I called Ben Franklin Plumbers in Deer Park, NY, here on Long Island.

The lady who answered said that she could not give me a quote as there are so many variables to install a dishwasher. I also needed a pipe changed under the sink.

I asked he if it would be afree estimate as I have been unemployed for over two years. She more or less said it would be a free estimate. Then when I asked what was the range of charges for installing a dishwasher, she said that I would have to talk to their plumber.

Because she implied a free estimate I told her to send him over. Then she mentioned that if he was late they would reduce the charges by 5cents a minute he was late, but, there is a three hour window for the plumber to show up.

So he comes to the house and I ask what it would cost to install a dishwasher and he said he has to look at where it's going then give me the amount in writing.

Ok, so this took a few minutes and he spent longer writting the estimate.

When I saw it a almost passed out, and told him that he was crazy.

I did not yell or curse at him. The estimeate for the installation was $345.00, and the pipe under the sink would be $365.00!!!

that's $710.00 for a cheap pipe and the dishwasher. The company I bought it from would have charged only $85 for the installation had the sink pipe been changed when they got there.

Then this person said that there was a $59.00 charge for coming to the house.

Which I refused to pay. I told him I was told that there was a free estimate. He said no wand wanted his $59.

He was angry when he had to leave without being paid. I figured that these people overcharge so they don't have to do the work and are happy with their lousy $59.

I then conacted my county's Dept. of Consumer Affairs to make this complaint, and I will be contacting the Better Business Bureau.