Craig R.

We found Rightio through the Thomson local directory as we needed a plumber to check our thermostat in the shower as we were not getting any warm water. Rightio sent a plumber on the same day; the agent we called advised there was a £99+ VAT charge for the first hour of labour.

However, the plumber who came spent 5 minutes inspecting the shower, he informed us that the shower needed a new thermostat and if not, it would need a new shower. He then left. After he went we received a phonecall from a Rightio agent who didnt offer us a new thermostat. Instead he informed us a new shower would cost £300+VAT, but they could not come out for another week to install this. This timeframe was too long for us. The agent then said it would be £600+VAT if they carried out the work in 24 hours.

We advised the agent this was too expensive and we would not be using their services. The agent then informed us as a plumber had 'assessed' the shower, this would cost us £99+VAT. They advised this fell under their labour costs. 5 minutes of their time equated to £99+VAT. There was no mention of a minimum booking fee for our thermostat to be assessed. They advise there are no hidden charges yet this is the most obvious hidden charge I can think of.

We advised the plumber had carried out no work on the shower, he had assessed the shower. No labour was involved. We even told Rightio it was a thermostat issue. However, the agent would not take this as an answer, demanding payment, advising debt collectors would be used in chasing the payment from us.

We put the phone down on the agent, who rang back straight away, demanding payment in a threatening, rude manner. The agent, despite his claim that we needed to pay, lowered the outstanding payment down to £82, then £50. After being harassed and threatened in this manner, we paid the £50.

If you like having your time wasted by an organisation that charges extortionate amounts for work, or in our case, no work whatsoever, then this company would be for you. However, I would strongly urge you to avoid them; they seem to enjoy taking money of people for next to nothing. I worry that their threatening, rude behaviour could be dangerous if used against vulnerable people. Would you trust a company that charges over £100 for literally coming to your door? I would avoid them at all costs!