Letter disputing excessive charge for services
[Date]
Dear ...
[Type of work]
On [date] I asked you to carry out the following [describe]. I was given a quotation of [amount].
When I received my bill I was charged [amount]. This is [amount] more than the quotation.
You have perhaps made a mistake in the preparation of my account. However, if the job did involve you in more work than you expected, then that is not my responsibility. A quotation is binding in law and I have no liability to pay more than the figure you first quoted.
I am very satisfied with the work you have done and enclose my cheque for the original quoted amount.
Yours sincerely
Point of Law
A quotation is an exact indication of the cost of a job. It is given by the trader and is binding on both parties if accepted. If a job takes longer than expected you can't be asked to pay the difference. Conversely, if a job takes a shorter time or uses less material than first thought, you will still have to pay the quoted sum. The law applies just as much to professionals as it does to trades. It always pays to get a quote in writing.
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