Misleading tactics and big surprise bills
Before booking, I called twice to confirm the cost. Both times I was told “we need to see onsite, but normally it won’t take long for a kitchen sink clog” I even confirmed with them the time would be around 30 min - 1 hour with a payment of €55-113. The way they described the costs made it sound like it was based on time.
After the plumber finished, I was suddenly hit with a bill of €1320 for “8 meters of pipe cleaning.” This was completely different from what I was told on the phone or what their website advertises. I was in shock and felt completely blindsided and pressured. This pricing scheme is noted in small print on their "algemene voorwaarden," but boldly stated on the top of their website they promise “no surprises later.”
In complete shock, I refused to pay as I would have never agreed to pay this amount for a clogged sink. We called the company/plumber's boss (with whom I had spoken on the phone; the plumber himself was a freelancer) and he said "It's on the website" and that I needed to pay at least €500. I was firm and still refused to pay this. Eventually, they told the plumber he needed to work it out directly with me. After a long discussion, he finally agreed to accept €150, which is a normal market price but still more than I was quoted.
The company’s deceptive pricing tactics lure customers with low promises, then they try to inflate the bill by over ten times. I managed to get out of it but I want to warn others. My advice: be very cautious and always get a written price agreement before they start.