Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/14/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

   
  Complaint: 21431857

  I reject the businesses response because: 

  (Please note it did not allow me to attach all files - let me know how to email them. Thank you)

  
  -Please see attached proof that I never signed the agreement with them and did not receive any communication that they would not refund my unused balance that I specifically asked them about this.
  

  I was told there is no rush as it is a busy season for all contractors when I mentioned the delay with the plumber and also that I still was looking for a builder, which ****** claimed he worked with but then disappeared. 
  

  -Please see communication of my specifically requesting Simon Electric NOT TO SUBMIT the permit because I had been asked to submit everything TOGETHER by the building department. If they would have sent me the documents as I requested, I would have been able to note that ****** wasnt actually licensed since everyone had to sign the same form under my permit with their name and license#. However, ********************** did whatever they wanted and submitted without me which angered the building department. This despite my asking them not to do this. This meant that I still needed to wait until the other two contractors responded and signed the same form. In essence, the electrical part of the project would have also been voided because I needed the form from ALL contractors on the same form. I stated this several times. They, therefore, further aided the fraud and prevented me from uncovering that there was no other license number. 
  
  
  -Please see attached communication showing that Simon Electric are close friends with ****** and his late wife. ****** is the plumber who is unlicensed and delayed the project so far until he disappeared. 
  
  
  -please see attached a screenshot shot of my review of Simon Electric on their page. I then shared this review to local pages. I reviewed the business on social media based on my experiences with them. I have not posted any falsehoods. The review on the Simon Electric page is the same as my complaint here. Please see attached. Simon Electric did not claim I have lied here. Therefore, I cant be doing falsehoods on social media if its the same complaint which they have responded to here. 
  
  
  -I would like to know how it is legal for a company like Simon Electric to refer people to unlicensed OUT OF STATE plumbers when customers ask for a reference. Simon Electric has only repeated themselves over and over that they did their part of the permit but refuse to acknowledge that they referred me to an unlicensed out of state plumber that they knew was unlicensed and knew personally and were kept updated the entire time. 
  
  
  -According to their own admission, Simon Electric has KNOWN at every step what happened with this project and the plumber they referred me to. In December, I had enough. And I needed an operation the following weeks. I terminated the permit, which they were also aware of. 
  
  
  -I would like to know why I have not received a response to my many email communications asking for the rest of my money back and why the admin has refused to give me the email of the owner. I am a person with disabilities which I let known and I always request written communication due to my disability needs. We are now in mid-MARCH, and I have yet to receive a response until I posted to social media today. So incredibly, this was the only way to get Simon Electric to respond to my request to refund my money, which they are not owed in anyway. 
  
  
  -I would also like to know if no agreement was signed, why Simon Electric refuses to return the money that was NOT used nor owed to them. I agreed to pay the $700 for the work done. However, there is no reason for them to refuse to return the rest of the money, which amounts to over $1000. 
  
  
  -If they do not return my money, since there is NO signed agreement, and I terminated the entire permit and work, they would be profiting from their own referral of someone they KNOW did not even have a license to practice in *******. Not returning my money is theft and profiteering off people doing fraud in *******. 
  
  
  -Simon Electric wasted my time referring me to someone that ended up disappearing since it turned out all his excuses were lies and his supposed partners were just this person attempting to find contractors that would allow him to use their license. I sent the paperwork numerous times which would have required him to write his license number down. His wife then died in the middle of it. I canceled everything even after months, he disappeared and never even returned the information. I did my due diligence by being patient and waiting for the license number and understood that he was patient but had a license and was a good worker since ********************** recommended this Plumber and knew him personally. Why would I assume that Simon Electric refers unlicensed workers and that the delays were due to this and not due to being busy or the mans wife dying? I would like to think Simon Electric was trustworthy and professional. Instead, they admit they are not and work with unlicensed professionals that they then refer to their customers. I didnt realize contractors who are licensed do not ensure they work with other contractors that are also licensed. I understood that was illegal and my asking for a reference and being given the name of a person they claim to work with often would mean this person was licensed and able to legally work in *******. Working with unlicensed contractors and not caring whether they are licensed while referring them to their customers is basically what Simon Electric is admitting to in their response since I was told they do a lot of work with this person. In essence, this issue goes beyond my experience with them and has most likely affected many more clients that never even knew they were being misled. 
  
  
  At every step, Simon Electric was informed and updated on the project. They were sent the specs and knew I needed a permit which required licensed contractors. 
  
  
  Again, I would like Simon Electric to return my $1000+ that was unused. I have already agreed not to be refunded for the $700 for the permit work and the load calculations. The rest of the money is NOT Simon Electrics. 
  
  
  The company is literally benefiting from fraud they helped create by stealing my money. Keeping someones money without doing any work is theft. 
  
