Title: Summary of Randy Kemp’s Plumbing Experience and AI Insights
Introduction: This summary covers Randy Kemp’s troubling experience with plumbing services, particularly focusing on the high fees charged by Ed’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc. The insights provided by various AI tools highlight concerns about pricing transparency in the plumbing industry. The analysis encourages consumers to advocate for fair prices and better service standards.
Key Points:
Randy’s Plumbing Disaster:
Randy details a plumbing issue at his home, resulting in unexpected challenges and costly repairs.
The narrative emphasizes preparation, resilience, and humor during crises.
Background of Randy Kemp:
Discusses Randy Kemp’s qualifications, including a BA in math and completion of the IBM Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals Academy Accreditation.
He draws parallels to the viral story “United Breaks Guitars” and includes documentation of his disputes with Ed’s Plumbing.
Pricing Disputes with Ed’s Plumbing:
Randy claims he was charged $600 for a kitchen faucet installation, which he believes to be exorbitant based on competitive market estimates.
He contacted the Better Business Bureau (BBB) regarding his concerns of unfair pricing, bringing statistical evidence and independent AI analysis to support his case.
Consumer Opinions and AI Analysis:
Various AI engines (e. g. , Gab AI, Claude AI) reviewed the situation, supporting Randy’s concerns over the lack of pricing transparency and fairness in Ed’s Plumbing services.
AI analysis shows significant discrepancies between the charges from Ed’s Plumbing and estimates from other sources.
Reasons Supporting Randy’s Position:
Non-refundable visit fees limit consumers’ abilities to seek competitive quotes.
Estimates from independent sources indicated the expected charges should have been between $100-$300, drastically lower than what was billed.
Randy documented the short duration of the job and discrepancies regarding material charges.
Water Heater Installation Estimates:
Randy also analyzed estimates for water heater installation, comparing different plumbing companies, revealing a broader range of prices and the complexity of various plumbing jobs.
Consumer Advocacy and Fair Pricing:
The text advocates for increased consumer awareness and improved standards in plumbing pricing practices.
Emphasizes the importance of documenting experiences and seeking redress through established channels.
Insights from Various AI Engines:
Different AI engines provided insights supporting Randy’s position and underscoring the need for transparency in pricing.
Conversations with AI highlighted the affordability concerns related to plumbing costs based on competitive analysis and industry averages.
Conclusion: Randy Kemp’s plumbing experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls in hiring service providers without proper transparency in pricing. The summarized data from various AI tools underscores the necessity for consumers to advocate for fair treatment and proactive documentation of service experiences. This situation not only reflects on Randy’s personal ordeal but also mirrors broader issues faced by consumers in the plumbing industry.
Reader’s Digest version by Randy Kemp
Let’s keep things simple, shall we? If we throw out the dispute over doubling the charge and say it outright, we have a dispute over high prices. Any negative publicity caused by questionable business practices is just bad PR. Which AI models, Angi’s estimator for similar area jobs, and the word one by Aqua Plumbing shed a different light? The Catholic Churches and the Diocese of Joliet are morally obligated to side with truth and logic. Since Lifeline Plumbing offers a free estimate and will travel about 19 miles for a free estimate, Ed’s argument on travel expenses doesn’t hold water.
On March 30, 2024, I hired this plumbing company to install a kitchen faucet in my condo unit. They are about ten minutes away. They advertise in my Catholic church bulletin with “Best Work, Best Rates, and Parishioner Discount”. I got a top-of-the-line faucet through Home Depot. I was quoted six hundred for a job that would take just over an hour, but since there is a $125 visit, Later, AI models and Angi said it’s far too high. In October 2024, I got an estimate from Angi to install a Menards water heater for $756.62. A local plumbing company gave a free estimate of $742.50. The senior plumber cut pipes for four hours and finished the job within the forecast. It passed the city inspection.
Let’s begin with a short 3-minute AI YouTube video summary. A Plumbing Nightmare
I’m just telling my story as they did with United Breaks Guitars – Nothing more, nothing less. I also provided a rebuttal to Ed’s BBB mediation rejection request, which he rejected with the Illinois Attorney General, and have documented my position.
I have included all the questions word for word to the various AI engines. Anyone is free to ask the same questions to the specific AI engines.
