[Mike&Silvia]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

[retiredguy123]

There are lots of complaints about Frank Gay services on this site and others. A contractor should provide a written quote without charging anything because they didn't do anything. If people start paying for estimates, I may start driving around providing high dollar estimates for all kinds of projects, and I won't ever need to do any work.

[Golfer222]

^
Exactly- charging for an estimate is a non-starter

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by Mike&Silvia

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promisMike&Siviaed a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

Hey folks. Let's show Frank Gay we are watching and listening. Also lets say thanks to Mike and Silvia for not being bought out for $38. Go to MikeandSilvia's original post and hit the thank you button. It is the thumbs up button at the bottom. As they say there is power in numbers.

[UpNorth]

Looks like Frank Gay was trying to give you a real "Service".

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by Mike&Silvia

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

Another reason I do not solicit multiple estimates. We use Mike Scott. They have been fair and are prompt. Nothing in this world is "free". It is an added cost to do business.

[willis100]

Very similar happened to me about 3 months ago. I paid the $38 and said no way!

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by Mike&Silvia

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

Is it possible that the first two estimates were for running a pipe on the surface along the base of the wall, while the Frank Gay estimate was for running a pipe under the slab, or else inside the wall and through the attic? That would be a lot more work, but I think building codes in some parts of the country might require it.

[oneclickplus]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

There are lots of complaints about Frank Gay services on this site and others. A contractor should provide a written quote without charging anything because they didn't do anything. If people start paying for estimates, I may start driving around providing high dollar estimates for all kinds of projects, and I won't ever need to do any work.

Now, there's a business model for a retiree.

[Gerrys]

Thanks for your posting. I have not seen positive comments on the Frank Gay company.

[La lamy]

Wow, that's unbelievable. Shame on Frank Gay.

[msilagy]

Please put this post on "Next Door" also as there are many, many readers there. People should be warned.
I have used Mike Scott twice. The first time for a split pipe going from the meter to the home. Very satisfied with their work and charge. The 2nd time was just ok due to the repair person they sent out not the charge or co.

[WingedFoot78]

Had a whole house water filter installed by the company that was bought by Frank Gay, Kiley, I think it was, when it was time to replace the filter elements They would not sell me the two elements but would replace them for me for $239. I have done this job on my old home and RV numerous times. With a bit of research on the Internet, I found the replacement part numbers and ordered them. A couple of days later, the two sets arrived and one was installed. The cost for the parts.....$30.

Frank Gay should be called Frank James as in Frank and Jesse James. I would not recommend these people to anyone.

[banjobob]

Foolish to pay a fee for an estimate, you lose.

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by UpNorth

Looks like Frank Gay was trying to give you a real "Service".

You spelt 'Shafting' incorrectly.