Posted 4 December 2023
Unpaid invoice
Just what to get a wider opinion on this scenario.
Called an electrician over 4 months ago. He comes out, spends half a day (3-4 hours) fault finding, can't fix the issue. Instead he takes two sockets off the loop just to get around the circuit tripping.
No point has he disclosed his rates or made any agreement whatsoever.
Next thing he sends an invoice for £840. Obviously I think he's having a laugh given he used no materials and wants that for a few hours labour, so just reply asking for this bill to be itemised. He doesn't reply. I send a couple more chasing emails asking for breakdown and hear nothing.
About 3 weeks ago, having heard nothing and needing the issue sorted as house is now sold, I contact another electrician who not only visits but sorts the issue. He charges me £240 and I pay him promptly.
Today original sparky is asking for payment again.
I'm not saying he shouldn't be paid something, he was at my home a few hours and I expect nobody to work for free.
Do you think he's having a laugh? Would you put the onus on him to have disclosed and agreed his "rates" before even walking in?
Called an electrician over 4 months ago. He comes out, spends half a day (3-4 hours) fault finding, can't fix the issue. Instead he takes two sockets off the loop just to get around the circuit tripping.
No point has he disclosed his rates or made any agreement whatsoever.
Next thing he sends an invoice for £840. Obviously I think he's having a laugh given he used no materials and wants that for a few hours labour, so just reply asking for this bill to be itemised. He doesn't reply. I send a couple more chasing emails asking for breakdown and hear nothing.
About 3 weeks ago, having heard nothing and needing the issue sorted as house is now sold, I contact another electrician who not only visits but sorts the issue. He charges me £240 and I pay him promptly.
Today original sparky is asking for payment again.
I'm not saying he shouldn't be paid something, he was at my home a few hours and I expect nobody to work for free.
Do you think he's having a laugh? Would you put the onus on him to have disclosed and agreed his "rates" before even walking in?
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29 Comments
sorted byWhats in the first electrician T&C's.
Without T&C's covering payment and dispute the court will throw out as no legal standing.
Won't even get to court as no solicitor would waste time.
That's my understanding. I stand to be corrected.
Stop communicating. Ignore (edited)
Appreciate your response
This might be worth a look.
Reasonable can be difficult, what about a "call out fee/travelling" Is he VAT registered (CHECK) £700 plus VAT would be £840. Had some guy try this on with a relative added VAT to the written total but he wasn't registered, told him I was going to talk to the VAT man, Invoice cancelled - then I talked to the VAT man
In say central London on an emergency call-out basis £100 call-out fee plus 4 hours at £150 Total £700 plus VAT would seem 'more reasonable'
TBH looks like a rip-off though. The guy who actually did the job and what he charged is good evidence of what is reasonable although the first guy did locate the area the problem was in for him. (edited)
He's clearly overcharging. Ask him an itemised bill. The going rate for an electrician is around £50 an hour + callout fee.
The rate not being agreed in advance does not give him free reign to charge you whatever. It's going to be a pain but I'd fight this out of principal. If he's part of a trades body, file a grievance.
Labour 4 hours at £210
Total due £840
Now what?
Plus, if that was the take, you'd just send that over. He has ignored multiple requests for itemised bill and even now hasn't done so. He knows that 210ph for his services is ludicrous.
However £840 for half a days work is outrageous. Next time, I am sure you will ask the price first.
"Quantum meruit is Latin for "as much as one has deserved." Quantum meruit is an equitable remedy that provides restitution for unjust enrichment, often employed in contract law." (edited)
What was the reason you didn't ask him about his rates before engaging him for the job?
Truthfully, I was just happy he'd agreed to come out and have a look. I'd have expected a quote of some description before any works commenced, even if just labour.
Like I say, happy to pay him something for 3-4 hours time, just not £840
You haven't said.
Did he have his dag with him?
Sure, I like dags. I like caravans more, I wonder were you "Snatched" that quote from....