Is the Lowes dishwasher installer trying to scam me with a $200 side deal?

The guy is half-right about the code but 100% trying to scam you on the payment side. Hardwiring isn't inherently a fire hazard—we've done it for decades—but the **National Electrical Code** (NEC) has been updated in many jurisdictions to require a readily accessible means of disconnect. A cord and plug under the sink is the easiest way for installers to meet that requirement without installing a seprate lockout switch.

If you bought a Bosch, they've acutally moved to a proprietary plug system where you either use their cord or buy their specific junction box kit. If the installer uses a generic cord and just wire-nuts it to your existing house wiring, he's basically doing a DIY job on your dime. And doing it for cash under the table is a massive red flag. If that $200 isn't on a official work order, you have zero warranty on the work and no recourse if he messes up your electrical. The price itself is a total ripoff. An appliance cord costs about $15 at the same store where he works. It takes maybe ten minutes to swap it out. He’s charging you a convenience fee becasue he knows you don't want to wait for a return visit. Most of these third-party contractors get paid a flat rate by the big box stores, so they pull these stunts to pad their pockets. You should call the store manager immediately while the guy is still there. Ask them why the code requirements weren't mentioned during the site survey or at the point of sale. More importantly, mention that the installer is soliciting side-work for cash. Watch how fast he gets a phone call from his boss. If you need it done to code, have a licensed electrician do it properly. Don't let a delivery guy do unrecorded electrical work in your kitchen.

Wait, so if I have a normal outlet under my sink alredy, does that count as the 'disconnect' thing? I'm looking at my old dishwasher now and the wire just goes straight into the wall behind the machine, so I don't even see a plug.

If I wanted to try and fix this myself to save that $200, is it basically just like wiring a lamp cord? I'm super nervous about touching anything electrical, but that price for ten minutes of work sounds insane. I'm honestly wondering if I should just tell him to leave and find a local handyman who won't try to shake me down for cash.

That guy is 100% trying to shake you down. If you don't already have an outlet under the sink, he’s prolly planning to just slap a surface-mount box in your cabinet, wich usually requires a GFCI breaker or outlet to be legal anyway. Most delivery guys aren't licensed electricians; they shouldn't be touching your house wiring beyond plugging a cord in.

If you pay him cash and something shorts out, your insurance won't cover it because there’s no paper trail. Tell him to kick rocks and call a local sparky. It might cost the same, but it'll actually be safe and won't void your homeowner's policy.