Fxxxkkkkk......

[BlackVr6ix]

what sort of work did they do? we charge up to $120 an hour for custom work (i.e.. fibreglass etc.)

[DaveMack]

Adam, did they actually give you a written quote? Or was it verbal? If written ... I'd hold off payment and ask them to itemise the difference between original quote and final billing ... and I'd tell them that I was getting it checked out (ombudsman or something ... maybe someone who has had these sorts of wildly overcharged prices can help here). At least make them THINK about what they've charged you ...

Dave

[NickZ]

Just got back an email saying my car is ready to pick up from the audio installer... One thing that i was shocked was the install cost. It came up to $1500...Wasn't expecting to be THAT much, considering initial talk said in the worst case scenario was around $400-500. I am hoping there is an error in the email, cuz otherwise, it's a massive debt i am in!! ....sigh.....

Installed:

X001 alpine
type X alpine 177r

I did all running of the wires and amp install....

That's ridiculous!

There has to be some sort of legal respite here. Whilst a quote can be way off in things like legal where circumstances change rapidly, for something like this the quote should be reliably estimated. If it is really $1500, that could be a case of misleading conduct, and you may have a shot with the Department of Fair Trading.

It is similar to a shop saying they have something on special, but they don't and instead try to entice you with other more expensive things. Obviously working a bit differently, but its the same underlying principle.

I would give the DFT a call, see what they say. They might be useless, but at least its worth a try.

Bring it up with them as well, as not too long ago a plumber tried to charge my dad about $700 for something relatively simple. My dad questioned it, he admitted he made an 'error' and the price went down to about $300.

Good luck.

[shami]

That's ridiculous!

There has to be some sort of legal respite here. Whilst a quote can be way off in things like legal where circumstances change rapidly, for something like this the quote should be reliably estimated. If it is really $1500, that could be a case of misleading conduct, and you may have a shot with the ACCC.

It is similar to a shop saying they have something on special, but they don't and instead try to entice you with other more expensive things. Obviously working a bit differently, but its the same underlying principle.

I would give the ACCC a call, see what they say. They might be useless, but at least its worth a try.

Bring it up with them as well, as not too long ago a plumber tried to charge my dad about $700 for something relatively simple. My dad questioned it, he admitted he made an 'error' and the price went down to about $300.

Good luck.

Hey mate i dont think the ACCC are the place to go, they look for at competition and the proper running of business as in the case of HIH and the like. The department of fair trading is the go if they dont reduce the price.

The other thing is, dont forget you didnt sign anything to say yes i will pay $1500 did you??? Say you are NOT going to pay and say $1500 wasnt quoted, speak to the manager and if they still dont drop the price, tell em to pull it all out and to kiss you ass. Seriously dont feel pressured to pay a cent.

Obviously thats your last resort, try haggling and see if you can resolve it amicably. However, they CAN refuse to give your car back for not paying so be careful. But i would fight it tooth and nail...and say you havent got the money and you have other comitments blah blah..

Good luck and let us know how you go. If you need a solicitor i can hook you up with someone.

[DaveMack]

Another thought, Adam. If they insist on you paying the full $1500 ... ask them if they can afford the bad publicity. When they say "What do you mean?" Tell them of your membership of this forum and say that you think their behaviour is downright scandalous and you'll name them on the forum.

NAME & SHAME FILE ANYONE?

Of course ... it might pay to have a couple of burly mates with you when you do this. n:

Dave

[Soundofav6]

NAME & SHAME FILE ANYONE?

Wooww Good call... Sticky "thread of SHAME"

But if it gets out of hand the forum/ members may be liable for defamation.

[DaveMack]

Wooww Good call... Sticky "thread of SHAME"

But if it gets out of hand the forum/ members may be liable for defamation.

Yeah ... have to be completely honest, well monitored and leave emotion out of it. I'm sure the members can make up their own minds based on the facts. That way, there should be no grounds for defamation.

Dave

[torn]

Hi mate,
What did they actually do for this cost? I have worked at several installers and that is a lot of work!!!

[s1831559]

sorry to hear that,

get them to write u a invoice up, and negoiate with the manager to a reasonable price, else department of fair trading is the way to go.

i installed mine the other day, DIY it all myself. cost -> universal din pocket $20 + wiring harness male $3 + piece of wood = $23

good luck~

[Adam]

Hey guys!!


Just to clear things out alittle.... They are NOT bad installers, nor trying to rip me off (i hope)... I was and still am alittle bit of shock at the total amount. I know they did a good job, but just wasn't expecting. The cost were itemised, and the labour is the killer at $1000 for 12.3hours of work (they said, and i do believe, that they spent more time on it..!!.. i know its nuts, but i also have myself and volkswagen to blame!!