Bartels Appliance

Tell us why here...This cooktop had no damage when I was done fixing it and the customer signed the work order confirming thatThree months later she called and said her cooktop was crackedI'm sure she dropped something on it, and acting like a windshield a day or so later after it was heated it crackedI'm not paying for something I didn't do, and I will not be bullied into it.This took place years ago and she is still blaming it on me

I am rejecting this response because: This is inaccurateWe did not drop anything on the cooktop as we were not in the homeThe delay in reporting this was because this is a VACATION home and we were not in the home; I left immediately after Bartel's repaired the burner for my primary residence hours awayI extended my stay so that I could get the burner fixed! Bartels keeps making this same point that I waited to report this problem but that is the nature of having a vacation home!!! Even the warranty company does not buy Bartel's argument, which is why First American Home Warranty that sent Bartels out to fix the burner filed a claim on my behalf with Bartel's insurance companyThe warranty company does not file fraudulant claims! I have had other appliance repair people out for other matters, and they have looked at the crack in the glass cooktop and said it is definitely a stress crackThey have also said that this is very unprofessional on the part of BartelsI contacted the manufacturer of the cooktop and they said that the cook top MUST be lifted by by two people to avoid stress cracksThey asked me to send a photo of the crack, which I didThey said it looks like a stress crackAs other service workers who observed the stove have said, the damage would have looked different if something were dropped on it, versus a stress crackFrankly, if I dropped something on the stove myself, I would have repaired it myself because that would have been easier than filing complaints for the past year and a halfI don't need money; I have plentyThis is not about a moneyI am a former consumer advocate so I take this sort of thing VERY seriouslyThe reason I am only now getting to the Revdex.com is because it took Bartel's insurance company many months to get First American Warranty to submit the claim to Bartel's insurance company and for Hartford Insurance to respond in writing that Bartels is not insured for damage they cause while on the job An attorney friend in town wants me to hire him to represent me but he would sue for legal fees and damages (e.g., time I've spent trying to get this resolved) But I don't want overkill here; I just want Bartels to be a responsible company to ALL consumers and to do the right thingAnd according to reviews on Yelp, I'm not alone in having problems with this company

Tell us why here...This story has changed and developed over timeHow could I cause a stress crackI put it back exactly how I found itI didn't change the installationThere are some in this world that just keep complaining until a corporation pays them off to make them go awayI will do what is rightI will own up and pay for my mistakes when I make them

I am rejecting this response because: Actually, there has been absolutely no change in the details I have reported (see complaint attached which was lodged in Febwith the State of California licensing board, and remains a permanent record with that agency)The reason the glass stove top cracked was that it was lifted by one personI thought that was obviousBartel keeps arguing points that were long ago discounted by First American Warranty CompanyBartel's claim that I am filing this complaint for financial gain is absurdly inaccurateWhen there is a provider of service who is a risk for consumers, I feel obligated to report themGiven how much I bill out per hour when consulting, I have spent more than the cost of the stove on this matter - doing so because I take consumer protection VERY SERIOUSLYThe negative and attacking attitude that Bartel's displays toward customers such as myself, and also evident in the complaints on YELP against this company, is a problem that I'm sure costs them a lot of businessWhile I can absorb the $1,loss of my stove, there are plenty of other consumers for whom this would represent a huge lossOne problem with Bartels is their lack of insurance to cover damages that occur when they are on the job siteWhen First American filed the insurance claim for my stove top with Bartel's insurer Sentinel (also The Hanover), the insurance company stated that Bartel's did not have coverage for damage they do on the job site (see attached document)They thus indicated that Bartel's is responsible for this costI propose as a solution that Bartel's get insurance that DOES cover damage their technicians do while on the job, and show proof of purchase to Revdex.com, with the coverage for damage done while on the worksite CLEARLY disclosedThis will not only protect future customers of Bartels, but also Bartels! In so doing, I will not hire an atty to pursue this further (as that would only win me damages AND high priced legal costs for the atty - money better spent by Bartel's on such insurance!) I know Bartels is a small company and I have no wish to see a law suit put them out of business and fatten the pocket of my atty friendBut if they refuse to treat customers better, then they don't deserve to be in business! The choice is really theirs at this pointThank you

Tell us why here...This story has changed and developed over time. How could I cause a stress crack. I put it back exactly how I found it. I didn't change the installation. There are some in this world that just keep complaining until a corporation pays them off to make them go away. I will do what is right. I will own up and pay for my mistakes when I make them.

