I took an electric guitar in to the shop where I was taking lessons to have it set up properly. My ex gave it to me, and it had some sentimental value since it was the first guitar I learned on. Some frets buzzed, the intonation was a little off, and I didn't know much about repairing it myself then. Got it back from their "expert" luthier, and there was no change. He tinkered with it some more, but frets still buzzed. He tried to tell me it was beyond economical repair and I should buy a new one, because it was worn out and might need fret leveling.
Took it to another shop on a recommendation, and the remark from the guy who took it in was "This just had a set up done on it? Wow, this doesn't play right!". No kidding! I explained that it had some sentimental value, and I'd like to fix it up so it plays like it should. Their tech wasn't in when I dropped it off, but they gave him instructions to call me if it needed more than a basic set up. Two days later, they call to say it's all done. Picked it up, and it was perfect! Asked him what he had to do to. "Oh, just need a proper set up, and a little fret leveling. You've got a fine instrument, far from being worn out.".