pricing-financing/pricing.html)

UP FRONT PRICING

What is Up Front Pricing?
Up Front Pricing is giving an exact quote to the penny for any type of electrical repair or installation you may need. There are never hidden fees in our pricing. No surprises. We will show you the price up front, before any work is started in writing and the price will not change, guaranteed.
Their website says a lot about up front pricing, but doesn't mention the minimum charge of $144. If the person scheduling the visit had told the customer that in advance, they may have had a satisfied customer, or at least a customer who was not surprised by the bill. Bad policy.

[Jayhawk]

Their website says a lot about up front pricing, but doesn't mention the minimum charge of $144. If the person scheduling the visit had told the customer that in advance, they may have had a satisfied customer, or at least a customer who was not surprised by the bill. Bad policy.

The OP said they looked at the website. This is on the website. Maybe it's not a bad policy but weak research.

[Neils]

How much does your Dr charge for a “check” appointment? (At his office, not at your home)
Even if no actual work is needed??

[Jim 9922]

Seems like $96 for at least an hour of travel time and $48 for knowing more about electrical switches than you do and teaching you about it. Maybe not a bad deal.

[karostay]

Unfortunately life's learning lessons come with a cost our lack of knowledge of how things work at times can be costly

[Bogie Shooter]

Google is your friend....
How to Reset a Breaker - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR05Ca4ATsI)

[walterray1]

Had a breaker switch pop off and would not reset. Looked at the websites for several local electricians. "In Charge Electric" in Leesburg was all about their many 5 star reviews. Said they give a discount to residents in The Villages.

The guy came and flipped the breaker and it worked, no need to replace it or do anything else.

Charged $144.00

Wonder how much they charge for actual work?

What will you do next when the breaker trips again? Had a similar issue with GFI in garage. I was able to reset it but it would trip again. Was tripping due to an outside electrical plug in back of our villa. We had a timer that had gotten wet and gone bad. Had electrician check every possibility until he found the culprit. We used Hayes Lighting and Electric. Was a similar cost.

[retiredguy123]

What will you do next when the breaker trips again? Had a similar issue with GFI in garage. I was able to reset it but it would trip again. Was tripping due to an outside electrical plug in back of our villa. We had a timer that had gotten wet and gone bad. Had electrician check every possibility until he found the culprit. We used Hayes Lighting and Electric. Was a similar cost.
GFI breakers are much more sensitive than a regular circuit breaker inside your electrical panel. For a regular 15 amp circuit breaker to trip, the circuit needs to be overloaded by more than 15 amps of current. So, with this type of issue, it is easier to determine what is causing the breaker to trip. Usually, unplugging an appliance, like a heater, will solve the problem.

[photo1902]

Seems like $96 for at least an hour of travel time and $48 for knowing more about electrical switches than you do and teaching you about it. Maybe not a bad deal.

Bingo!

[EdFNJ]

The fact you couldn't figure out the breaker problem isn't his fault. You should have posted here FIRST! He may have spent 10 minutes at your house but he probably spent an hour in total driving back and forth to you, plus gas, wear and tear, insurance, payroll and the possibility he could have been somewhere else making $500 for his company. High, yes, but not close to being a rip off. I called one of the "big" plumbers here who had their sticker on our water heater when we first moved in and I was told up front they charge a minimum of $109 to walk in the door which includes 30 minutes of service then an hourly charge after that of $89 billed in 30 minute increments. I have learned to ALWAYS ASK THEIR MINIMUM FEES first.

EDIT: Your guy in question here advertises "up front pricing". I have never been a fan of "UP FRONT PRICING" as it is either too high for a specific task or not "up front." I had that with Lenhart Electrician to install an extra outlet in the master bathroom which I know I could have done myself. Gave me "up front pricing" of $99 on the phone but when they got here the pricing went out the back door by 50% for all kinds of absurd reasons. Ended up paying the extra $50 which was my own stupid fault for being lazy but definitely learned my lesson. "Up front pricing" ALWAYS has fine print.

Had a breaker switch pop off and would not reset. Looked at the websites for several local electricians. "In Charge Electric" in Leesburg was all about their many 5 star reviews. Said they give a discount to residents in The Villages.

The guy came and flipped the breaker and it worked, no need to replace it or do anything else.

Charged $144.00

Wonder how much they charge for actual work?

[npwalters]

If you guys think 96 bucks is fair for an hour of travel time (plus 46 for knowledge), I'm glad I didn't need to do business with you.

