If a plumbing company advertises a veterans discount and refuses to give one, would this be legal grounds to file suit?

2018-11-11T13:35:52-05:00

Their claim was that they gave me a fair price for the $25,000 sewer line repair (ouch), but I didn't tell them I was a veteran until the bill was written up hoping to lower the "ouch" factor. They refused to modify the bill and provide me my veterans discount after I presented my VA card to them. Do I have legal recourse other than Poo Pooing them on Facebook?

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Nov 11 at 2018 2:27 PM

2018-11-11T14:27:31-05:00

Was the advertised discount current when you purchased the services? You'll need proof of an offered discount, along with documentation (like a receipt) if you wish to pursue action against the company.
https://legalbeagle.com/2175318-sue-someone-false-advertising.html

2175318-sue-someone-false-advertising.html

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 11 at 2018 3:34 PM

2018-11-11T15:34:49-05:00

That depends if you have a binding contract. Moreover, it depends on if it’s worth it, which for the $25-70, or whatever, isn’t worth it. Small Claims orJudge Judy are about it. There’s a lot out the on what you theoretically can do. That list shortens a lot when actually doing something. Easier path is tp pitch that booger over to your State consumer protection crowd. If they have an interest, fine. If not, then you shouldn’t either. What you’re left with is griping on Yelp. Make absolutely sure you’re accurate lest you be subjected to a legal action for slander.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 11 at 2018 4:43 PM

2018-11-11T16:43:27-05:00

Probably your best bet is to ask a lawyer but remember a Veterans discount is a gift. Unless it's wrote in the contract you may get nothing

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 4:48 AM

2018-11-12T04:48:21-05:00

Many offers add a blurb about *if you have any applicable discounts, you must present them before works gets started, or we don’t have to accept them”.

Thats a fair practice. If they know they’ll get paid less, they know to budget there money, employees tighter. Honesty in business goes a long way. One way to view it is (particularly from the business side), is that ‘if this veteran is gonna hold out on me until the last second, then try to hamstring me..no thanks.’

It’s just bad business.

Best of luck

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 12 at 2018 9:14 PM

2018-11-12T21:14:03-05:00

hope you got more than one quote. veterans discounts probably aren't binding