In this story, I’ll present my story with statistical facts and independent AI analysis—NOT “human opinion.”You have to choose sides, like in “The Lady, or the Tiger?” by Frank R. Stockton
I received a BA in math from Aurora University and this award from Motorola:
Unveiling the Future of Creativity: Pioneering Collaboration Between Human Ingenuity and AI Brilliance.
AI and Human Synergy: Crafting the Blueprint for Fair Pricing in the Digital Age.
This article is a collaboration between humans (AKA me) and AI experts.
Bing Co-pilot, Gab AI, Google Gemini, and Meta AI worked on the graphic designs.
Claude AI, Gab AI, Perplexity AI, and Google AI helped with summations.
Grammarly Premium helped with perfecting what the other AI engines had to say.
Bing Co-Pilot was a co-pilot helper of segments in the style of the legendary copywriter Ben Hart.
Lumen5 produced the excellent AI intro and summation videos.
AI is great if you use it properly and consult multiple engines.
What do the AI Engines think?
Ask Claude AI, Le Chat Mistral, and Opera Aria AI – Advice Columnists: Whose side do you agree with in this text, Ed or Randy, and Why?
Based on the information provided, I tend to agree more with Randy’s perspective for a few key reasons:
Price transparency – Randy highlights the lack of transparency regarding pricing in Ed’s company. The non-refundable $125 visit fee made it difficult for Randy to shop around and get comparative quotes. This disadvantaged him in evaluating if Ed’s $600 charge was fair.
Outside price estimates—Randy sought estimates from multiple AI pricing tools and Angi, which all indicated the job should have cost significantly less than $600, likely in the $100-$300 range. This corroborates his claim that Ed’s pricing seems inflated.
Short job duration—Randy himself timed the job, which took only 1 hour and 10 minutes, making Ed’s $600 charge seem excessive for such a quick task.
Double pricing claim – While Ed denies it, Randy claims the contractor told him the price doubled because Randy supplied his faucet. This discrepancy is unresolved.
Documentation – Randy provides documentation like photos and the bill to support his case.
Ed’s main arguments seem to be that Randy authorized the work, could have sought other quotes, and that they don’t double-charge for customer-supplied materials. However, the high non-refundable fee discouraged quote shopping, and the pricing discrepancy with multiple third-party estimates remains unaddressed.
Claude AI
After reviewing the positions presented by Randy and Ed in the blog post text, it seems that Randy Kemp raises valid concerns about the pricing practices of Ed’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc. based on the information provided by Gab AI and Perplexity AI summaries. Here are the reasons why I agree with Randy’s position:
Transparency: Randy’s concern about pricing transparency and fairness in the plumbing industry is crucial. The discrepancy between the estimated cost by other AI engines and the actual price charged raises questions about the integrity of the pricing practices.
Customer Experience: Charging significantly higher than the estimated cost without clear justification can lead to customer dissatisfaction. Randy’s attempt to address this discrepancy by contacting the Better Business Bureau shows his commitment to fair treatment and pricing.
Documentation and Rebuttal: Randy’s decision to document his position and provide a rebuttal to Ed’s response demonstrates his willingness to communicate and resolve the issue transparently.
Industry Standards: By highlighting the need for fair pricing and transparency, Randy advocates for better industry standards that benefit customers and promote trust between service providers and clients.
Randy’s position seems to prioritize fairness, transparency, and customer advocacy, which are essential in maintaining a positive customer-business relationship and ensuring ethical business practices in the plumbing industry.
Opera Aria AI
Based on the provided article, I agree with Randy’s perspective for several reasons:
Price Transparency: Randy rightly points out the lack of transparency in Ed’s pricing as a valid concern. The non-refundable $125 visit fee significantly hindered Randy’s ability to compare quotes, putting him at a disadvantage. This made it difficult for him to assess whether Ed’s $600 charge was reasonable.
Outside Price Estimates: Randy’s decision to seek estimates from multiple AI pricing tools and Angi was wise. All these sources indicated that the job should have cost significantly less than $600, likely in the $100-$300 range. This stark contrast supports Randy’s suspicion that Ed’s pricing is inflated.
Short Job Duration: Randy’s observation that the job took only 1 hour and 10 minutes is significant. It makes Ed’s $600 charge for such a quick task seem excessive, further supporting Randy’s claim of potential overpricing.
