Biggest paper Tiger in Australiadedja wrote:the ACCC.
Black listed companies
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Jim05
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dedja
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Re: Black listed companies
Consumer affairs is worse … if that’s even possible.Jim05 wrote:Biggest paper Tiger in Australiadedja wrote:the ACCC.
That’s why so many get away with shit.
Dunno, I’m just an idiot.
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Jimmy_041
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Re: Black listed companies
I think we have talked about these people before..............
Metropolitan Plumbing slammed after 81yo man with dementia quoted $38k for airconditioning fix
An embattled SA company is again under fire after an elderly man with early-stage dementia was quoted a staggering $38k to fix an air conditioner.
Talara McHugh
2 min read
May 17, 2025 - 2:00PM
‘$32k for a $7k aircon install’
An elderly western suburbs couple were slugged with a staggering $38,000 quote to fix their airconditioning service by controversial company Metropolitan Plumbing.
When Donald and Sally Willson’s usual tradies weren’t able to fix their broken aircon, Mr Willson contacted Cyber Plumbing – part of the same business network as Metropolitan Plumbing – who charged more than $6000 for an AC service in March.
Mr Wilson, an 81-year-old retiree who suffers from early-stage dementia, paid the quote upfront before being quoted a further $32,000 to fix the system’s “main problem”.
This raised alarm bells for his wife, who alerted their daughter Hannah, 50.
She sought a second opinion from another company, who quoted less than $500 for the first service and $12,000 for the second.
“This whole situation has left me with a feeling of anxiety and a level of uncomfortable embarrassment,” Mr Willson said.
“The trades people made the situation sound a lot more serious than it was and were talking about taking down walls to get to the problem.
“I was not aware of any costs until the end and given how serious they made it sound, it was easy to be confused about the appropriate costs.
“Disgust was added to the embarrassment when the initial problem was fixed by another company for less than five per cent of what we were charged by Metropolitan Plumbing.
“Knowing that this company continues to undertake these immoral and unethical practices and is still getting away with taking advantage of vulnerable people leaves me feeling sick to the stomach.”
Along with her brother, Marcus, 53, Hannah contacted her parents’ bank to stop the payment but was unsuccessful.
Together, the siblings then filed a complaint with the company.
In email correspondence between the Willson siblings and Metropolitan Group, seen by The Advertiser, the company denied any misconduct.
But a $250 refund was offered a “gesture of goodwill”.
“At the time of the booking, quote approval, and completion of works, we were not made aware of Donald’s medical condition,” a spokesperson wrote.
“The work was only commenced after the quote was signed and approved by the customer, and our standard procedures were followed throughout.
“We understand your position, and in good faith offered a refund of $250 as a gesture of goodwill, not as an admission of any wrongdoing.”
However, they rejected the offer, saying it was a drop in the ocean compared to the $6219 their father was charged and have since made a formal complaint to both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and SA Consumer and Business services.
“For us, its been frustrating and devastating,” Hannah said.
“I just want to make sure this doesn’t happen to anybody else.”
Metropolitan Plumbing is currently embroiled in multiple investigations over widespread customer overcharging accusations and claims of questionable practices.
This week the state government launched a new campaign, which aims to educate consumers on tradie red flags, to better protect customers.
It follows The Advertiser revealing several cases of customers being quoted exorbitant prices for air conditioners or hot water services from Metropolitan Plumbing.
Authorities are investigating whether there have been any consumer law breaches after having received more than 100 SA complaints accusing the business – known for its distinctive electric blue insignia – of ripping off customers.
Metropolitan Plumbing has been contacted for comment.
dedja: Dunno, I’m just an idiot.
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dedja
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Re: Black listed companies
None, or very minimal repercussions, so no deterrent to continue the grift.
Dunno, I’m just an idiot.
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Armchair expert
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Re: Black listed companies
They run under / affiliated with a shitload of other names
dammit pantera this beer is warm
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Jimmy_041
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Re: Black listed companies
Armchair expert wrote:They run under / affiliated with a shitload of other names
He's his own biggest competitor?dedja: Dunno, I’m just an idiot.
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Brodlach
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Re: Black listed companies
Always find tradies in your area.
Air Con guy lives on my street
Electrician next street over
Plumber 3 minute walk
Air Con guy lives on my street
Electrician next street over
Plumber 3 minute walk
July 11th 2012....
2024 Melbourne Cup Punting Challenge winner knocking off the Pirate King!
Brodlach wrote:Rory Laird might end up the best IMO, he is an absolute jet. He has been in great form at the Bloods
2024 Melbourne Cup Punting Challenge winner knocking off the Pirate King!
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MW
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Re: Black listed companies
This. And preferably referred too by a friend or family member who has used them.Brodlach wrote:Always find tradies in your area.
Air Con guy lives on my street
Electrician next street over
Plumber 3 minute walk
Never cold call a trade.
