Is this wrong business tactic

A

AC\DC

Senior Member
Location
Florence,Oregon,Lane
Occupation
EC
Is it unprofessional to call out a local electrician who’s misleading people just to upsell? In one park, he’s telling folks their meter bases are unsafe and need replacing because they’re too low—when the real issue is the failing underground lines. The height code he’s referencing no longer applies, especially for homes on permanent foundations. He’s quoting $4,500 for a job I do for $2,500. I’ve been giving honest advice, like framing around the panel to keep it dry. Just trying to do right by people—should I speak up or stay quiet?

If what he’s doing isn’t considered bad business practice, then why would it be wrong for me to call it out? Fair is fair, right? I’m just being honest with people and looking out for the community. If someone’s using fear tactics to overcharge folks, shouldn’t they be held accountable?”
 
“I was recently reminded of a situation where I was called out to troubleshoot a pool that wasn’t working. The owner told me another electrician had just installed it—but when I arrived, I found NM cable run directly to the heater, stripped back with exposed conductors, no bonding, and no equipotential grid. It was a serious safety hazard. I informed them of the liability and walked away—I’m not putting my name or license on something like that. Ironically, it was the same contractor now spreading misinformation around town to upsell people on work they don’t need. Just a reminder that flashy advertising doesn’t always equal quality or code-compliant work.”
 
I think you can spend more effort on your own jobs and own upselling than worry about what some snake does. Those kinds always get what is coming to them.
 
CoolWill said:
I think you can spend more effort on your own jobs and own upselling than worry about what some snake does. Those kinds always get what is coming to them.
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pisses me off- I was just gonna gonna do a Facebook post for that community stating this

It’s stating a fact and advertising at same time my integrity and honesty
Electrical Concerns in Greentrees – What You Should Know

A recent letter from another contractor raised concerns about electrical issues in Greentrees, but it missed the main point: the real problem is underground. In most cases, it’s the buried service lines—not the meter panels—that are failing.

Some panels sit low to the ground, which caused confusion about code compliance. While these setups were once considered non-compliant, the height rule has since been removed, and they are now code-compliant again. If water is a concern, simply digging out a framed cavity around the panel can prevent moisture damage and extend its life.

Most of the existing panels are still in good shape and have plenty of life left. A few older ones do need replacing—but we’ve heard quotes as high as $4,000 for basic replacements where everything is nearby. That’s too much. A fair price for a simple panel swap should be closer to $2,000–$2,500.

At xxxxxxxxc, we value our customers and want to make sure you’re getting a fair shake. Get multiple quotes, ask questions, and make informed decisions—that’s the best way to protect your home and your wallet
 
If he is staying busy being paid $4500 for a job where you would charge $2500, maybe you are billing too low.
If he is charging that much and only doing 1 job every couple of months, maybe there is nothing to worry about.

I have no problem with a PSA type page, but i would stay away from using names and specific pricing.
 
AC\DC said:
I’m not putting my name or license on something like that. Ironically, it was the same contractor now spreading misinformation around town to upsell people on work they don’t need. Just a reminder that flashy advertising doesn’t always equal quality or code-compliant work.”
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My estimates for abatement cite the hazards, insurance codes for non-renewal & cancellation, and local code-enforcement agency contact information.

If applicable to an online community, I would gladly publish the PDF estimate on social media with client info redacted.
 
I suggest calling out his work to the AHJ, and do be specific with names and dangerous work addresses.
 
what a good profit after paying employees for a single day job- this will only take 5-8 hours said and done. If I paid my employee after all expenses I’ll make a profit of 800 bucks that seems good to me for- I want to make money but don’t want to tape my customers
 
AC\DC said:
Calling out by name is really starting a fight .
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In my opinion, calling him out to the AHJ is being responsible.

It would be different if he was doing safe and compliant work.

There should be no reason to identify you as the "informant."
 
My take on it.

Having the license and being in business (called to a site to observe, analyze, and discuss with owner) has some (certain) legal obligations. You have a duty to execute.

You don't have to worry about any moral obligations. Everyone's moral calibration is set in a different place. Executing on your legal obligations would be sufficient (and necessary).

So what are the legal obligations (keeping in mind it's not my place to say). You would have to disclose hazards fully to the owner. This gives them informed consent. They decide what their money is and is not spent on. If you want to cover yourself for future unforeseen liability, in writing to the owner.

Complaint to the jurisdiction having enforcement responsibility, Yes If I feel I have been harmed personally. Have written more of these than the next hundred people in line combined.

Never wrote one for someone competing with me with shoddy work, but did loose bids to them. That's a grey area imo. Not legally obligated to complain. Terminate me otoh you got mail. Not as much as deserved but something.

Many contractors take advantage of the customer's mistakes, many successful ones play that intently for profit. I don't see the upside in trying to realign their ways. Plus there are so many of them.

