Wow - if only the other tradesmen I've had to use could be more like The Pied Plumber guys. I needed to get a new shower head installed and so decided to ring a couple of plumbers to get quotes. The first 2 didn't even bother to show up even though they said they would.

The Pied Plumber turned up at exactly the time the guy on the phone said they would (I reckon this is an amazing feat in itself). They were really professional in everything they did - shoes covered (can't stand dirt being walked through the house by anyone!), written quote with a couple of different options and just a nice guy. I gave them the go ahead right away. Oh and even better - I was able to pay by credit card WITHOUT ANY EXTRA CHARGES (sorry but that really gets my goat being charged a finance fee just because I want to pay someone with a card....)

Being an extremely busy person having this level of efficiency meant more to me than saving a few dollars (because I'm sure there might have been cheaper quotes with one of the one-man bands that didn't even bother to turn up) - however for the no hassles, quality work and absolute professionalism it was worth it in my book.

I would have them back in my place anytime.

the Pied piper plumber visited me in the lower north shore of sydney to provide a quote in october 2009 to fit a gas bayonet for an outdoor BBQ. He quoted me $735 to fit a 2 metre gas extension bayonet. A different plumber the same day quoted $190 for the exact same job - guess who i hired?

The same Pied plumber quoted upto $6000 to investigate a blocked sewer mainline - he said it would take a few hours to dig around the garden to find the inspection pipe
- a different plumber the same day looked at the garden and immediately pointed out the location of the inspection pipe which was sticking out of the ground and visible without any digging - he quoted $280 to unblock the sewer - guess who i hired??

In my opinion the Pied Plumber that visited me was a complete rip-off merchant, completely unethical - he felt that because I obviously knew little about plumbing, that he could spin me a pack of lies and charge excessive fees - unfortunately for him, i saw right through him immediately. He did still charge a $45 call out fee which had never been mentioned when i called for a free quote!

what are your comments?
I am interested to hear before i list my experience on the consumer review websites

They turn up when they say, phone you if they are running late and are prepared to reschedule if necessary. They seem to be a "team" rather than a sole operator, and so can provide service quickly, and get the job done fast.
They communicate every step of the way so you don't get any "nasty" surprises, and if the job appears to be more complicated than first thought, they provide a new review of costs and you can choose whether to go ahead or not. They don't just charge you, before asking.
They tidy up after themselves, and the guys are friendly and tidy and focussed on getting the job done right.