Disputing an invoice that could get nasty!

memeweme

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can advise me on a situation that's reared it's ugly head over a year after I thought it was all put to bed.

Here's the situation - in September 2008 I had a boiler problem and asked a couple of local outfits to come round and quote for a repair job. I went with the best quote and all was fine. About a month later one of the other businesses who quoted sent me an invoice for a 'boiler inspection'. I wrote to them explaining that I would not be paying the invoice as my understanding was that the agreement was that they were coming round to quote and at no time before or during their visit did they mention a fee. (I think they cooked this up when they twigged they didn't get the job). I heard nothing back so assumed this was over.

However, last week, 13 months after my letter, they have sent me a second invoice with a covering letter with the threat of legal action for this outstanding invoice. I contacted them to politely remind them of the original situation and asked them to reconsider their stance - I kept it really nice. However, they said that they are being more than reasonable as they have invoiced me for a reduced amount (I have shredded original paperwork as assumed it was over long ago so can't confirm or dispute this) and are adamant that I should pay up.

Does anyone have any advice on where I stand on this? I don't want this to be handed over to a debt collection agency or for the company to take 'legal action' but the last thing I want to do is give into their bullying and have to pay them to get them off my back. Incidentally, the amount we're talking about is £40.

How would you reccommend I handle the situation?

Thanks, Memeweme

Kylie

Let them take you to court. What mongrels.

Ivory_Tinkler

As they have billed you for a boiler inspection, ask them to give you their inspection report - I bet they haven't got one and are just trying to frighten you into paying for a quote which is ridiculous!

neilmcl

What work did these guys do when they came round to quote?