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Beware of Vultures
I saw an advertisement in the newspaper for cleaning air-conditioning ducts. The price was good, so I called for an estimate. Two men came to the house and were deeply troubled by what they found. We had a very serious mold problem. Our health was in jeopardy. After naming a half-dozen respiratory illnesses that might harm, even kill us, they insisted that we needed to have remedial work done immediately. The cost...$4,400. After the shock, both of the mold-warning and the price, I thanked them for their time and indicated that we would be getting a second bid. That would not do me any good, they said, "This is all regulated by the State; there is one price, all the bids will be the same." However, they could offer us a onetime special deal; if we had the work done today, we would receive a 20% discount.
I again thanked them for their time and indicated that we would be getting a second bid. They acted as though I had offended them. Didn't I believe that this was a serious health hazard to my family and anyone who came into our home? Besides, they had docketed two hours of their time to spend at our home. If we did not go forward with the work, they would have nothing to do for two hours. They were insistent: I needed to act to further prevent the microbe-contamination that was making my house uninhabitable. Yet again, I thanked them for coming to the house and indicated I would get back to them. Indignant, one of the men pulled out his cell phone and phoned his boss. Apparently the boss was also very concerned at how unhealthy our home was because "my boss is going to do something that he has seldom done in 20 years! The boss is going to let you have the work done for only $2,400." Firmly, I explained the discussion was over. The salesman raised his voice, "What are we do to for the next two hours?" I told them we were done talking. But he was not about to leave without a last try. "You will never receive a bid as good as this! But because we have two hours with nothing to do, we'll do it for the final price of $1,500."
They left. We locked the door behind them. Martha then phoned the technician who, only two months ago, had worked on our AC unit. He was equally emphatic in explaining that we did not have any mold. The problem was not with our system but with these con-artists who sell bogus products and rip people off.
Sad to say that we live in a world where people daily take advantage of others. Jesus warned "Be gentle as doves but wise as serpents." And if ever you have a question about having work done at your home from high-pressure salesmen, we will be glad to send a member of our custodial staff or property committee to consult with you.
In faith, 
Pastor Tim |