  
  If you dont want people to post on social media about their experiences, then do better and dont steal peoples money and also, do not refer sub contractors that you know are not even licensed.
  
  
  A simple apology and return of the $1000, would have sufficed but you couldnt even email me back. 
  
  
  Please note, I plan to continue filing complaints further up the chain if I do not receive a refund for the balance of the work that was not done.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  ************

  when the person disappeared. I alerted them at every step of the delays they created by being dishonest. The admin, who referee the unlicensed contractor when I asked for a referral, refuses to allow me to communicate with the owner or anyone else. I have repeatedly asked for a refund on the money that was not used. I agreed for them to keep the $700 for the work done (the permit work submitted for the electrical part and the load measurements) and requested they return the $1000 that was unused. I canceled the job and the permit due to the stress of the situation after attempting to work with their referral since August and my needing an operation which I am recuperating from. I did not sign any agreement with Simon Electric as I let them know about the issues with the plumber and asked them about canceling the work. I repeatedly communicated with the company and the admin refused to let me speak to anyone above her. She has delayed responding to me for almost 5 months.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/15/2024

  In response to the complaint filed with the Better Business Bureau regarding the project initiated on August 9th, 2023. We appreciate the opportunity to provide clarification on the matter.
  As outlined in your complaint, here are the facts surrounding our involvement in your project:
  On August 9th, 2023, we were contacted through a pro referral by ************** for a project to be completed. Multiple emails and phone calls were exchanged to discuss project details, culminating in a site visit to confirm the scope of the work. ************** informed us that she held an owner-builder permit and designated us as the subcontractor for electrical work.
  ************** mentioned in several emails awaiting details from her already hired plumber, who subsequently became unresponsive. At her request, our office manager provided a recommendation for a plumber based on prior experiences. However, it is important to note that our expertise is strictly limited to electrical services, and while we offered assistance, it is ultimately the customer's responsibility to vet and hire contractors outside our specialization.
  Upon receipt of a deposit, we initiated preparatory work,including the preparation of a comprehensive permit package, drafting plans for submittal, conducting load calculations, organizing panel schedules, and procuring necessary materials for the project. These efforts constituted significant investment and commitment on our part to facilitate the smooth progression of the project. It took an extensive amount of time and resources.
  On November 17th, 2023, all requisite documents were forwarded to ************** for submission to the building department, with clear instructions to notify us upon completion for scheduling purposes.Unfortunately, despite our proactive communication, we did not receive any response until December 6th, when ************** cited further issues with her chosen plumber.
  Despite our understanding of her circumstances and our willingness to assist, ************** opted to cancel the project, attributing her challenges in securing a plumber solely to us, the electrical contractors. It is important to emphasize that our role and responsibilities were confined solely to electrical services, and we cannot be held liable for issues pertaining to other contractors.
  Materials for the project were procured according to ***************** specifications, with non-refundable deposits clearly stipulated in the agreement. However, in recognition of her situation, we extended a full credit toward future services when she is ready to complete her project.
  It has come to our attention that ************** has disseminated falsehoods on social media, solely attributing blame to our company due to issues beyond our control. We find this unfair and unjustified, as we fulfilled our obligations to the best of our abilities.
  We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and customer service. We regret any inconvenience caused and are open to further discussion and resolution of any outstanding concerns to ensure an amicable resolution.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/15/2024

  We provided the permit package to you on November 17th, 2023, but we did not submit the permit on your behalf. It was only on December 2nd that you requested a different referral. If you are an owner builder, it is your responsibility to hire contractors. Our terms and conditions state that making public reviews for work that was not performed may result in legal action.
  Furthermore, your signed invoice clearly indicates that deposits are non-refundable. The time and materials invested in your project, along with the inability to return purchased materials due to the extended delay in canceling your project, have already consumed your deposit. This has been communicated to you on multiple occasions.
  Despite attempts to contact you, the owner has been unable to reach you as you have not answered the phone.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/26/2024

   
  Complaint: 21431857
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  

  
  

   
  

  
  

  Please find attached part of the permit application that I signed and sent to them for the permit. This is the only signed document I gave them along with a copy of my license which was for the owner builder permit for the city. You can see the differences in the signatures. 

  
  

  Regardless, please note their own submitted invoice is not an agreement or contract, and it states exactly what I was told part of the money was for which was only for the load calculations. They are claiming they did many other things that their own invoice doesnt state was done. 

  
  

  In order to complete my garage renovation, I needed several contractors for each part. Therefore, they knew the work was dependent on the city approving all aspects of the project. The permit was an owner builder permit and not just their permit. 

