Mr Sparky Mister Sparkey MALARKEY is what they bring- shameful Marietta, Georgia

What typically happens is if there is a minor repair needed, it is included in that cost.  If a major repair is needed, the diagnosis fee is typically waived.  Not sure why the guy didn't inspect the panel because that is a customary and free service each technician is supposed to perform on each call unless the homeowner declines it. 

But in defense of that diagnosis fee, it does include an unlimited amount of time.  I have been on some that have taken anywhere from 2 hours up to one that I spent all day on and had to come back another day because the problem was so difficult to find.  Fact of the matter is, the price did not go up because I had to come back again to finally find
the problem.

As far as the "membership" goes, there are a lot of occasions where the problem can be identified during the very thorough inspection that membership comes with so in actuality, the diagnosis fee could have been avoidable.  Not saying it would've definitely found the issue but at a minimum, the electrical system would be checked to identify any issues and it is FAR cheaper than the diagnosis fee.

Unfortunately, mistakes are sometimes made and I know for a fact that when they are, a phone call to the manager can usually eliminate any non-satisfactory service.  After all, the customer satisfaction guarantee that should have been explained to you and every customer (and is printed on the back of every price guide) specifically says if you
are not satisfied, you do not pay until we can make it right. 

One of the most important means to keeping a successful business is making sure your customers are happy and will use you again.  Repeat customers are essential to any company.  On behalf of Mister Sparky, I would like to apologize for the errors made and the service you received.  It is not what customers expect and it's definitely not the standard we expect from ourselves.