Was bad and it's worse now. Fewer to no old school highly skilled real talent guys left. All new gen types, the old ways are incomprehensible to them. They only know to grift. They would step over artwork, tear it out, to keep grifting. .They short everything, even the porta potties. Lived long enough to see that.

I would never go the public shaming route. Silence there. My play is me for the long term. I need to keep working. Not my job to knock the other guy off though many play that way, and sharply. It's built into the structure, institutionalized.

Angels and Demons. My Angels do some of my work for me, my help. Your demons feast on you. I do not have to help them with that. He suffers enough in the end, which comes quicker for him. Do something to keep your Angels happy and close by. Tell the demons to go away.
 
__dan said:
My take on it.

Having the license and being in business (called to a site to observe, analyze, and discuss with owner) has some (certain) legal obligations. You have a duty to execute.

You don't have to worry about any moral obligations. Everyone's moral calibration is set in a different place. Executing on your legal obligations would be sufficient (and necessary).

So what are the legal obligations (keeping in mind it's not my place to say). You would have to disclose hazards fully to the owner. This gives them informed consent. They decide what their money is and is not spent on. If you want to cover yourself for future unforeseen liability, in writing to the owner.

Complaint to the jurisdiction having enforcement responsibility, Yes If I feel I have been harmed personally. Have written more of these than the next hundred people in line combined.

Never wrote one for someone competing with me with shoddy work, but did loose bids to them. That's a grey area imo. Not legally obligated to complain. Terminate me otoh you got mail. Not as much as deserved but something.

Many contractors take advantage of the customer's mistakes, many successful ones play that intently for profit. I don't see the upside in trying to realign their ways. Plus there are so many of them.

Was bad and it's worse now. Fewer to no old school highly skilled real talent guys left. All new gen types, the old ways are incomprehensible to them. They only know to grift. They would step over artwork, tear it out, to keep grifting. .They short everything, even the porta potties. Lived long enough to see that.

I would never go the public shaming route. Silence there. My play is me for the long term. I need to keep working. Not my job to knock the other guy off though many play that way, and sharply. It's built into the structure, institutionalized.

Angels and Demons. My Angels do some of my work for me, my help. Your demons feast on you. I do not have to help them with that. He suffers enough in the end, which comes quicker for him. Do something to keep your Angels happy and close by. Tell the demons to go away.
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In short mind my own business and he will get what’s coming?
 
AC\DC said:
In short mind my own business and he will get what’s coming?
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First step would be to know what your actual legal obligations are, and to execute those, prior to the deficiency (blowing up).

Prioritize. Actual hazards, mitigate those effectively and efficiently. Small property owner who lives there, it's their hazard to live with (informed consent).

Large business with local employees and out of state management, I would feel a duty to mitigate possible harm to the local staff and would, have inquired gently, with the local AHJ, OSHA, about what they need or require from me. Verbal information passed like that is like it never happened. Written complaint they have to respond to. Writing that type of letter is its own craft. You have to practice to get better.

Social media, hard no. Cannot see the upside in it. Meet fully your duty to mitigate damages, including damages that have not happened yet but appear highly likely to your eye.
 
Well what’s your take!!!
These currently sit 2” above grade—— told owner just put in https://www.homedepot.com/p/Decoven...SZd5lKDA1zqIJyiFGeDnhVink3fFBG_YaAnTDEALw_wcB
In front of the panel so it’s no longer has wet soil in close proximity. Or just dig it out and gram in something.—- that panel is only from the 90’s it’s till good for another 20 years…
It’s not a danger


As I vented here seems Facebook is not the best option could backfire best to just keep on doing me. Either I’ll do good or not does not really matter about others
 

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We live at the beach told her the the vegetation actually helps keep the elements off these panels—- and it does -every one in vegetation outlives even stainless exposed
 
My 0 cents on the subject, which is exactly what you’re paying for it, and more than likely, exactly what it’s worth.

As far as pricing, doesn’t really matter. Some people think I’m high as giraffe nuts, and I’m lower than a lot of other folk. What we all need, or want, to stay in business, is going to be different for everyone. Like driving on the highway, some are 55, some 65, some 85.

If some one suggests something that is an absolute code violation, I would point out that that is not acceptable.

If someone suggests something that is in my opinion not necessary, it’s two professionals speaking from their own experiences. I’ll offer mine, and he can offer his, and the customer can choose.

You can see just here in this forum we have varied ideas of what is acceptable and what isn’t. I am perhaps considered to play fast and loose with the Code by some here. On the other hand, I have very strict standards that I will not violate. Some may think I’m too strict. Same with my opinion of what I read.

If it’s not a definitive code issue, I wouldn’t worry too much about it, and just focus on your own business, your own customers, and educate based on your own knowledge and experience. There are many ways to skin a deer, most of them correct, almost all will get you fed. 👍
 
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