This week a guy came to my home and did an annual service on my cart including oil and a filter. The bill was less than what they charged this lady.

[photo1902]

If you guys think 96 bucks is fair for an hour of travel time (plus 46 for knowledge), I'm glad I didn't need to do business with you.

This week a guy came to my home and did an annual service on my cart including oil and a filter. The bill was less than what they charged this lady.

Maybe he can handle your electrical repairs

[EdFNJ]

If you guys think 96 bucks is fair for an hour of travel time (plus 46 for knowledge), I'm glad I didn't need to do business with you.

This week a guy came to my home and did an annual service on my cart including oil and a filter. The bill was less than what they charged this lady. The difference there was that your guy was likely an individual "guy" likely working on his own or maybe with one other helper or even an "employee" in a small business who didn't have much "overhead" like 5 vehicles, maybe 5 (or more) employees, likely tens of thousands of dollars in vehicle & liability insurance and business taxes and an accountant he needed to pay a couple times a year, and on and on. Apples & oranges. I'm sure the OP could have found a "handyman" locally to do it for $20 bucks or maybe free if he first posted here or googled how to reset a breaker but he chose to hire a "professional". Your "golf cart repair guy" example doesn't compare with a licensed electrician. He also had the option to say "no thanks" when he called for the appointment. HEY, I think it's on the "high side" but not by much.

[npwalters]

Maybe he can handle your electrical repairs

I do my own, it ain't rocket science.

[arbajeda]

We use Pike's Electric. When we called for service the person we spoke with told us up front that we would incur a service charge for the tech to just show up. Did In Charge tell you this?

[photo1902]

I do my own, it ain't rocket science.

Neither is changing oil:popcorn:

[GOLFER54]

Now you see the light.

[NY2TV]

Had a breaker switch pop off and would not reset. Looked at the websites for several local electricians. "In Charge Electric" in Leesburg was all about their many 5 star reviews. Said they give a discount to residents in The Villages.

The guy came and flipped the breaker and it worked, no need to replace it or do anything else.

Charged $144.00

Wonder how much they charge for actual work?

Did you ask them on the phone about their costs? Some have a minimum charge just to walk in the door.

[Girlcopper]

I think it was a bad business decision to charge that much to a new customer who really didn't have a problem that required any work. It would have been better if the company had told the customer that the minimum charge was going to be $144 before he agreed to the visit. But, as a customer, I would have asked about the minimum charge in advance.
If they didnt ask what the charge was in advance then now you have a learning experience. All repair people have a set service fee. He had no obligation to charge you less just because you didnt know how to reset a breaker

[camaguey48]

Had a breaker switch pop off and would not reset. Looked at the websites for several local electricians. "In Charge Electric" in Leesburg was all about their many 5 star reviews. Said they give a discount to residents in The Villages.

The guy came and flipped the breaker and it worked, no need to replace it or do anything else.

Charged $144.00

Wonder how much they charge for actual work?
If that's all he did, it wasn't enough. He should have found out the cause of the breaker tripping. Was the circuit overloaded? Is there a loose wire? At least for the $144.00, he should have done that. A competent and honest electrician he is not. Take the money and run!!
Educate the customer and you'll get repeat business or referrals.

[ValSetz]

Same thing happened to me. I went to internet search and got instructions on how to fix. Have also used internet to research and fix printer problems. Great source of information with no cost for "experts".

[npwalters]

Neither is changing oil:popcorn:

I guess you are looking to argue. I pass.

[OhioBuckeye]

I agree that you were overcharged. They obviously are not interested in making you a regular customer.

For those who don't know, when a circuit breaker trips, you need to push the switch to the "off" position and then push it to the "on" position. It is a two part process to reset the breaker.

You said it right Retiredguy123. Guess they got an expensive lesson in resetting a breaker. Next time they should Google it or ask someone how to reset a Circuit Breaker. I bet they learned one thing without Googling it, this company won’t be called again, LOL.

[J1ceasar]

My father taught me to ASK first for quotes / costs .... In my case $ 80- 100 for a service call is most typical.

[J1ceasar]

they see you coming and expect to get a higher rate.......

[KRM0614]

Had a breaker switch pop off and would not reset. Looked at the websites for several local electricians. "In Charge Electric" in Leesburg was all about their many 5 star reviews. Said they give a discount to residents in The Villages.

The guy came and flipped the breaker and it worked, no need to replace it or do anything else.

Charged $144.00

Wonder how much they charge for actual work?
That’s shame on you. You believe online ratings ? You didn’t ask what the cost would be ? You didn’t ask your neighbors for help ? You’ve never owned a home before ?

