Since you seem to have a bit of a following, and I would guess more than a few are in your area, posting the experience on various social media, BBB and local review sites is probably good. Might get something to go viral and that will provide the negative press the rather sketchy actor needs—and will help others avoid.
I don’t think you can really recoup any payments to the first company as you agreed to that beforehand. Consider it a “learning experience”. However, given the price and the apparent attempt to deceive/grossly over charge you might be able to report it to you local government. I would check with both your local representative and whatever local consumer protection department might exist. In Fairfax County VA, where I live, a commission exists. Once of the powers/duties it has”
May hold public hearings on and publish its findings on issues of widespread public interest which deal with illegal, fraudulent, deceptive, or dangerous consumer practices. May adopt, promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the Board of Supervisors, concerning such issues.
I think you are correct, any business practice that amounts to a situation of double billing should be a huge warning flag. I always start the conversation with “I’m calling to get a ball park estimate for <my problem>.” Most repair shops with then tell you what they will charge to come look but seldom be able to give a really good number. I will try to talk with at least 3 difference businesses. If one seems both reasonable and the conversation goes well (created some sense of trustworthiness) I will make schedule the initial check. If not, back to the drawing board as they say.
I will also use such a service call to assess the service personnel and the company. If they are good I will often inquire into things like service contracts (for something like HVAC systems) to perform periodic maintenance work and will generally also enjoy some type of purchase discount pricing for work done and replacement of systems when needed. (My situation may be a bit different though as I’m in a single family house with a central HVAC system not wall/window units.)
Since you seem to have a bit of a following, and I would guess more than a few are in your area, posting the experience on various social media, BBB and local review sites is probably good. Might get something to go viral and that will provide the negative press the rather sketchy actor needs—and will help others avoid.
I don’t think you can really recoup any payments to the first company as you agreed to that beforehand. Consider it a “learning experience”. However, given the price and the apparent attempt to deceive/grossly over charge you might be able to report it to you local government. I would check with both your local representative and whatever local consumer protection department might exist. In Fairfax County VA, where I live, a commission exists. Once of the powers/duties it has”
I think you are correct, any business practice that amounts to a situation of double billing should be a huge warning flag. I always start the conversation with “I’m calling to get a ball park estimate for <my problem>.” Most repair shops with then tell you what they will charge to come look but seldom be able to give a really good number. I will try to talk with at least 3 difference businesses. If one seems both reasonable and the conversation goes well (created some sense of trustworthiness) I will make schedule the initial check. If not, back to the drawing board as they say.
I will also use such a service call to assess the service personnel and the company. If they are good I will often inquire into things like service contracts (for something like HVAC systems) to perform periodic maintenance work and will generally also enjoy some type of purchase discount pricing for work done and replacement of systems when needed. (My situation may be a bit different though as I’m in a single family house with a central HVAC system not wall/window units.)