Double Pricing Claim: While Ed denies it, Randy claims the contractor told him the price doubled because Randy supplied his faucet. This discrepancy is unresolved and raises questions about Ed’s pricing practices.
Documentation: Randy provides documentation, such as photos and the bill, to support his case, which adds credibility to his arguments.
Consumer Advocacy: Randy’s efforts to document his experience, seek redress through the Better Business Bureau, and even involve the Illinois Attorney General show his commitment to fair treatment and transparency in the plumbing industry.
In contrast, Ed’s main arguments seem to be that Randy authorized the work, could have sought other quotes, and that they don’t double-charge for customer-supplied materials. However, the high non-refundable fee discouraged quote shopping, and the pricing discrepancy with multiple third-party estimates remains unaddressed. Moreover, Ed’s accusation that Randy is trying to exploit the company seems unfounded, given Randy’s documented efforts to seek a fair resolution.
Overall, Randy’s position seems more reasonable and supported by evidence, while Ed’s responses lack transparency and do not adequately address the pricing concerns raised.
Le Chat Mistral
The New 40-Gallon Gas Water Heater
Let’s start with an example that’s hard to refute.
In my zip code, we will look at Agni’s estimate for similar projects for a water heater install.
We will then examine Agua Flow Plumbing’s FREE estimate and final price for this water heater installation.
Then we will look at my Google review for them; compared to Ed’s simple faucet install for $600 for one hour and ten minutes of work, with a $125 no-refundable estimate, I supplied the faucet from Home Depot.
I need to replace a 40-gallon gas water heater in the Fall, which I intend to purchase at Menards. Replacing a water heater is more complicated than a kitchen faucet. Let’s run a simple experiment to see how prices go for this project at zip code 60188.
First, I got Angi’s estimate of $756.62, which includes up to 3.5 hours of work. Because of the tank weight, it’s a two-person job.
Next, I got Aqua Flow Plumbing in Carol Stream, Ill, to give a free estimate on July 18, 2024. They didn’t know about Angi’s estimate and were recommended by my current HVAC company. Their estimate with a senior discount is $742.50 with a ten percent senior discount.
Come to think of it, that’s just a tab over what Ed’s plumbing company charged for a simple one-hour and ten-minute kitchen faucet job.
Here’s the Google review I gave Aqua Plumbing:
On October 7, 2024, I hired this plumbing company based on my HVAC company’s recommendation. First, I got an estimate for the job from the Angi project estimator for my zip code based on past similar projects. Then, I got a free estimate from the plumbing company, which came in slightly less than Angi’s tool estimate after they applied the senior discount. One senior plumber spent four hours on this project and had to cut and fit several pipes. Since the old value didn’t work, they had to install a new one. But the final price was the original estimate. It’s much better than a previous plumbing company, with their one-hour kitchen faucet install, where I supplied it from Home Depot. Where they charged a $125 estimate fee. I supplied the water heater from Menards and had it delivered. To top everything off, I had to get the project permit from the village. They passed everything quickly with flying colors. I told the inspector, ” They put in all new pipes and a new value.” The inspector replied, “I can see that.”
Here’s the Angi’s estimated price for my zip code area:
Why Thirty Pieces of Silver?
Why Thirty Pieces of Silver?
Unlock the Secrets of Honest Plumbing Pricing! Have you ever wondered if those church bulletin ads were worth your trust? I certainly did, and what I discovered left me both surprised and determined. Let me share my story.
The Faucet Fiasco: A Senior’s Quest for Transparency
On a crisp March 30th morning in 2024, I welcomed Ed’s Plumbing into my Carol Stream condo. The mission? Install a sleek kitchen faucet—a task that should’ve been as straightforward as a Hail Mary pass. But little did I know I was about to embark on a plumbing odyssey.
The Numbers Game: From Discounts to Double Rates
As a retired senior citizen on a fixed income, every penny is crucial. I was taken aback when Ed’s initial quote came in—a staggering $600 for just over an hour’s work. However, a glimmer of hope was a $125 fee visit. So, I decided to take the risk, banking on a fair deal.
The parishioner’s discount was a paltry five percent. I sought clarity from the technician about the billing process. Could I negotiate with the owner later? Maybe reduce that rate significantly? Unfortunately, my hopes were crushed. After the installation, the technician delivered the shocking news (paraphrased): “Double the rate, my friend. You didn’t buy our faucet.”
