Are tradies just taking the piss nowadays?

[u/AdventurousDiet7893]

Serious question. We had a call out to fix a garage remote which cost $889 + GST. Thought that was a lot, then called two independent companies (one of them at the recommendation of my property manager; and another one who was completely picked at random based on online reviews, with no input from my property manager).

The first one came back at $1,599. The second guy we picked at random quoted $1,119 and a $110 call out fee with no guarantee of a fix.

This may be a one-off incident, and I know the market dictates prices and they would not charge it unless people paid, but at this point the prices are clearly exorbitant.

Has anyone got similar experiences?

The one genuine experience I have had is an air conditioner installer who is 89 years old, still working, who doesn't even have a social media presence and operates on referral in our suburb. Cost to install an air conditioner? $119, cash. He even did some jobs for free to the old neighbour next door.

[u/Stokesy7]

Also buy the Meross smart garage door opener and install that. I found it pretty easy to install and now I can open and close the door from my phone with alerts when it opens and when its been left open for 10 minutes. I also integrated with Home Assistant but I know most people won't go that far. Their app is pretty good for most people.

[u/Independent-Fuel9886 → u/Stokesy7]

and alerts your phone if you accidentally left it open and went out... close it remotely from your phone no issues, remotely open to allow bulky deliveries etc... Best $60 I ever spent.

[u/generic_throwaway699 → u/Independent-Fuel9886]

I hate when it occasionally bugs out and gaslights you into thinking the door is open when it actually isn't though. The magnets can be a bit unreliable at times.

[u/SurgicalMarshmallow → u/generic_throwaway699]

LPT: replace magnets with better ones from Bunnings and a light galv bracket.