Precision Small Engines, Inc.

[redacted]
Fwd: response to reference # [redacted]InboxRevdex.com of Metro Washington DCJan 15 (1 day ago)to me ---------- Forwarded message ----------From: Precision Small Engines <precisionsmallenginesinc@[redacted].com>Date: Thu, Jan...

15, 2015 at 12:32 PMSubject: response to reference # [redacted]To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>To Revdex.com,     This is in response to a complaint received on our business, reference #[redacted].  The complaint apparently lies with our process in evaluating and assessing repairs needed on a customers generator.  When generators are dropped off for repair we ask the customer to leave a $50 deposit which in most cases would be applied to the total repair amount.  If after receiving the estimate the customer declines the recommended repairs, Precision keeps the previously paid deposit as we charge $50 on generators for assessing and estimating repair jobs.  In this particular case our mechanic was able to simulate starting the generator in order to ensure that it was producing electricity from the genset, our mechanic determined that the customers claim of the unit needing a switch was indeed correct, however it was also determined the unit was not generating electricity.  Our experience with the customer's specific unit is that it will need to have the genset replaced as well as a carburetor overhaul on the engine.  It was not necessary to access the "dirt, dead bug, cobweb covered screw holes" to determine this.  Regardless of what the process involves to obtain the repair estimate, the charge is still $50 to evaluate it.  The customer claimed the unit WAS producing electricity when dropped off. We would be happy to reevaluate the customer's unit at no additional charge if it were brought to us, but at this time we are confident the assessment given was accurate and the estimate charge of $50 was fair and regret that the customer felt he was being "ripped off".  Sincerely, Gregory H[redacted]President, Precision Small Engines, Inc

Horrible service, severely overpriced, and generally untrustworthy business. I've been twice for two separate items. The mark-up on parts is astounding. They tend to practice a bait-and-switch method. They low-ball the estimate on your initial drop-off, charge you a deposit to lock you in, and then come back with an estimate that is twice as high as the original even though no additional work was necessary.

Review: My "Guaranteed-to-Start" Toro lawnmower will not start.

I purchased and registered it on August 18 of last year (2012), used it a total of two times - less than three hours.

Prior to storing it in my basement last September, I ran the engine, as recommended in the manual, until the engine sputtered.

Last week (4/18/2013) I re-fueled it, added some oil and tried to start it.

But no go, even after returning a half hour later and trying again.

I checked the nearest service dealer on line and was directed to Precision Small Engines, Inc. a few miles from home, where I left the mower for their analysis of the problem. I fully expected it to be covered under the "GTS (Guarenteed to Start) Guarantee".

Precision called Friday (4/26/2013) and said there was a fuel problem, possibly "old" fuel from last year that prevented it from starting.

That was difficult to understand since I followed the manual directions to use all of last year's fuel.

What also concerned me about the $145 cost of repair was the need to sharpen the blade, replace the air filter and conduct an overhaul of the engine. I don't exactly recall the last few items on his shopping list since after the blade and air filter I began to think he was looking at the wrong mower. How could a mower with about three hours of use require a new filter and blade sharpening, among other things?

This appeared to be a scam so I retrieved my mower before I allowed them to "service" it - at my expense!Desired Settlement: The company should do the service on my twice-used mower under the terms of the guarantee (at no charge).