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dedja
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Re: Black listed companies
Have a sparky mate, only a few streets away.MW wrote:This. And preferably referred too by a friend or family member who has used them.Brodlach wrote:Always find tradies in your area.
Air Con guy lives on my street
Electrician next street over
Plumber 3 minute walk
Never cold call a trade.
A few years ago I was doing fly-in/fly-out work in Melb, and was on a flight home one Friday night. The missus messages me, stating that the power is out. So I walk her through checking the breakers on the meter board, specifically mentioning that they’re upside down to normal switches. After some to-ing and fro-ing, I message back to just call Phil. Was about 10 mins from landing, didn't hear back.
When I get home, power is all back on … Phil had come over straight away, replaced the safety switch with a spare one he had lying around and all fixed in 5 mins. No charge.
Probably would have been $15K with the MP or one of their 500 other sham businesses.
Dunno, I’m just an idiot.
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locky801
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Re: Black listed companies
They dont even try to hide the fact with the other company names, still roll up in the big blue van
Had an issue couple years ago with the aircon and called one of them on that list as my regular tradie was away, cant remember which one i rang and they rolled up in the blue van, had a look at the issue and said its probably terminal, be a lot cheaper to get a new unit.
Got him to give me a quote, never rang them back, my tradie came back, replaced 2 parts, cost bottle of Scotch, aircon still working wonders
Had an issue couple years ago with the aircon and called one of them on that list as my regular tradie was away, cant remember which one i rang and they rolled up in the blue van, had a look at the issue and said its probably terminal, be a lot cheaper to get a new unit.
Got him to give me a quote, never rang them back, my tradie came back, replaced 2 parts, cost bottle of Scotch, aircon still working wonders
Life is about moments, Create them
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MW
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Jimmy_041
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Re: Black listed companies
Two big jobs at home this yearMW wrote:This. And preferably referred too by a friend or family member who has used them.Brodlach wrote:Always find tradies in your area.
Air Con guy lives on my street
Electrician next street over
Plumber 3 minute walk
Never cold call a trade.
Full carpet replacement - got a recommendation from a mate who used to own a carpet business (Surname McLeay so he should know)
Easy to get a quote - massive problems getting them to do the job.
So I disputed the deposit charge with AMEX which cost them a bomb (about $1,500 in AMEX charges on a $10,000 deposit)
They first tried to say I had to pay the charges "Get fugged - you've breached the contract. Your problem"
Then they tried to blame the subbies installing. "Errr not my problem. I'm contracting you - its your problem"
Spoke to the subbies when they finally arrived - no idea what they were talking about.
Subbies did a great job. We've got them back to do some other work.
Avoid Choices Flooring Keswick. They had the gall to send me a request for Google Review which I did
We did a full replacement of our ducted air con last week
Used the small firm recommended by Miss Jimmy as she's just had her house done
Fantastic job - Mrs Jimmy happy
Recommend DynamiCool Airconditioning Services
dedja: Dunno, I’m just an idiot.
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amber_fluid
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Re: Black listed companies
Really?MW wrote:Jims franchises are just as bad as Metropolitan
I use Jims cleaning weekly and no issues
Used Jim’s painting and Jin’s fencing in the last year and both were great and reasonably priced
There are no stupid questions, just stupid people.
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MW
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I should clarify - Jims Plumbingamber_fluid wrote:Really?MW wrote:Jims franchises are just as bad as Metropolitan
I use Jims cleaning weekly and no issues
Used Jim’s painting and Jin’s fencing in the last year and both were great and reasonably priced
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RB
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Re: Black listed companies
Are they a bunch of pea hearts?MW wrote:Jims franchises are just as bad as Metropolitan
R.I.P. the SANFL 1877 - 2013
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Armchair expert
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Re: Black listed companies
Nick Stevens pool company
bloody Port players!
bloody Port players!
dammit pantera this beer is warm
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MW
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Re: Black listed companies
And in other news, we found out where all the pies wentArmchair expert wrote:Nick Stevens pool company
bloody Port players!
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Lightning McQueen
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Re: Black listed companies
Are they the Korean competitor?amber_fluid wrote:Really?MW wrote:Jims franchises are just as bad as Metropolitan
I use Jims cleaning weekly and no issues
Used Jim’s painting and Jin’s fencing in the last year and both were great and reasonably priced
HOGG SHIELD DIVISION V WINNER 2018.
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Lightning McQueen
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Re: Black listed companies
Woah!!MW wrote:And in other news, we found out where all the pies wentArmchair expert wrote:Nick Stevens pool company
bloody Port players!
HOGG SHIELD DIVISION V WINNER 2018.
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amber_fluid
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He’s was a bloody good footballer.
Very underrated I thought
Clearly had troubles since finishing footy.
Very underrated I thought
Clearly had troubles since finishing footy.
There are no stupid questions, just stupid people.
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