The AI Verdict: Plumbing Truth Unveiled
As far as his allegation that he was charged double; we have never charged a customer for providing their own materials; who would do such a thing? Just doesn’t make sense.
Ed LeTourneau to the BBB, on a job his contractor took 1 hour and 10 minutes to do and charged $600. He also supplied a copy of the bill to the BBB showing the time info.
And now…the rest of the story…
Paul Harvey
Curious and a tad indignant, I turned to the digital oracles: Bing Co-Pilot, Google Gemini, Claude, and Gab AI. What say you, wise engines? The verdict:
What is the average consumer cost for a DuPage County, Illinois, plumber to install a kitchen faucet that replaces an existing faucet purchased for a condo unit that takes 1 hour and 10 minutes?
In DuPage County, Illinois, the average hourly rate for a plumber range from $45 to $150. For a job that takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, you can expect the labor cost to be between $52.50 and $175, assuming the plumber charges for the entire second hour.
Bing Co-Pilot AI
Considering an average labor rate of $150 per hour in DuPage County, Illinois, the base labor cost for installing a kitchen faucet that takes 1 hour and 10 minutes (1.17 hours) would be around $175.50.
Google Gemini AI
it’s generally between $100 to $300, including labor and materials.
Gab AI
Plumbers in that area likely charge between $75 and $150 per hour for labor. Assuming the midpoint of $112.50 per hour and 1.17 hours of work time, the estimated labor cost would be around $130-$135.
On top of the labor, there is usually a service fee or trip charge of $50-$100. So, based on typical pricing, a plumber might charge $180- $250 on average in that area for a straightforward faucet swap out.
Claude AI
A second human opinion from Angi
How big and popular is Angi, and when did it start?
Angi, formerly Angie’s List, is a well-known American home services website. It was founded in 1995 by Angie Hicks and William S. Oesterle1. The company connects home service professionals with consumers in the United States and internationally. As of the latest information available, Angi Inc. has around 3,800 full-time employees2 and operates through three segments: Ads and Leads, Services, and International2.
The platform has achieved significant popularity over the years. By 2015, it had been used by more than 30 million homeowners, had nearly 100,000 pre-screened service professionals in its network, and almost 3 million verified reviews3. This level of engagement indicates a strong presence in the home services market. Angi Inc. was formed in 2017 by the merger of Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor, further expanding its reach and services.
Bing Co-pilot AI
Angi quotes for zip 60188, where I buy the Faucet and have a plumber install it and remove the old one.
Your price $282.50
Price details
Faucet Installation $277.50
Up to 2.5 hours of labor
Trust and support $5.00
Total $282.50.
What’s included in Angi’s quote?
Removing your old faucet
Unpacking and inspecting your new faucet
Installing and securing your new faucet to existing plumbing
Testing the new faucet to make sure it works properly.
Cleanup of job-related materials
How does Angi estimate project costs?
Cost Data: They compile real project costs from homeowners who have used Angi for various jobs. This data covers over 400 project types and gets updated regularly to reflect current market prices. You can find this information in their cost guides: How We Get Our Cost Data (angi.com).
Cost Estimator Tool: Angi has a cost estimator tool for specific projects like kitchen and bathroom remodeling. This tool provides average national costs along with breakdowns of cost ranges for materials, labor, and other factors. You can input details about your project to get a more customized estimate: .
Prevailing Rates: Angi provides insights into average hourly rates for contractors in your area. This can help estimate labor costs for your project. Home Renovation and Repair Cost | Angi | Angi
Google Gemini AI
Later, I found out from Angi’s vendor follow-up that some provide estimates for free. See this Google Voice translated voice mail.
Hi. This message is for Randy. This is Melissa with Lifeline Plumbing Heating and Cooling. I’m contacting you regarding the question you asked about Angie’s. You were looking for somebody to replace an old kitchen sink faucet with a new one. We will be happy to get somebody to come out there and look at that for you at no charge. All of our texts are licensed and bonded and have their trucks featured. Come almost fully stocked. Is it possible to finish the work on the same day we come out to you. I’m sorry, we can’t come out to you and provide a free estimate to replace that sink or that sink faucet with the one you bought. Suppose you would like to get on schedule. Please give us a call at ###-###-####. Thank you.