I am rejecting this response because: This is inaccurate. We did not drop anything on the cooktop as we were not in the home. The delay in reporting this was because this is a VACATION home and we were not in the home; I left immediately after Bartel's repaired the burner for my primary residence 8 hours away. I extended my stay so that I could get the burner fixed! Bartels keeps making this same point that I waited to report this problem but that is the nature of having a vacation home!!! Even the warranty company does not buy Bartel's argument,  which is why First American Home Warranty that sent Bartels out to fix the burner filed a claim on my behalf with Bartel's insurance company. The warranty company does not file fraudulant claims! I have had other appliance repair people out for other matters, and they have looked at the crack in the glass cooktop and said it is definitely a stress crack. They have also said that this is very unprofessional on the part of Bartels. I contacted the manufacturer of the cooktop and they said that the cook top MUST be lifted by by two people to avoid stress cracks. They asked me to send  a photo of the crack, which I did. They said it looks like  a stress crack. As other service workers who observed the stove have said, the damage would have looked different if something were dropped on it, versus a stress crack. Frankly, if I dropped something on the stove myself, I would have repaired it myself because that would have been easier than filing complaints for the past year and a half. I don't need money; I have plenty. This is not about a money. I am a former consumer advocate so I take this sort of thing VERY seriously. The reason I am only now getting to the Revdex.com is because it took Bartel's insurance company many months to get First American Warranty to submit the claim to Bartel's insurance company and for Hartford Insurance to respond in writing that Bartels is not insured for damage they cause while on the job.  An attorney friend in town wants me to hire him to represent me but he would sue for legal fees and damages  (e.g., time I've spent trying to get this resolved).  But I don't want overkill here;  I just want Bartels to be a responsible company to ALL consumers and to do the right thing. And according to reviews on Yelp, I'm not alone in having problems with this company.

Tell us why here...This cooktop had no damage when I was done fixing it and the customer signed the work order confirming that. Three months later she called and said her cooktop was cracked. I'm sure she dropped something on it, and acting like a windshield a day or so later after it was heated it...

cracked. I'm not paying for something I didn't do, and I will not be bullied into it.This took place 2 years ago and she is still blaming it on me.

I am rejecting this response because:  Actually, there has been absolutely no change in the details I have reported (see complaint attached which was lodged in Feb. with the State of California licensing board, and remains a permanent record with that agency). The reason the glass stove top cracked was that it was lifted by one person. I thought that was obvious. Bartel keeps arguing points that were long ago discounted by First American Warranty Company. Bartel's claim that I am filing this complaint for financial gain is absurdly inaccurate. When there is a provider of service who is a risk for consumers, I feel obligated to report them. Given how much I bill out per hour when consulting, I have spent more than the cost of the stove on this matter - doing so because I take consumer protection VERY SERIOUSLY. The negative and attacking attitude that Bartel's displays toward customers such as myself, and also evident in the complaints on YELP against this company, is a problem that I'm sure costs them a lot of business. While I can absorb the $1,000 loss of my stove, there are plenty of other consumers for whom this would represent a huge loss. One problem with Bartels is their lack of insurance to cover damages that occur when they are on the job site. When First American filed the insurance claim for my stove top with Bartel's insurer Sentinel (also The Hanover), the insurance company stated that Bartel's did not have coverage for damage they do on the job site (see attached document). They thus indicated that Bartel's is responsible for this cost. I propose as a solution that Bartel's get insurance that DOES cover damage their technicians do while on the job, and show proof of purchase to Revdex.com, with the coverage for damage done while on the worksite CLEARLY disclosed. This will not only protect future customers of Bartels, but also Bartels! In so doing, I will not hire an atty to pursue this further (as that would only win me damages AND high priced legal costs for the atty - money better spent by Bartel's on such insurance!)  I know Bartels is a small company and I have no wish to see a law suit put them out of business and fatten the pocket of my atty friend. But if they refuse to treat customers better, then they don't deserve to be in business! The choice is really theirs at this point. Thank you.

Review: My home warranty company sent out Bartel's Appliance company to fix a broken burner in my two-year old cook top in our vacation home. The Bartel technician lifted the cook top up by himself to diagnose the problem. He then came back another day to fix the burner. He asked me to lift the cooktop with him as it really is a two person job, so I did so. However, after fixing the burner, he put the stovetop back without my assistance. I left later that day to return to my primary residence and when I returned a month later noticed a large stress crack in the glass cook top. I notified Bartels but they refused to take responsibility. My home warranty company submitted a claim to Bartels' insurance company, but the insurance company said Bartel's coverage does not extend to damage done by Bartels while on the job (!). So that means Bartel's Appliance is responsible. Bartels has since refused to take responsibility. The owner has told the warranty company, the state licensing board, and my husband that if we want them to replace the glass cook top, we need to take them small claims court. Consumers need to beware of how this company responds to damage they cause while in your home.Desired Settlement: Replace the cooktop that they cracked.