  
  

  I did not sign any contracts with Simon Electric. They asked me to sign the invoice list several times via email, but I didnt because before signing anything, I decided to send an email asking what would happen if the permit fell through due to the other contractors and wanted a response.  I did not receive one. I submitted an image of this email communication to you previously where the admin states she would need to ask the owner. She never responded, so I never signed anything. Due to my auditory processing and my anxiety disorder, I prefer written communication as I dont always understand or absorb information well from speaking on the phone, so I always email to follow up or ask questions. This is why I have such extensive documentation in writing. My mom tried calling for me but she was given completely incorrect information and was unable to get the admin to respond on the email communication I had sent. 

  
  

  I am only asking for them to refund me what is rightly mine as they are partly responsible for the failure of the project, and I kept them up to date on the delays. They also already agreed to the partial refund so I am not understanding why they are not paying me back. 

  
  

  Thank you for your time and patience with this matter. 

  
  

  *****	Mar 25, 2024, 11:25 PM (11 hours ago)
  to me

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/25/2024

  More Information...We are writing in response to a recent complaint lodged against our company. We appreciate the opportunity to address the concerns raised and provide clarification on the matter.
  It is important to note that the complainant has engaged in continuous harassment of our business through various social media platforms. Despite our efforts to address their concerns professionally and directly, they have persisted in making false accusations and threats, causing undue disruption to our operations.
  Furthermore, we have diligently communicated with the complainant regarding the breakdown of charges assessed for their project. Despite numerous attempts to provide clarity, they have consistently disregarded our explanations and chosen to escalate their grievances through hostile means, including email attacks and social media threats.
  While we empathize with any challenges the complainant may face due to a disability, it is pertinent to highlight that they have communicated with us via email. Their claim of inability to speak over the phone was only raised after we attempted to engage with them through this channel.
  In an effort to resolve this matter amicably, we are prepared to offer a $200 refund as a gesture of goodwill. Additionally, we remain committed to completing the complainant's project once they are able to procure a plumber, as the delay in project completion is unrelated to our services as electricians.
  We hope that the complainant will accept this offer and engage with us in a constructive dialogue to bring this matter to a close. Our company remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and customer service.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/26/2024

  I reject a refund of $200. I also reject the claim that I am harassing anyone. 
  

  I left a review on ****** and on their ******** page. Thats not harassment. 
  

  I copied the BBB on every communication that they continued to send me last night While claiming I am the one harassing them, yet the business is attempting to intimidate me for my complaint and reviews. This intimidation has included their illegal recordings of our communication and posting my supposed signature publicly on social media. 
  

  I have submitted documentation to the BBB here and via email. 
  

  I have simply requested a response since December to speak to the owner and to get the refund they agreed to. Its now almost April. 
  

  I agreed to pay the work that I was told was for the permit ($200) and the load calculations ($500). This is exactly what was written on the invoice they submitted. No other work was done as this project was permit dependent. I simply gave them the deposit for the work because I understood they had given me the information for someone they often worked with that would also know how to get the plumbing portion approved. However, they referred me to an unlicensed out of state contractor/plumber that is their close friend so theres no way the work could have been approved by the city. They knew this. All of this is documented on email. 

  I am not a rich person. I cant afford for unethical companies to just keep my money for no reason. I also think it is abusive for a company to claim that they are being harassed for leaving reviews on ****** and ******** about ones experience them or because I responded to the emails they sent me after months of no communication or no response. They cant claim harassment while emailing me with intimidation, sending me ilegal recordings, and publishing fake signatures on public forums. 
  

  What about my rights, privacy, and protection as a consumer?
  
  Thank you,

  *********************;

   

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/26/2024

  More Information:We are aware of the ongoing dispute and have taken note of the numerous emails and communications sent to our office. It's important to address that, despite the extensive dialogue, the issue remains unresolved.
  The public sharing of the document in question was aligned with our policy on transparency and in response to the serious accusations made against us. We stand by the integrity of our contractual processes and firmly deny any allegations of signature forgery. I have attached both signed checks as well as her signed contract and notarized signed permit application. Also a recording of her signing the check while my technician was there.
  Regarding the concerns about telephone communications, it is to be noted that our system records calls for quality assurance, a fact made clear at the beginning of each interaction. This standard practice is part of our commitment to maintaining high service standards.
  The volume of correspondence received from you, including lengthy emails requiring detailed responses, led us to conclude that the dialogue was not progressing constructively. Consequently, we requested that further communications be directed through this BBB channel, emphasizing the gravity with which we view allegations of forgery.
  In the interest of finding a resolution and moving beyond this dispute, we are prepared to offer a $200 refund. This offer is extended in a spirit of compromise, not as an admission of any wrongdoing on our part.
  Our priority remains to resolve this matter efficiently and equitably. Should there be a willingness on your part to engage constructively, we remain open to discussions that could lead to a satisfactory conclusion for both parties.n...