the Cost of Cable TV Installation

I have a high line motor home and wanted to have a satellite system plus broadband installed in both the front area and the bedroom areas. It was to utilize a DVD player and computer hook-ups to both TV sets. The wires were to be run under the flooring of the motor home inside the storage bay areas. They were to be attached to the rear of the individual TV's with a control switch to choose satellite, DVD or computer input available in front of each unit.

An appointment was made with a full review by the Service Manager as to the requiements. The projected time was six hours, not including breaks and lunch. It was to be finished in one day.

The shop started to work on the coach at 8:15 AM on the scheduled date. I agreed to reamain area if any questions were requied to be answered.

The tech working on the coach had never worked on this type project and was unfamiliar as to how to remove the TV's in order to determine where to run the cables and hook-ups. At first,he didn't want to ask another

tech for help but finally realized the job was beyond his skill level. A second tech assisted/showed him how to do the work. It was finally finished at 7:10 PM

I would have to rate the quality of service as extremely poor. The workers were not prepared for the installation and it was obvious that the Service Manager had not reviewed the specifications with them before starting the job. I had asked that they cover the floors with sheets prior to walking inside to work and they

only covered the entry way. After reminding them to cover the rest of the areas, they got sheets and did it.

The only good point I feel about that service experience was that they started on-time and the shop area was fairly clean. The techs were friendly but were inexperienced in this type of vehicle and the requirements.

The not so good aspects of the service were numerous. As mentioned above, the job had not been reviewed by the Service Manager with the techs. The techs were inexperienced. The electrical connections were not connected properly the first two attempts and finally had to be rewired correctly.

Was it a good value? No. The price was fair but the Service Manager first presented me with a much higher bill for labor than the agreed amount. The labor costs were $630, at $105 per hour. The parts were $770. This was the agreed upon amount. They tried to charge me an additional $420 labor but I refused to pay and we agreed onthe original amount. The overall experience was very disappointing and had I not been there would have been much worse.

If anyone want to have a similar service performed by any facility, get it in writing and confirm it prior to having he work performed. Review in DETAIL whatis expected and and confirm the appointment date a few days prior to taking the vehicle into the service area.

Talk with the tech who will be doing the work and determine his level of experienc prior to having him work on it.

I had agreed on the price and confirmed the appointment. I had been assured that "they" had done several of these installations and were experienced and able to meet the requirements. I would suggest that you ask for references before agreeing to have any work of this type performed.

Check the reference with regards to cost, satisfaction and warranty. How does there estimate of costs compare to other shops in the area? If they ar much lower than the other facilities, I would have second and third thoughts about their service. Contact the references as to how long ago was the work performed? Is it still working? Have they had to return for any additional adjustments? What was the attitude of the personnel

in the shop when they had to correct a problem? How dificult was it to get an appointment?

My final advice is to be careful of who you are dealing with in this type of industry.