Business ProfileforPrecision Mechanical

We just had Precision Mechanical install a thermostat for us. While the installation of the thermostat itself is not in question, the cost of the service was outlandish. On average, from what we learned, the installation of this should have averaged between $325-$400, including cost of thermostat which we were more than happy to pay. Imagine our sticker shock when we received a bill for almost $700. The invoice indicated that we were being charged $458 for the thermostat itself, when RETAIL, we could have purchased the same thermostat for $125-$200. We understand markups, trip charges, etc, but unreasonable mark ups? Nope. Attempts to resolve this unreasonable bill with the business were not successful and they stand by this insane cost. Extremely disappointing. We will not be calling Precision Mechanical in the future and will be very thorough in telling others about this horrible experience. The 'best' they could do for us was a 10% discount, which is still HIGHLY above the average/above average price what this job should have cost. We have been in business and have dealt with other business owners and we know they have alot of discretion on what they charge customers. This business did not seem to want to work with us on a more reasonable solution and reasonable cost of this service and thermostat. I would say to any current or future customers to have a 'buyer beware' hat on when dealing with this business. Ask for an estimate and ensure that the labor and/or parts are within reason before hiring them to do the job. While we didn't ask for an estimate, we did do our research and knew what the approximate cost of a replacement thermostat would be and how long that would take so we had a general idea. In no way did we think we would be billed for over twice what was expected. Extremely disappointing.

HI Chris,
I am so sorry that your issue did not get resolved. Our service manager did respond and informed you of the issues that were involved. If you feel you need a further conversation with him, please feel free to contact our office.
We strive to have satisfied customers and apologize that this did not get resolved to your satisfaction.
Precision Mechanical

Yes, I did speak with Kevin your service manager. I spoke with him in an attempt to resolve the extremely high price that I was being charged for the thermostat. Kevin did not inform us of 'the issues' that were involved. It was never adequately explained to us how a thermostat that we could purchase RETAIL for between $125-$200, could be marked up to $450+ for that unit?? And no one could find the right words to tell us how much to expect to pay PRIOR to installing/programming the unit?

We have no quibble with paying the service charge, labor, or travel. That is not in question. (even though the technician hooked up the thermostat incorrectly initially. blew hot air on the a/c function and had to start over. which cost time, that we were billed for)

The extreme mark up of the cost of this thermostat is the sole issue. If striving to have satisfied customers is your goal, extreme price gouging isn't the way to do it and is a horrible business practice.

We asked for and were given business cards for Precision Mechanical so that we could let friends and neighbors know about the company. Unfortunately, once we received the bill and our subsequent discussion with Kevin, changed our impression of the company completely. We have since told those neighbors and friends to avoid Precision Mechanical due to this experience.

I am not sure where you are getting your prices - if they are knock off seconds in the industry or what , but we purchase QUALITY first rate items from our local wholesale supply houses for our customers. Please accept our apologies that we did not understand that you wanted second rate products and service. We will be sending you an adjusted invoice that hopefully will satisfy you. Have a beautiful day and please stay warm this winter.

Thank you, I did receive the adjusted invoice and I appreciate this latest effort to work with us.

Our research was comparing apples to apples (in this case, a ********* TH8320PRO 8000 - TH8320R1003). The prices we found were for the exact same model (NEW, not used or refurbished) and we didn't want a second rate thermostat installed to replace our 'broken' ********* thermostat. That is why we called you before the appointment, gave you our old model number, so that we could get an exact quality ********* replacement thermostat.

I would not have put in writing the cost of a replacement thermostat in my complaint, if I was comparing a different brand/model. We offered to give our documentation as to our research, it was refused. Also, since our disagreement, I have called three HVAC companies in the Rapid City area to see their cost of the exact same thermostat (not a second rate, not a used or refurbished) and all of them have given me a quote of $218 or less that they would charge me for that replacement thermostat.

It does not give me pleasure to complain about any company or any experience that I have had. But when putting pen to paper and looking at the the extreme difference in price of that thermostat, I felt I had no choice. I hope you do give some thought as to where you are purchasing wholesale. (your tech told us he had concerns also) It does appear that the other HVAC companies I spoke with are getting these same thermostats , wholesale, at a much lower price. The total of the adjusted invoice is more in line with the industry estimations for the type of service/thermostat we received. And what we were expecting prior to the service we received that day.

Again, I appreciate you adjusting the invoice. That is all we asked for from the start when we first called to talk about the invoice, specifically identifying the cost of the thermostat. Much frustration and headaches could have been avoided.

Thank you.