Betts Welding, Moss Vale, NSW

Initailly the experience with Julian at Betts Welding was great. PLEASE KEEP READING. Friendly and helpful arranging for a mobile weld job for me in Bundanoon. Julian was going to do the job himself. I was also in need of 4 lengths of gal pipe. We didn't discuss costs as I am a reasonable consumer and happy to pay for service that is good. I was also happy to take the pipe with me at the time however Julian offered to bring it with him when he was coming out. Originally was coming on Friday but rang to say he would send someone else at 7am Saturday morning instead. No problem with me as he had discussed this possibility with me initially. So next morning "Barry" arrived at 8am (Not 7am). Again, I was ok with that as I was doing other things while I waited. Barry brought my 4 lengths of pipe that were on his specialised welding truck. Barry then did the welding and cutting for me as I wanted and was very pleasant and friendly and did a great job. He finished at 11.30am at latest. He is a chatty guy and we had a 15 min chat about this and that including him telling me he lives on the coast and travels to Moss Vale for his work. He drove away about 11.45am So all in all I was happy and expected to be billed for his 3.5hrs plus the pipes etc.and I expected a rate of about $100/hr. To my surprise I received a bill from Julian for $761 showing 6 hrs @ $100/hr plus $92 for the pipe. I thought that there would be a simple explanation for this so rang to check. No. No mistake. Julian says it was 6 hours because Barry was onsite at 6.30am to cut the pipe and get ready for his 20min trip to Bundanoon and returned at about 12.15pm. Julian said he charged from time Barry was on site at Betts Welding until his return to Betts Welding. So travel time and preparing to come to my home is CHARGED FOR. Based on what Julian said, it took Barry; * 1hour to cut 4 lengths of pipe, load on truck * 30 mins to drive Moss Vale to Bundanoon * 3.5hrs to do the job and * 45 mins to get back to Moss Vale. I reminded Julian that I was happy to take the pipe with me initially and asked if he would be willing to review the account as this would have saved time. Julian was unable or unwilling to see fairness and said he could not reduce his bill. So, as a local in the Southern Highlands, I like to support local businesses. I also do not wish to get offside with people and therefore, I paid the account immediately. HOWEVER.., I just feel that others should be aware that this happened to me and to be careful to check with Betts Welding business upfront on all costs including what time the clock starts ticking for a mobile welder. THEN.....SHOP AROUND to see if this is normal practice for other local mobile welders!