Repair bill nightmare

[rsmith02184]

I have a JD4100 compact utility tractor. I had an ongoing issue with the charging system. I had to bring it in to the local shop for repair. I specifically said that they should test it because I think it was overcharging and there was a test I couldn't perform because I didn't have the equipment.

I got a call 3 weeks later telling me to pick it up, it was fixed. I looked at the bill and saw charges for an air filter, fuel filter and power washing and a few hours labor to replace some wires that I had already replaced. I asked them about the "charging system" and they said they didn't look at that because they hadn't been told to by the front desk people. They thought it was in for a general service.

They took it back and then proceeded to put many more hours in as labor and they started replacing parts without my authorization. I had to call them one day when I hadn't heard anything for a while and they said they couldn't find the problem but that it might be the voltage regulator. I gave them permission to replace it(this is the only thing I authorized).

I went in to the shop and my tractor was in storage. they told me they were waiting on some diodes, they were going to replace those when the new VR didn't do anything. I finally said that I couldn't afford this type of repair anymore and they suggested one more thing to try and make it right....they would replace the whole VR with a used alternator. I told them they could do that ONLY if it were free. They performed the repair.

Now I have a $599 bill and they removed and kept the new VR even though it is listed on teh bill for me to pay.

I paid them $400 telling them that given all the mess ups, that was fair since I didn't authorize these repairs and I didn't even get to keep the VR that they are charging me for on the bill. They also kept my dynamo saying it was an "exchange" for the USED alternator.

They are now sending me demand notices for the remaining $199.

What recourse do I have? How can I fight these unfair charges? Who do I turn to so they don't just continue forward and submit my name to a credit bureau?

thanks

 

[bigbull338]

the only thing you can do is pay the bill,an find a new repair shop to use.

 

[rsmith02184]

Well, you know I am not going back there.

But, I am hoping someone out there who believes in the "power of the people" will give me some insight into possible options.

regarding the "clowns"......good luck with that!!!!

 

[RoyJackson]

Well, you know I am not going back there.

But, I am hoping someone out there who believes in the "power of the people" will give me some insight into possible options.

Take your concerns to the general manager of the shop...lay out all the details and any documentation you may have.

I think you may have made a mistake in paying anything against the bill, but that's spilt milk.

 

[cdaigle430]

That happened to me with my Jeep, I asked them to replace the muffler clamp while it was there for an oil change and next thing you know I had a new muffler from the y on back. There was nothing wrong with the old. Now I make sure everything is in writing and I get a copy. That way-any non approved repairs is paid for ny the dealer.

 

[LD1]

I agree with Roy on this. Talk to the shop manager, but you should have never even paid a dime until a final price was agreed upon.

You shouldnt be liable for ANY charges that you did not agree to. IE: when you took it in and told them to look at the charging system, they should have quoted you a diagnostic fee. This you would owe them.

Then upon diagnosis, they will call you and tell you how much it is going to be to correct. If you agree to this, they CANNOT inflate the price more than 10% (in my state but may vary) without authorization.

It is quite simple, you hired a shop with technicians to repair a problem. You did NOT hire a bunch of monkeys to replace parts and hope that was it.

What I would do is talk with the shop and determine what the "real" problem was with the tractor. And pay them ONLY for THAT part and their time to install + reasonable diagnostic fee. All them other parts, you shouldnt have to pay a dime for.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

If you can document that they accepted partial payment of a disputed claim, the shop may not be able to collect the additional amount. After all, they released the tractor to you. Look at: A Check With a "Payment in Full" Endorsement

That said, what is your time worth and how much time will you spend fighting it? This falls close to the old maxim: don't go to war for no pay.

 

[Gizmo2]

Ever hear of BBB, Better Business Bureau?
I have to say, I have used them twice in the last 2 years and have come up with VERY favorable results.

 

[rsmith02184]

Well, I felt I had to pay something because they were delivering my tractor to my house (for a fee) and they wouldn't have unloaded it unless I gave them something. I told them the bill was wrong and the guy, who used to be the owner, told me to give him $400. I told him I would be in to talk about the other charges because they weren't right. I will contact the BBB.

 

[Joe H]

You got screwed by a bunch of parts changers.
Did they get lucky and fix it?
Joe H

 

[ultrarunner]

Ever hear of BBB, Better Business Bureau?
I have to say, I have used them twice in the last 2 years and have come up with VERY favorable results.

It worked wonders for me the one time I used them... I was stonewalled at every turn till I got the BBB involved...

 

[Gizmo2]

It worked wonders for me the one time I used them... I was stonewalled at every turn till I got the BBB involved...

The BBB actually has no power over businesses but boy they can make their life H***.

 

[grsthegreat]

Here in Idaho, and a few other westerrn states ive lived in, the shops are required to have you sign an authorization form stating what there are attempting to fix and authorise a diagnostic charge. NO WORK is to be done until they determine what is wrong and a price is established. Anyone doing work without this approval has no rights to be paid for their work. Check with your state on what their policies are.

 

[PILOON]

Ever hear of BBB, Better Business Bureau?
I have to say, I have used them twice in the last 2 years and have come up with VERY favorable results.

I tried them on2 occasions in the past.
Answers were like, they are not members and or you are not a member.
When I wanted to make a report, thinking I'd be of help to others, is when I was told the offending merchant was not a member.
To me they are equivalent of a closed paid member club.

 

[Gizmo2]

I tried them on2 occasions in the past.
Answers were like, they are not members and or you are not a member.
When I wanted to make a report, thinking I'd be of help to others, is when I was told the offending merchant was not a member.
To me they are equivalent of a closed paid member club.

Both times I have used them the merchant was not a member and I have never been a member. I don't get it? The second time I just filled out the on-line form. I would not hesitate for a moment to use them again.

 

[rsmith02184]

I filled out an online form tonight. I will post later to tell you if they did anything. I know for a fact they are not members....I hope that doesn't mean the BBB won't even contact them. Next step is probably the attorney general and then I will contemplate a picket line. My brother did it once and it worked!

 

[ultrarunner]

The BBB is just another tool to use...

To some companies it means something and others could care less.

Those that are members sign a pledge to arbitrate disputes... non-members have not signed anything so are not obligated.

 

[grsthegreat]

BBB is a total scam. They keep wanting me to join their membership... just lots of money for the privilege of saying "member of the BBB". Not worth it for me. I use good old work of mouth for new jobs. Free and if i do a bad job for someone i get no referrals.

 

[ultrarunner]

BBB is a total scam. They keep wanting me to join their membership... just lots of money for the privilege of saying "member of the BBB". Not worth it for me. I use good old work of mouth for new jobs. Free and if i do a bad job for someone i get no referrals.

In California BBB is the only organization that handles Lemon Law Arbitration for several Auto Manufacturers... the service is provided at no cost to the consumer...

Having been involved in many cases over the years as an Arbitrator I found the program provided real benefits to the public.

I don't know how it works in other States.

 

[bunchgrass]

I'd also contact John Deere customer service. In fact I'd probably go in and demand a meeting with the office manager and the service manager together and make my case - the fact that they do a poor job of communicating shouldn't and will not be subsidized by you. Make it clear that you will involve JD if necessary.