Discussions

Had some simple work done on my furnace. Company sent an apprentice without telling me so now I have to pay for double labour $60 for apprentice and $80 for the supervision. Only one guy worked other stood there. Do they have to let you know if they send an apprentice?

Those both seem like really low prices...was it $140 for the call and that’s how it’s broke down? $60 and $80 for each person?  
 
If not, I would also feel it’s unfair to have to pay for both workers when it wasn’t your choice and you weren’t made aware of this before the service was done

They would have to tell you they are sending an extra person... and if the bill is 140.00, and just broken down into two charges, then the company should know better than to make it seem like u are paying for 2 people. I would be asking questions for sure.

Labour rates for a plumbing company should never be that high unless its an after hours call

Method of charging labour is pretty standard. Was done the same way when I was an agricultural engineer. It is very important to keep bringing new apprentices into these industries and the customer ultimately will have to pay for their training, otherwise these important skills will disappear.

That is actually pretty reasonable for a rate. I don't know where you figure it should be less. Journeyman wage is $37.00/hr. Most people to keep employees you pay higher so you are a good $40/hr. Plus company pays taxes behind the scenes, there is the vehicle to cover, tools, etc.  
 
As for the costing of the apprentice. You should have been aware of the person coming and costing. When I get electrical work done and they send apprentices I get a discounted rate and they also are put fully to work, no watching. And they let me know if it is alright to send them.

$140/hr is on the higher end of rates, but not obscene. If it was afterhours it would be closer to $300/hr (plus truck fees/tool fees) Just do the math. Wage+ profit + overhead (rent,insurance, workmans comp, hydro, fuel etc.) it adds up quick.

It was a simple burner not turning on. The bill was $260 total after parts and travel fee. I’m not so much bothered by the price (cheaper than a new furnace). I was just curious if they should let you know if they’re sending two workers especially if one is to just watch and learn. Thanks.

some companies will send out 2 people for safety reasons. they also could not have know what the problem was and sent 2 people just in case they needed.

If the apprentice is only observing and not helping I don’t think the customer should be charged for him as his being there is not reducing the time spent on the service call. If they are actually contributing to the service (i.e service call took 1.5 hrs with two workers, as opposed to 2 hrs with just one) then I wouldn’t have a problem being charged for him, at a lesser hourly rate to reflect his ability and contribution.

A company sent a guy out to look at the job I needed done. He sent 2 guys. Just to look at what needed doing. I got the work done another day-by 1 guy only. When I got the bill it had labor charges for the 2 guys to look at the job. I said no, that is ridiculous, there was no reason to send 2 of them to look. The bill ended up being reduced.  
 
If it is a two man job, fine, but if they send someone who only watches for the sake of learning, I don't think that is a fair charge.

The thing is 2 guys is pretty common especially on something like that because your carrying heavy furnaces in and out etc. And secondly did you get a quote? Was it with in the amount? If you didnt get a quote then sorry but you shouldnt be complaining at all. It is pretty standard to get 3 quotes by 3 reputable company's. As far as the wage goes there is alot that comes in a wage that people forget about, there is the workers wage, source deductions, workers comp, vehicle charge, etc. Now the other thing is it's like anyone doctor,lawyer etc your not paying just for the hours the guy is there but the years experience that comes with him that's why your apprentice is less. Next time I recommend like I said get 3 quotes and makes sure they are comparable apples to apples if the cheaper guy dosent provide the electrical well in the end it might not be cheaper or if the higher guy sends 2 guys then maybe you want the lower guy however I dont believe that's usually specified on the quote. Also dont be afraid to check reviews on company's and ask on ebrandon because once again the lowest quote also might not be the best quality work either.

I can see getting quotes if you’re getting a large job done like a furnace replacement, but not for simple repairs or routine maintenance. That’s just a waste of everyone’s time. The original poster said he had “a small” job done...total cost was $260. I doubt there was any carrying of heavy equipment and he stated that the second person only watched. I would be ticked getting charged for that.

The company still has to pay the apprentice a wage. The customer will have to pay that eventually, directly or indirectly. I would much rather that the invoice was broken down in this way , then it is open and honest. It’s not like they charge journeyman rate for the apprentice. Businesses can’t train new guys for free.

What plumbing and heating company breaks down their labor rates on the invoice?? Seems strange. When I get a job done I get a quote for the job that's being completed. I don't care if they send 1 plumber or 1 plumber and 14 apprentices. I pay what was quoted. And it's also not my job to train new employees. That's the employers job. Yes I'm aware labor costs are in the price but I'm not paying extra for the job because someone needs to train new staff.  
 
Edited by Jackson67, 2020-01-11 08:59:59