Complaint Review: A-1 American Plumbing

I called A-1 American on a referral from a friend to come snake a clogged drain. The serviceman got there, looked around for 5 minutes, and then gave a quote of 975.47 (including the 15% phonebook discount).
This price was and is extreme for a snaking of a clogged drain so I refused the work and the serviceman left with the $150 service fee for coming out to give the estimate.

I next called roto-rooter, who doesn't charge to come out and give an estimate, and they ended up doing the job for $195.

The price difference is almost 5 times. If that isn't price gouging I don't know what is, and what's worse is the $150 service charge for coming out. It is obvious that they are price gouging and it's my belief that they are only after the $150 service call charge. I'm going to refute the charge on my credit card and am thinking of calling 10-on-your-side because it seems apparent from other people's reports that this company is scamming people for the service call charge.

Jasonlc
Chesapeake, Virginia
U.S.A.