Ask AI for licensed, clearly priced repair companies, then check them
Tsugunori Katayama, a retired executive in Japan born in 1953, once overpaid a plumber he found in a panicked online search. When his toilet's supply tube cracked, he asked ChatGPT for three licensed, clearly priced, well-reviewed repair companies nearby instead. The one he hired came on time and charged what he expected.
What they did
The first time, a leak at a rental property sent him to the first company that came up online. It advertised 24-hour service and came quickly that evening, but the final bill was about ¥40,000 (roughly $270), even though the part itself was cheap. When his own toilet stopped filling properly, he found a cracked tube inside the tank, decided it wasn't a do-it-yourself job, and asked ChatGPT for three local companies that were on the water utility's approved-contractor list, had clear prices, and had good reviews.
How it went
ChatGPT gave three companies with their basic fees and review highlights, and it told him to compare quotes and ask about extra charges up front. He called one. The worker came at the time he asked for, finished in about 30 minutes, and charged ¥16,500 including tax (roughly $110), which was within the range he'd expected. He says asking ChatGPT first when something goes wrong looks set to become a new habit. His post is in Japanese.
Worth knowing
AI can list companies that have closed, mix up names, or show old prices, so check each one yourself. Look up its license with your state or local licensing board, read recent reviews on sites you trust, and get a written estimate before work starts. Be wary of anyone who pushes for cash up front, quotes only after the job is done, or tells you a big job must happen today. It helps to pick a trusted plumber and electrician before an emergency. If there's a gas smell, sparks, or flooding, shut off the supply if you can do it safely and call for emergency help.
Try it yourself
Copy this into ChatGPT (or any AI assistant). Replace the parts in [brackets] with your own details.
My [toilet / faucet / water heater] has this problem: [describe what's happening and anything you've checked]. I live in [city or ZIP code]. Search for three licensed [plumbers / repair companies] near me that post clear prices and have good recent reviews. For each, give the business name, website, typical service-call fee, and what reviewers say. Then list the questions I should ask on the phone about trip fees, extra charges, and warranties. Remind me to confirm each company's license on the official licensing board site.
Source: 片山嗣規 (Tsugunori Katayama), note (Tsugunori Katayama's blog), Jul 8, 2025. Read the original →
First-hand account by the person who did it. Summarized in our own words. Spotted a mistake or want this removed? Tell us.