Why Angie's List just doesn't work ...

As a corporate-exec family we've moved numerous times, which means starting over every time: new docs, new plumbers, etc. In the past I always used the Yellow Pages. For this past move, I subscribed to and used Angie's List, a site at which customers rate businesses and describe their experience.

I needed a plumber. I found one on Angie's List with with an impeccable record. Of the 100-plus reviews, every single person rated them an A (as opposed to F, for the worst service.)

I called them and they arrived promptly. The plumber, I have to admit, was the most professional I'd ever had in my home. He told me up front what everything would cost, but I guess I didn't listen well enough because when he gave me the bill I nearly S--- a brick. Removal of a universal water filter from underneath the house, and replacement of a garbage disposal unit: Nearly $800.

I gave them a glowing review on Angie's List ... in all areas except for price, in which I gave them a D.

And then I got to thinking: Surely I'm not the only one who thought they were pricey. But why hadn't someone else shared my opinion? Every single reviewer gave them an awesome grade in pricing as well as performance. Hmmmmmm....

And then I got the phone call: "Mr. Hudler. This is BLANK from BLANK Plumbing. I'm the  manager here, and I couldn't help but wonder why you rated us so low."

"I only rated you low in pricing," I said. "If you read the review I gave you glowing remarks."

"Yeah, but that D brings our overall grade down to a B. ... So ... what can I do to get you to change your review?"

"Are you trying to bribe me?"

"I'm only trying to make this right ... what would you say to a $300 credit toward future service if you changed our grade to an A?" he asked.

So there you have it ...

I declined to change the review (I do have some integrity!), and BLANK Plumbing now has a B in pricing and an A grade in everything else.

As it should be.