just me having a cry... But seriously

fat4D · 21-03-2011, 08:24 PM

seriouslyso today i was suppos to have valve springs and cams installed in my turbo, the whole process seemed to be goin well. I did a call around 2 weeks ago and found a great deal when a local place quoted me around 600 give or take 100 depending on the the time taken.

So this morning dropped the car off and the bloke said that he would give me a call when he opens it up and gets a better idea of cost. So 12 oclock came and no word and as i had left my bike key on the key ring figured i would drop past get the key an have a chat as the day was half over so they would need the car tomorrow aswell. An this is when it all turned sour they were just starting the work (had rocker cover off an getting tools all organised) an the guy turns around and said it will now be costing around 12-13 hundred. And when i put the question of the call to him he simply said they were goin to tell me when i came in this arvo. So i told then to put it back together an I'll take my business else where. Imagine if i didn't need that key and returned to get the car with a bill close to double what i was quoted. Unfortunately i wouldn't have a leg to stand on as it was a verbal quote.

The thing that gets me is how can you run a business like that?

chrisfpv · 21-03-2011, 08:39 PM

That's why you should always get a written quote on the work that's about to be done beforehand.
If for one reason or another the person working on the car feels it may cost more once they start working on it, have it in writing that if for any reason the cost of work will be more than the written quote, no work is to be undertaken without your approval (be it via person or phone call).

I know it may sound like a pain, but any reputable shop shouldn't have a problem with it.

fat4D · 21-03-2011, 09:56 PM

Yeah i think Thats what i will be doin in the future as it would been interesting when i said im not paying that much. But i wonder how often places get away with this type of thing cause like you said if its not in writing you have no proof an they can hold your car legally?

tankclare · 21-03-2011, 09:57 PM

In the middle of an underquoted situation right now. Done some phone calls and was told $450 for normal head reco but with the extra work I wanted done it would be $6-700. A week later I dropped my 250 xflow head, crow springs and EVL valves in to the engine builders and that was 2 and a bit weeks ago. I rang him early last week and said I would be in this wednesday and asked for a price and again was told $6-700. I rang again today to see if the head was finished and it was so I asked for a final price and he said $800. Not entirely happy about the blow out of the price but not much I can do now and I pick it up wednesday morning.

Road Games · 21-03-2011, 10:35 PM

My diff is being put in right now , i didnt ask for a price because i know the real labour charge and how long it takes to do something that complicated.. its a specialist field.

I have a figure in my head because i ordered in the parts myself ..

If it's less than what i have my mindset on then i pay them that amount anyway !
You get what you pay for..

BUT if its a ridiculous invoice based on a person off the street with no personal input, i will tell them to go jump and this is all i am prepared to pay...

And all credibility they had with me goes out the window.

I have never had to huff and puff over a bill but if i did the world would know about it trust me ........

p.s Rocker cover should be finished tomorrow morning

fat4D · 21-03-2011, 10:39 PM

cheers mate cant wait to see it

XR6_661 · 21-03-2011, 10:43 PM

When I had my gearbox built up...I was expecting about 2.5k.

Got the invoice...$3800 later....and then it broke again after a couple of hundred k's...another $600 later.

So now I always get a written quote, outlining what parts, cost, labour...

Road Games · 21-03-2011, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6_661

When I had my gearbox built up...I was expecting about 2.5k.

Got the invoice...$3800 later....and then it broke again after a couple of hundred k's...another $600 later.

So now I always get a written quote, outlining what parts, cost, labour...

Yes i remember that thread....

THIS is why forums are such a valuable source !

Sure some people still ignore the advice offered and get burnt majorly but what can ya do ...

If someone asks me a question i try to answer objectively and truthfully .. Backed up with my name and Ph No via PM if they get in a pickle...

I am very much on the fence these days when it comes to singing praises of workshops .. sponsors or not!

Just because they may have looked after me personally,doesn't mean the people that head through their doors because of my praises havn't been burnt them selves...

I have a very open mind these days ....