Lifeline Plumbing Heating and Cooling – Sent 8:38 AM CST on April 15, 2024.
I thank God that in our well over 50 years of serving the public, we have never encountered such a person.
Ed LeTourneau
Can you explain why you have only 23 Google Reviews after 50+ years?
With such a low number, one wonders if they are real reviews. And why aren’t you on BBB at all?
Let’s view some other info:
Let’s fine-tune our AI query with a new AI engine.
How much are plumbing rates?
Based on the search results provided, here are the typical plumbing rates for the 60188-zip code (Carol Stream, IL) Plumbing Rates
Carol Stream, IL, plumbers typically charge between $45 to $150 per hour.
The average total cost for a plumbing job range from $125 to $450.
Many plumbing companies have a minimum service fee of $50 to $200.
Perplexity AI
Now for some articles:
$120 – $300 Labor cost to install $200 – $600 Average total cost (new faucet + install)
The Moral Quandary: Exploiting Seniors or Honoring Integrity?
Here’s the twist: Ed’s Plumbing, a regular in church bulletins, had taken advantage of a retired fixed-income senior like me. Let’s examine my faucet job photos.
The Evidence
Faucet picture
Underneath the sink
A copy of the bill, with my location and contact details, masked out. Note:The bill shows the contractor started at 8 AM. The bill shows the time at 9:10 AM at the bottom when I signed it. Ed also supplied a copy of the bill to the BBB showing the time info.
The Proposal Rejection
In the crisp spring of 2024, armed with optimism and a credit card rebate proposal ranging from $200 to $300, I approached Ed Plumbing Services via a Chicago-based BBB complaint. My expectations were simple: a fair deal, quality workmanship, and a seamless transaction. Alas, reality had other plans.
“We have carefully reviewed Mr. Kemp’s rejection response, regarding the complaint number 21514829.
We believe that it comes down to this one fact: Mr. Kemp accepted our quote and authorized us to do the job, which we then completed to his entire satisfaction, as promised. Please see both of his written signatures on his contract which proves both his prior acceptance and the satisfactory completion of the work at the quoted cost.
Mr. Kemp was free to seek out other quotes, which we always encourage. If he had an issue with the price we quoted him, why did he authorize us to proceed to do the job? He was quoted our exact standard rate. As for his three AI quotes he mentions; clearly, they are invalid without visual inspection of actual job conditions and who knows what their actual quotes would have ended up being?
As we see now, Mr. Kemp acknowledges that he deliberately authorized the work, knowing full well he would complain later. How deceitful is that? As far as his allegation that he was charged double; we have never charged a customer for providing their own materials; who would do such a thing? Just doesn’t make sense.
In conclusion, Mr. Kemp was quoted our standard price, in advance. He accepted our written quote and authorized us to proceed. We then completed the work satisfactorily, as verified by Mr. Kemp’s signature on the satisfactory completion clause.
It appears Mr. Kemp is cleverly attempting to abuse your good company, just as he has our company. I thank God, that in our well over 50 years of serving the public, we have never encountered such a person.
We respectfully decline Mr. Kemp’s $200-$300 extortion attempts. We also advise other businesses to beware!
Sincerely,
Ed LeTourneau”
Ed LeTourneau
The main points of the letter are:
The company completed the job as promised and to Mr. Kemp’s satisfaction, evidenced by his signature on the contract.
Mr. Kemp was informed of the price beforehand and could have sought other quotes but chose to proceed with their company.
The company denies Mr. Kemp’s claim that he was charged double and says charging a customer for their materials makes no sense.
The company believes Mr. Kemp is trying to exploit them and disagrees with his request for a refund.
Google Gemini AI
The Bid Conundrum: Ed’s initial response left me scratching my head. “You could have gotten other bids,” he quipped. Fair enough, except for one tiny detail: Ed charges a non-refundable visit fee of $125. Imagine my predicament—I stood at the crossroads, a mere mortal with no plumbing price oracle. How could I explore other options when the entry fee was a hefty sum? It felt like Ed’s philosophy was a neon sign flashing, “Buyer, beware!” Perhaps he missed the memo that transparency is the new black.
