Letter disputing an excessive price
[Date]
Dear ...
[Type of work]
On [date] you [describe the work] for me.
The work was urgent and in the rush I did not ask for - nor did you give me - a price for the job.
Yesterday [date] I received your bill and was horrified at the total.
I have contacted three other [name trade or profession] and they gave me estimates ranging between [quote figures] that they would have charged for [describe].
Under the law you are only entitled to charge a reasonable price for your services. I am not prepared to pay what you ask unless you can justify exceptional circumstances.
Thank you for your prompt service and satisfactory job. My only argument is with the amount you are billing me.
As a sign of good faith I have enclosed payment for the average of the three estimates I have obtained.
If you wish to discuss this matter further please don't hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Point of Law
If you haven't agreed on a price then you can only be charged what is reasonable given the work that was done and the skill used. This is covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act.. Where possible in this situation, you should pay for work done by cheque, clearly marked "Full and Final Settlement".
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