Power Amp Repair Question

Forfeiting the $100.00 and getting the amp back might be considered money well spent considering the way they have treated you.

Paying an upfront fee for a repair estimate is customary in the stereo repair business. The fee is factored in when the repair work is done. If you decide to have the work done elsewhere then the estimate fee is forfeited. What you're paying for is the diagnosis of the problem and an "estimate" of the cost to repair it. Based on your posting, you never received the diagnosis so you should demand your money back or threaten legal action. As a last resort, take the gloves off and identify the shop on forums like this. Bad behavior isn't right and shouldn't be ignored.

I used to run a service shop and we still repair stuff now even though we are really a manufacturer. The shop in question is on thin ice with this one- no service rendered, and they want to keep the money?? No excuse really.

Your shop is not to sharp you got ripped off big time.

I eventually called and asked for a date certain about when I would get an estimate. Note that they did not call me. The owner said that he does have the estimate and that it's $600, far above what I think is reasonable. He gave no details at all over the phone about what would be needed and said my choice is to pick it up for $100 or go ahead for $600. Somehow I doubt he'd ever fix it for $600.

For now, I'm considering just abandoning it in the shop and buying another amp.