Media contact: Janet C. Hart, APR, CFEE (704) 927-8617
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Is your washing machine not working? Does your dishwasher make strange noises? If you need an appliance repair service, the BBB warns you about calling Home Appliance Repair, owned by Michael Henderson, Jr.
“There are plenty of appliance repair services in the Southern Piedmont area that will do quality work and follow up with their customers.” said BBB President Tom Bartholomy, “However, this specific repair service has not responded to consumer complaints, which earns the company the BBB’s lowest rating.”
Complainants report similar experiences. They allege that Michael Henderson from Home Appliance Repair came out to their home or business to assess their appliance problem. He usually determined that the appliance needed repairs and new parts with cost estimates ranging from $165 to $927.
Henderson collected the cost of the parts and repairs upfront, and then left “to order the part”. In some cases, he came back and did additional work which did not solve the original problem with the appliance or it created new problems. Complainants report that Henderson did not show up for scheduled appointments or did not return telephone calls in a timely manner, citing a variety of ‘emergencies’ including a death in the family and a fire in the office. However, in other cases, Henderson kept their money and did not return at all.
Victims filed complaints against Home Appliance Repair with the BBB after they were unable to get their money refunded so that they could have their appliance repaired by another company.
Home Appliance Repair (BBB grade F) has racked up 15 complaints with the BBB, 12 of which have been filed in just the past few months. Of the 15 complaints, 13 are unanswered by the company and two complaints are still being processed. Victims of Home Appliance Repair reside in Mecklenburg, Union, Lincoln, Iredell, Gaston, Cabarrus and York Counties.
Home Appliance Repair has done business under five different names, and used four telephone numbers. The company has used seven addresses in Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg and Buncombe Counties.
If you need to hire a home appliance repair service, the BBB has advice for you.
BBB Checklist: 10 Tips for Hiring a Home Appliance Repair Service:
1. Track record – Check out a company’s BBB rating and complaint history. It’s fast, easy and free. You can also call the BBB at (704) 927-8611 or 1-877-317-7236, toll-free in N.C. and S.C.
2. Cost comparisons - Get at least three bids in writing and be sure you compare the bids based on the same warranty, specifications, labor and time.
3. Licensing - Check to see if the company you plan to hire works in an industry that requires a competency license.
4. Insurance - Verify the company’s liability insurance to protect you against damage. You can also check with the department of insurance in your state.
· N.C. Dept. of Insurance - 1-800-546-5664 toll-free from N.C.
· S.C. Dept. of Insurance - 803-737-6180 or 1-800-768-3467 toll free from S.C.
5. References – Ask for references from the company’s last three jobs and check them out before you sign a contract. Do not hire someone who puts a flyer in your mailbox and claims to be doing work with your neighbors.
6. Written contract – After you select a repair service, do not permit work to start without a signed, written contract that includes start and completion dates, exact costs, specific work to be done, and warranty information. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.
7. Deposit required and payment schedule –Do not pay more than 25 to 33 percent of the total job cost as a deposit. Final payment should not be made until the job is completed. Do not pay in cash; pay by check or credit card.
8. Warranty – Get warranty information in writing on products and installation. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.
9. Bonding – Be sure all workers are bonded to protect you against theft or additional damage.
10. Criminal history – Check out anyone you allow into your home to see if they have a criminal history.
· N.C. online offender search – online offender directory search
· S.C. Dept. of Corrections - instructions to obtain information on offenders
For more information, please visit www.bbb.org.
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