The Unfounded Insinuation: Ed’s next move was straight out of a mystery novel. Letters of complaint later? I have much more important things to do!Visual inspection? I included pictures, mind you. What is there to visually inspect? The job is easy. Are AI engines misleading? AI engines give a price range.AI is grabbing statistical data, ED, just like Angi is with real project costs for similar projects. As someone with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Aurora University and a black belt in statistical analysis at Motorola, where I collaborated with engineers on project data, I find this inconsistency with your price particularly striking.Abuse a good company?Since when is complaining about unreasonable prices or not sharing critical information beforehand (like the rate is doubled because you brought your own faucet) “abusing a good company?”
He signed the contract.
Ed LeTourneau
I signed it after the work was completed. No time estimate was given to me beforehand, and I was not told the price was doubled because I supplied a new facet, I got free. Ask AI what “unconscionable” means.
As far as his allegation that he was charged double, we have never charged a customer for providing their own materials. Who would do such a thing? It just doesn’t make sense.
Ed LeTourneau
You’re right about one thing. It doesn’t make sense. Well, that’s what the contractor told me. If that’s not true, then how do you justify a $600 fee for only 1.25 hours of work (I timed it)?
We respectfully decline Mr. Kemp’s $200-$300 extortion attempts.
Ed LeTourneau
I’m just trying to get a fair price for installing a faucet at that location, using four AI engines and Angi real live project data for statistical ranges. Statistics don’t lie.
“I thank God, that in our well over 50 years of serving the public, we have never encountered such a person.
Ed LeTourneau
I’m probably the only one brave enough and with the skills, to write about and refute his rebuttal, one leg at a time. Did he imply that I harbored secret ambitions—to turn our plumbing escapade into a riveting article? Picture this: me, hunched over my keyboard, weaving prose about leaky faucets and pipe dreams. But hold on! Reality check: I already wield a social media megaphone across Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. My writing skills? Well-honed, thank you. If that weren’t enough, I’d filed complaints with the state of Illinois (2024-CONSC-00186986) and even the churches where Ed advertises. Why, oh why, would I concoct an elaborate plot involving plumbing and prose?”
The Catholic Church has failed to stop the ads so far. But then, they didn’t with the abuse scandal either. What happened to moral imperatives?
The Attorney General had a dialogue with Ed and me. However, Illinois law prohibits them from being directly involved. One element that Ed (or I suspect his legal counsel) has taken out of context is a provision on how language is used. For example, he takes the statement, “I hoped that I could email the owner later and cut the rate in half.” Did it occur before his contractor finished the job, as he implies? To throw a quote back at him, “That doesn’t make sense. Who would do such a thing?” It begs the question as to WHEN this thought occurred to me. This job ONLY took one hour and ten minutes? It occurred to me that AFTER the work was completed, I consulted the AI engines and Angi to see the statistical averages of similar jobs completed in my area. However, there was no response to what I stated in my summary.
I used language in three ways when having a “dialogue” with Ed.
It is a general statement that could have multiple contextual meanings.
For those who seek enlightenment in marketing and direct response copywriting, follow the trail blazed by the maestro himself—Ben Hart Marketing. Uncover the secrets, wield the power, and turn the tide.
Thirty Pieces of Silver
And yes, I mentioned thirty pieces of silver—apt, considering Ed’s multiple bulletin appearances.
Oh, yes. Ed questions my integrity. My social media profiles speak for themselves.
And guess what? Elon Musk himself once graced my Twitter feed.
Let’s recapwith Google Gemini AI.
Here are the main arguments against Ed’s points in the response:
Against “Get Other Bids” Argument:
Non-refundable Visit Fee: The high, non-refundable visit fee of $125 discouraged seeking other quotes.
Lack of Transparency: Ed seems unconcerned about Mr. Kemp’s inability to get other quotes due to the fee. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for the customer to know if the price is fair
Against “Double Charge” Denial:
Time Discrepancy: Mr. Kemp claims the work took 1.25 hours, but Mr. Kemp timed it himself. The large fee for such a short time suggests a possible overcharge.
Contradictory Statements: Ed denies charging extra for the customer-supplied faucet, yet Mr. Kemp claims the contractor told him the price doubled because of it.
Against “Extortion” Accusation:
Reasonable Complaint: Mr. Kemp argues seeking a fair price isn’t extortion.
AI Quote Support: He used AI engines, Angi, and statistical data to estimate a reasonable price range, which suggests that his desired price adjustment isn’t baseless.
