Incompetent, over charges, fraud

This is a hard review to write, one business to another. I called Dougie to see if he could fix our usb ports on one machine that stopped working. I explained in advance it had happened before and would need a new board. He didnt turn up at the appointed date or time. I called again the next day and he has clearly forgotten me. He said he would come later that day. He turned up and was very confused about how remote log in worked. I should have known then (if I didnt already see from not turning up the previous day) that he wasn't very clued up. However, being desperate I gave him my pc and an identical spare to take the board from (on which the board was working). It should have been a straight swap. He commented that there was dust inside the broken unit (the one I needed repaired). I advised I usually use the hoover on my other machine to remove any loose dust, He practically laughed at me, certainly ridiculed me, in front of a colleague (who say in shock). I helped him to the car with the pc's and asked him how to back up the emails. I asked him how long before he brought them back, I was advised 1 to 2 hours. I said great, see you later then (it was 2pm and he had been in with us for 10 minutes). I did not get a call, I called on Saturday morning, no reply. I called Saturday evening approx 6pm. I got Dougie who advised BOTH boards were goosed but that he hadnt sourced any pricing or parts. I said let me just pick them u p then. How much do I owe you. He said £125. I calculated 2 hours at £35 is £70 and asked him why the difference. He advised £20 charge for using compressed air. I advised him that he didnt have permission to clean the computers - just investigate what was wrong. His preference over dust is not something I need to be paying for. He also said it had taken him 3 hours plus. The more I questioned him about the amount, the more offensive he became. I said, look you havent done 3 hours on this, you know it and I know it, starting up 2 computers and doing a check on the boards. Plus a back up on emails. nothing else. I said I am happy to pay the agreed £70 and would come round to pick them up. He then started to say I was threatening him (I record all calls so know this is not accurate). I explained clamly that I have recorded the call, he said he was calling the police If I came to the door (I am a woman, he is a man...). I hung up and wrote a cheque for £70. My partner came in and said he would go round with the cheque. Dougie called back and asked us not to come round, he would drop them off for us. I said I was not adding extra cost. My partner had already left. I advised if he did not hand them over I was calling the police. He said he would not hand them over for less than £125. My partner went round and Dougie refused to open the door. He sent his wife to the door who asked for the cheque. My partner advised that he was willign topay the agreed fee of £70. They refused, The police turned up (he called them despite their being no threats) My partner had to end up paying the £125 as he had valuable emails on the computer (we are a 7 day a week business). The police woman could not believe that Dougie had been as petty - she said this to My partner. He is a conman who will bill for extras and hide behind his wife and police - depiste us having proof of no threat (recorded calls). This is so frustrating, 3 hours to tell me that something doesn't work??? I knew that and told him the solution before he left (I am not an amateur pc person - just limited on time hence why I called him). He didnt even try to source the part - 28 hours later and we get the pcs back. Moral of the story, dont trust him, he comes across as a helpful one man band (there is only him despite what his website says). I am making it my ambition to let everyone in Livingston know about this conman. He will realise that to overcharge by £55 was a very detrimential thing to do to his business in the long term - that is if he values customer feedback. I am sure there will be those reading this that think, sour grapes, she's just angry at the cost. I am angry at the lies and cowardly nature of this man. Fraud, simple. Beware.

livi mum - 21/01/2012 | report this review