Nov 7, 2024: We have a long case clock, circa 1910-20. The main cannister gear/spring snapped…read moreduring winding. Because he's somewhat local, I called Murray at National Clock Repair. He told me to bring it in. He looked it over and confirmed what I already knew. Murray then went into this long and protracted explanation of how he went to school to learn clock repair, how many years that he's been doing it, and how he makes all his repairs look new again. His presentation was smooth and rehearsed. He finished by showing me some of his work. He gave me a 30,000 ft view of what he would have have to do to repair and restore our clock. Not knowing jack about clocks, I was naturally somewhat impressed. After contemplating my situation, I then asked the million dollar question, how much?
Straight faced Murray said without hesitation, $5,000. My OMG reaction didn't phase him. I said we only paid £400 for the clock in the UK and your repair cost is simply cost prohibitive. Disheartened, I gathered up my clock movement and pendulum and boxed it up and headed for the door.
Murray said, "Do you have your phone, and could you leave me a review? I said, "But you didn't do anything for me." He said, " You can just say you came in and you looked around and liked my shop." Now I'm beginning to get a little suspicious of his motive. He then said, "Take out your phone and I'll show you where to go." Reluctantly I did. Murray then literally tried to tell me exactly what to write, reaching for my phone, and to give him 5 Stars. He himself then tried tapping on my phone while still in my hands. I pulled my phone back and put it away and said I was quite capable of writing a review. I was getting a little irritated by his pushiness.The more I thought about his coercive tactic, the more I thought how wrong this was.
Fast forward a couple of weeks. With a little more research, I found another clock repair guy in Piscataway NJ. Clock in a box, we made the drive. Taking over an hour, he too explained in detail his experience and showed me examples of his work. He examined our clock and found some hidden issues Murray failed to notice. He even gave me a detailed written estimate, complete with a repair timeline and cost ceiling: 1 month turn time and $700. This experience in Piscataway NJ prompted my review about Murray at National Clock Repair.
Read ALL of Murray's reviews, not just the 5 star ones. There's a reason for them. If I could leave ZERO STARS I would. I can't wait for a response.
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I received your response on Google saying my extensive and detailed review was "SPAM".
Here's a grain of salt to accompany my initial review:
I had deliberated for a couple of weeks and thought about it long and hard if I really wanted to expend my time and energy to write a review. So I ask, why would I go to such great length in explaining my experience with your business? Because customers need to be made aware of the experiences of others, good or bad. Attached is the screenshot from my phone with the date and times I called your business. The first call was to your answering machine, no call pick up. The second call was when we finally spoke. The third call was because I missed your business location and needed better directions. If you like, I can also provide my Google timeline on November 7, 2024 showing that my phone location was at your business.
Consider your further responses carefully. I really don't think you want to persist by calling me a liar.