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Billed for a service not requested: Consumer Law?

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gterr
gterr Posts: 555 Forumite
in Consumer rights
Hi there,

Posting on behalf of neighbour. He asked for a quote for a new house sign from a firm that does CAD and sign making. Neighbour sent ideas for the design and asked what the firm could suggest. Firm sent some simple pictures by email and a quote for sign making.

Neighbour thought price too high so told firm he would get back to them when he had other quotes in. Firm have now sent hefty bill for design work only. Neighbour has told firm he did not agreed in advance to pay a fee for design work, and pointed out that other firms are happy to send draft designs and quotes with no obligation.

Firm has now sent snotty letter accusing neighbour of criminal and immoral behaviour, and demanding payment. What are neighbour's rights?
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Comments

  • stugib
    stugib Posts: 2,602 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    gterr wrote: »
    Firm has now sent snotty letter accusing neighbour of criminal and immoral behaviour, and demanding payment. What are neighbour's rights?

    Better question is what rights the firm has - very little from what I can see.

    They know they're onto a hiding to nothing accusing him of criminal (what crime?) and immoral (suggests they don't have a case if resorting to that) behaviour. If they had anything they'd be claiming breach of their non-existent contract.

    Your neighbour has a right to ignore them and not be harassed for payment.
  • Flyboy152
    Flyboy152 Posts: 17,118 Forumite
    gterr wrote: »
    Hi there,

    Posting on behalf of neighbour. He asked for a quote for a new house sign from a firm that does CAD and sign making. Neighbour sent ideas for the design and asked what the firm could suggest. Firm sent some simple pictures by email and a quote for sign making.

    Neighbour thought price too high so told firm he would get back to them when he had other quotes in. Firm have now sent hefty bill for design work only. Neighbour has told firm he did not agreed in advance to pay a fee for design work, and pointed out that other firms are happy to send draft designs and quotes with no obligation.

    Firm has now sent snotty letter accusing neighbour of criminal and immoral behaviour, and demanding payment. What are neighbour's rights?

    Put letter in bin and ignore.
    The greater danger, for most of us, lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark
  • arcon5
    arcon5 Posts: 14,099 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Or wipe your !!! with it and post it back :D

    They won't send a second one
  • meer53
    meer53 Posts: 10,217 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Depends whether the company has actually done any work i suppose ? If they've sent a bill for design work, it sounds as though they have. We don't have the companies side of the story.
  • vax2002
    vax2002 Posts: 7,187 Forumite
    Write NO CONTRACT across the letters and return
    Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam
  • Flyboy152
    Flyboy152 Posts: 17,118 Forumite
    meer53 wrote: »
    Depends whether the company has actually done any work i suppose ? If they've sent a bill for design work, it sounds as though they have. We don't have the companies side of the story.

    In the absence of such information, we have to assume that the OP is explaining the situation as it stands.
    The greater danger, for most of us, lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark
  • meer53
    meer53 Posts: 10,217 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Flyboy152 wrote: »
    In the absence of such information, we have to assume that the OP is explaining the situation as it stands.

    I wouldn't assume anything. Especially as there is an absence of information.

    If the company is demanding payment, they obviously feel that they HAVE provided some sort of service. Other firms might be happy to provide this service free of charge. It's possible that the OP's neighbour has also made an assumption that this company will also do the same without checking first.
  • Flyboy152
    Flyboy152 Posts: 17,118 Forumite
    meer53 wrote: »
    I wouldn't assume anything. Especially as there is an absence of information.

    If the company is demanding payment, they obviously feel that they HAVE provided some sort of service. Other firms might be happy to provide this service free of charge. It's possible that the OP's neighbour has also made an assumption that this company will also do the same without checking first.

    Then, the only way to satisfy your curiosity is to ask the company in question.
    The greater danger, for most of us, lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark
  • meer53
    meer53 Posts: 10,217 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Flyboy152 wrote: »
    Then, the only way to satisfy your curiosity is to ask the company in question.

    I think this is what the OP's neighbour should be doing, not asking for advice on here.
  • Flyboy152
    Flyboy152 Posts: 17,118 Forumite
    meer53 wrote: »
    I think this is what the OP's neighbour should be doing, not asking for advice on here.

    I think someone has forgotten the name of this website and the reason for the forum.
    The greater danger, for most of us, lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark
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