Business

Response:

Tell us why here...This cooktop had no damage when I was done fixing it and the customer signed the work order confirming that. Three months later she called and said her cooktop was cracked. I'm sure she dropped something on it, and acting like a windshield a day or so later after it was heated it cracked. I'm not paying for something I didn't do, and I will not be bullied into it.This took place 2 years ago and she is still blaming it on me.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because: This is inaccurate. We did not drop anything on the cooktop as we were not in the home. The delay in reporting this was because this is a VACATION home and we were not in the home; I left immediately after Bartel's repaired the burner for my primary residence 8 hours away. I extended my stay so that I could get the burner fixed! Bartels keeps making this same point that I waited to report this problem but that is the nature of having a vacation home!!! Even the warranty company does not buy Bartel's argument, which is why First American Home Warranty that sent Bartels out to fix the burner filed a claim on my behalf with Bartel's insurance company. The warranty company does not file fraudulant claims! I have had other appliance repair people out for other matters, and they have looked at the crack in the glass cooktop and said it is definitely a stress crack. They have also said that this is very unprofessional on the part of Bartels. I contacted the manufacturer of the cooktop and they said that the cook top MUST be lifted by by two people to avoid stress cracks. They asked me to send a photo of the crack, which I did. They said it looks like a stress crack. As other service workers who observed the stove have said, the damage would have looked different if something were dropped on it, versus a stress crack. Frankly, if I dropped something on the stove myself, I would have repaired it myself because that would have been easier than filing complaints for the past year and a half. I don't need money; I have plenty. This is not about a money. I am a former consumer advocate so I take this sort of thing VERY seriously. The reason I am only now getting to the Revdex.com is because it took Bartel's insurance company many months to get First American Warranty to submit the claim to Bartel's insurance company and for Hartford Insurance to respond in writing that Bartels is not insured for damage they cause while on the job. An attorney friend in town wants me to hire him to represent me but he would sue for legal fees and damages (e.g., time I've spent trying to get this resolved). But I don't want overkill here; I just want Bartels to be a responsible company to ALL consumers and to do the right thing. And according to reviews on Yelp, I'm not alone in having problems with this company.

Business

Response:

Tell us why here...This story has changed and developed over time. How could I cause a stress crack. I put it back exactly how I found it. I didn't change the installation. There are some in this world that just keep complaining until a corporation pays them off to make them go away. I will do what is right. I will own up and pay for my mistakes when I make them.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because: Actually, there has been absolutely no change in the details I have reported (see complaint attached which was lodged in Feb. with the State of California licensing board, and remains a permanent record with that agency). The reason the glass stove top cracked was that it was lifted by one person. I thought that was obvious. Bartel keeps arguing points that were long ago discounted by First American Warranty Company. Bartel's claim that I am filing this complaint for financial gain is absurdly inaccurate. When there is a provider of service who is a risk for consumers, I feel obligated to report them. Given how much I bill out per hour when consulting, I have spent more than the cost of the stove on this matter - doing so because I take consumer protection VERY SERIOUSLY. The negative and attacking attitude that Bartel's displays toward customers such as myself, and also evident in the complaints on YELP against this company, is a problem that I'm sure costs them a lot of business. While I can absorb the $1,000 loss of my stove, there are plenty of other consumers for whom this would represent a huge loss. One problem with Bartels is their lack of insurance to cover damages that occur when they are on the job site. When First American filed the insurance claim for my stove top with Bartel's insurer Sentinel (also The Hanover), the insurance company stated that Bartel's did not have coverage for damage they do on the job site (see attached document). They thus indicated that Bartel's is responsible for this cost. I propose as a solution that Bartel's get insurance that DOES cover damage their technicians do while on the job, and show proof of purchase to Revdex.com, with the coverage for damage done while on the worksite CLEARLY disclosed. This will not only protect future customers of Bartels, but also Bartels! In so doing, I will not hire an atty to pursue this further (as that would only win me damages AND high priced legal costs for the atty - money better spent by Bartel's on such insurance!) I know Bartels is a small company and I have no wish to see a law suit put them out of business and fatten the pocket of my atty friend. But if they refuse to treat customers better, then they don't deserve to be in business! The choice is really theirs at this point. Thank you.