Unique to this area is the attitude that the residents are wealthy and all these so called companies want a piece of your life time savings

If everyone put their pride aside share their costs type of home etc then costs could be controlled

When I read this it sounds like a young couple in their house

[KRM0614]

Their website says a lot about up front pricing, but doesn't mention the minimum charge of $144. If the person scheduling the visit had told the customer that in advance, they may have had a satisfied customer, or at least a customer who was not surprised by the bill. Bad policy.
They don’t do that the dumb dumbs that answer the phones are told to share as little as possible

I bet he had the invoice ready before it touched the breaker they love vulnerable people they know this place is a Buffett of soft targets

[KRM0614]

Seems like $96 for at least an hour of travel time and $48 for knowing more about electrical switches than you do and teaching you about it. Maybe not a bad deal.
It’s too high they know it. Customer revealed naive and it doesn’t cost 100 round trip. It’s not the only calm he’s going on. Did you lose your common sense or is this your first house

[laboutj]

It’s too high they know it. Customer revealed naive and it doesn’t cost 100 round trip. It’s not the only calm he’s going on. Did you lose your common sense or is this your first house

Time for decaf my friend

[photo1902]

I guess you are looking to argue. I pass.

Just busting your chops. No harm intended.

[philoret]

A breaker would not reset after an accidental short while working on the lamp post sensor. Taking off the panel seemed to show loose wiring on the breaker and fixing made it work. Did know that trick of pushing farther to the end beyond "off" first.
Unfortunately the breaker was not turned off when working on the lamp post -- hasty neighbor unfamiliar.

[DAVES]

Had a breaker switch pop off and would not reset. Looked at the websites for several local electricians. "In Charge Electric" in Leesburg was all about their many 5 star reviews. Said they give a discount to residents in The Villages.

The guy came and flipped the breaker and it worked, no need to replace it or do anything else.

Charged $144.00

Wonder how much they charge for actual work?

Hopefully others will learn from your mistake. We all make them.
Far as your circuit breaker you need to shut it off and then on to reset it.
It is interesting that a circuit breaker that says 20 amps will trip at 18 amps.

The charge. I've also made that mistake. We should ask what it will cost. Many of these places charge you xxxx per hour and the time starts when they leave the place of business or even the job they are on when you call.

The person who came to your home is likely an employee and does not have the power to negotiate. I would suggest you look up the name of the owner and ask to speak to him or her. Be polite and perhaps they will reduce the bill. Realize they have to pay the electrician, possible a licensed electrician, the cost of running a truck, insurance etc.

[photo1902]

What's hard to believe is after 40 some posts, we're haggling over $140

[JoMar]

Not haggling over 140 bucks, haggling over who on here is the real expert and enjoys trying to be superior to everyone else in addition to bashing people that work for a living......calling people they don't know "dumb, dumbs" speaks to their character.

[photo1902]

Not haggling over 140 bucks, haggling over who on here is the real expert and enjoys trying to be superior to everyone else in addition to bashing people that work for a living......calling people they don't know "dumb, dumbs" speaks to their character.

Yes. Isn’t it lovely they trash the poor person that answers the phone? Disgusting

[DAVES]

I do wonder about people who insist on calling others stupid. My view a weak self opinion likely justified.
We all make mistakes.
Perhaps of some help to someone. Our vacuum started to regularly blow the circuit breaker. I looked it over and saw nothing wrong.
All else fails read the instructions. It seems, had I read the instructions there are TWO FILTERS. If, I recall one is SUPPOSED to be cleaned every month and the other replaced every six months. The vacuum was ONLY EIGHT YEARS OLD and neither had been done in eight years. We all make mistakes. Of course I've not done either in about a year.
Moral of the story. A rush will cost you. Relax, look it up, think about WHEN AND WHY.

[69Ludwigs]

I am the OP here...FYI, the rest of the story...I asked what it would cost and they said they need to check out the problem first. I do know how to reset a breaker, it would not reset so I thought it had failed and would need to be replaced. The charge was a actually $160 before " generous" 10% discount for living in The Villages. To be fair, he flipped the switch and it worked and he removed the panel cover and said everything looked fine. I did call they asked what I thought I should have been charged and I said $100 seemed fair. Have not heard from them again so far.

[69Ludwigs]

For those of you who think this was fair, be sure to call this company next time you have an electrical problem... here's the phone number
352-350-7878, ask for Kathy!