Documentation: He included pictures, making a visual inspection unnecessary for the simple faucet installation.
Against “Buyer Beware” Attitude:
Uninformed Customer Disadvantage: Ed’s “buyer beware” approach puts the customer at a disadvantage as they can’t know if the price is fair without paying a non-refundable fee. Transparency about pricing upfront would be more ethical.
Against “Never Encountered Such a Person” Claim:
Mr. Kemp’s Qualifications: He emphasizes his skills in statistics and writing, suggesting he wouldn’t make baseless claims or try to exploit the situation.
Justification for Complaint: He argues complaining about unreasonable pricing isn’t a sign of a bad customer.
Overall Argument:
Mr. Kemp believes Ed’s company took advantage of his initial lack of options due to the non-refundable fee and lack of upfront price transparency. He feels the high fee for a short job, and the alleged doubling of the price for a customer-supplied faucet justify his complaint.
. Google Gemini AI
What can we conclude?
As far as his allegation that he was charged double; we have never charged a customer for providing their own materials; who would do such a thing? Just doesn’t make sense,
Ed LeTourneau to the BBB, on a job his contractor took 1 hour and 10 minutes to do and charged $600. He also supplied a copy of the bill to the BBB showing the time info.
The job? Done in just over an hour. And while Ed’s bill claims one price, our research with Microsoft Co-Pilot, Google Gemini, Claude, Gab AI, various articles, and the Agni human quote process for zip code 60188 tells a different story—plumber labor costs should be less than half of Ed’s $600 charge.
Ed’s price is a statistical “outlier.” If I were a betting man, I would put the Angi estimated price of 282.50 based upon past homeowner kitchen faucet installations for zip code 60188 as spot on. I also would bet that any ANGI plumbers would come close to that price. Let’s leave some parting questions:
How does he explain this discrepancy?
Can Ed produce past customer bills showing a kitchen sink installation, where the customer brings his faucet, which takes one hour and is billed at $600?
What can one logically conclude here?
Whose side and story do you agree with – mine or Ed’s – and why?
What about the travel time argument? Well, the Angi quote, based on similar projects for zip code 60188, factors that in. But logically, the Angi quote also allows for 2.5 hours of plumbing installation labor. If something took 1 hour and 10 minutes, the extra 2.5 hours will compensate for “travel time.”
I stopped trying with Ed’s plumbing company
After two failed mediation attempts, I am retiring from any future battles. The lesson learned is to use Angi. Like I said before, I have better things to do with my time.
Now on to Duolingo: Is anyone here to read this? If you want me to return and not use other free language tools, then read this. R.I.P. Since 5-7-25, I have been getting an invalid password when logging into Duolingo. Resetting passwords doesn’t work. It’s something they should fix, not me. It’s in their public statements. In the meantime, I will log in daily on my two Windows machines and my Google Chromebook. I have filed a BBB complaint regarding the lack of proper response. FYI, I have filed complaints with the BBB and the Illinois attorney general’s office. A ten-billion-dollar company should honor its commitments. But there are free language learning tools, so it’s not a big deal. Unlike Ed’s Plumbing, Duolingo resolved the problem in days.
In conclusion, Randy Kemp’s plumbing ordeal with Ed’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc. is a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, fairness, and consumer advocacy in the service industry. Randy’s meticulous documentation, supported by AI analysis and third-party estimates, highlights significant discrepancies in pricing and raises valid concerns about ethical business practices. His experience underscores the need for consumers to seek multiple quotes, demand clarity in pricing, and utilize tools like Angi to ensure fair treatment. While Ed’s Plumbing maintains its position, the evidence presented by Randy, including statistical data and AI insights, strongly supports his claims of overcharging. Ultimately, this story emphasizes the value of transparency, the power of informed decision-making, and the importance of holding service providers accountable. Randy’s journey also serves as a reminder to explore alternatives, such as companies offering free estimates, to avoid similar pitfalls in the future.
If you wish to contact me, you can do so via my social media accounts
Exposed: The Shocking Truth Behind Plumbing Prices! I created an audio file using Google Notebook LM in which a man and woman dive deeply into my blog post. It’s an excellent rendition. Reader’s Digest version by Randy Kemp Let’s keep things simple, shall we? If we throw out the dispute over doubling the charge and…
RLK-Reflections 
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