Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    jbelmcg's Avatar
    jbelmcg Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Apr 6, 2007, 06:52 PM
    Providing service without a specific price quote
    I had a client which I did computer work. The client called me 2 times for service. I provided the service then billed him. He is claiming he did not authorize the work?
    I did not quote a price when I provided the service.. is there an understanding that he has to pay something for the service? He never asked me to leave or what the cost would be.
    RubyPitbull's Avatar
    RubyPitbull Posts: 3,575, Reputation: 648
    Ultra Member
     
    #2

    Apr 7, 2007, 04:52 PM
    If your client called you for service, it is his responsibility to ask you for an estimate prior to your doing the work. If what you state here is how everything transpired, you are owed for the work you performed. He called you to perform the service, and you performed it. So how can he state that he did not authorize the work? If the amount of your bill is in question, then he should be discussing that with you, not denying you payment.

    If your client refuses to acknowledge that he owes you any money, depending on where you live and the amount of the bill, you are allowed to sue him for your money in small claims court. Most small claims courts allow people to file a claim that is worth $5,000 or under. You do not need a lawyer. You just need to be able to verify that work was performed at his request. I believe a copy of your phone records showing the phone calls you received from him, in and around the time of the work performance, should be proof that he did contact you. Include copies of your bills to him. It will be up to a judge to decide who is lying about this.
    froggy7's Avatar
    froggy7 Posts: 1,801, Reputation: 242
    Ultra Member
     
    #3

    Apr 8, 2007, 09:07 AM
    I'd use this as a lesson, though. Always give a ballpark estimate before you start the job, so the customer can say yes or no before the work starts. It will strengthen your case if you have to go to court.
    excon's Avatar
    excon Posts: 21,482, Reputation: 2992
    Uber Member
     
    #4

    Apr 8, 2007, 10:06 AM
    Hello j:

    All good advice. However, to be SURE, reduce your agreements to writing - ALWAYS!!

    excon
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
    Expert
     
    #5

    Apr 8, 2007, 12:57 PM
    Always have them sign a work order authorising the work.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Landlords providing heat [ 2 Answers ]

In the state of Virginia, does the landlord legally have to provide heat? If they do NOT, what action can be taken by the tenant?

A quote from my mom [ 22 Answers ]

My mom always says... "For some women any guy is better then no guy at all." After reading some of the posts in the relationship section I thought that this might be a good discussion starter. What does everyone think? Is my mom right?:cool:

Looking for a quote [ 1 Answers ]

I'm looking for a quote that says the same thing as, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Thanks.


View more questions Search