[juiceq]

I had a contractor out that i used in past for a repair estimate. I was told there would be a estimate/diagnostic fee that is refunded if the work is performed. I was also told that contractor would be able to perform the work during the same visit if i agreed to their quote.

Seeing that i used them in past and the fact i was told the work would be done that day i agreed to have them out for the estimate. To insure there would be no issues with having the right material at hand i denoted on the phone what i need and was assured that everything needed for the repair was stocked on the truck.


Upon receiving the estimate i realized the price quoted was way out of line. I was also told they would have to return to do the repair in a few days since the didnt have what i needed with them.

I needed the service done that day and so in addition to the inflated quote I refused their service, relunctly paid the diagnostic fee and signed their invoice. You see where this is headed i bet...


Since my expectation of having the work completed that day did not happen, do you think i should have to pay this estimate fee?

 

[Nealtw]

They would claim the job was not exactly as you described so they had the wrong material for the job. They must be so busy they don't care about getting the work.

 

[mathmonger]

Since my expectation of having the work completed that day did not happen, do you think i should have to pay this estimate fee?

Depends. Take a plumber for example. If you need him to change a faucet and he said he was going to bring a faucet and he didn't bring a faucet, I would say he has to eat that trip. If you need him to change a faucet and he brings a faucet, but that faucet won't work because it needs a special adapter to connect to your garbage disposal that he didn't know about... maybe he deserves to get paid for his time. You have to work that out with him.