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Java-E UK - Consumer Rights (Overcharging)
Often you might take something into a shop for repair, and the repairer will not know how much it will cost until they have looked at the item in detail.
They might then repair the item (without letting you know first how much it will cost if they continue) and charge you a very large amount, and then refuse to give you the item back until you pay their bill; a "they've got me over a barrel" scenario, whereby the seller essentially holds your item for ransom.
If this happens, then get written quotes from other repairers for a similar service so that you get an idea of what an average/normal company would charge for a similar service, and then tell the repairer that you're prepared to pay that average price and no more.
This is only relevant if the seller has not quoted you before your agreement around the same price that you have ended up being charged. If you have accepted a high quote before the work was carried out, then you are obliged to pay it regardless of how high it may be.
Always ask for a quote before you leave an item with a repairer, and tell them to let you know of any further costs before they continue with any extra work. Even if the initial quote is just for an initial examination, then try to get that price fixed before you leave the item with the repairer.
If you haven't been told the price before a repair has been done, then you only have to pay what an average repairer would have charged. If you have been told the price before the repair was done and agreed to it, then you must pay if the work's been done.
If the repairer refuses to release an item until an overcharged bill has been paid, then try to politely negotiate with them after you've found out what other companies charge. If the repairer refuses to be reasonable, then get the name and address of the owner and leave the item with the repairer and tell them that you'll be in contact with them.
Then send a letter to the owner, stating your concerns, enclosing copies of quotes from other companies for similar repairs, state what you are prepared to pay, and then tell them that you expect to be re-quoted for that amount (or to have the item returned [in either its original or repaired condition] with no charge) under Section 15 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1973.
This logic applies not just to repairs, but to any service which has been carried out without first being quoted (either no quote at all, or a completely incorrect quote) by the seller to you. You do not have to pay overcharges for unquoted or incorrectly quoted services.
Always get a price/quote before you agree to a service being carried out, and if the seller of the service refuses to quote a price then refuse to use the service and go somewhere else instead.
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