Extortionate Locksmith Charges

worried_jim

hollydays wrote: »

Does the locksmith belong to any trade association.

The we saw you coming merchants association.

buglawton

What would worry me about a fraudulently high bill like that is, does this 'locksmith' have criminal associates perhaps? What if they kept a copy of the keys...

scd3scd4

Did you not ask what the approx. cost would be.


For example, one of the best Euro locks on the market is only about 50 pound.




Ohh and when ever I get asked for vat, the bill better have the vat number on it.

knightstyle

OPP you should name an shame the locksmith on here and on Facebook, Twitter plus local paper to warn others about these crooks.

Comms69

I totally disagree with the sentiment being offered - there is no rip off or scam here.


The OP is an adult and therefore liable for their bills.


It's a high cost, no doubt about that - but simple supply and demand dictates the costs

wesleyad

As there's no evidence either way in court it would come down to balance of probabilities:

OP saying he was quoted (for example) £2-300 and got charged £1200

Locky saying OP agreed from the outset to pay £1200

I know who I'd believe!

Comms69 wrote: »

It's a high cost, no doubt about that - but simple supply and demand dictates the costs

I don't think supply and demand does apply here.. it certainly does for the service which is fine. But the cost of the barrel, there's no supply shortage here, you can go to screwfix and get a perfectly good lock for £10 whereas he's charged the OP £690 (inc vat).

It would be like getting your car MOT and the guy says I'll change your wipers. You know there will be a decent markup, but if he comes back with a £700 bill no one is paying that.

Comms69

wesleyad wrote: »

As there's no evidence either way in court it would come down to balance of probabilities:

OP saying he was quoted (for example) £2-300 and got charged £1200

Locky saying OP agreed from the outset to pay £1200

I know who I'd believe!



I don't think supply and demand does apply here.. it certainly does for the service which is fine. But the cost of the barrel, there's no supply shortage here - really, at midnight? You have a 24hr DIY operation nearby? , you can go to screwfix and get a perfectly good lock for £10 whereas he's charged the OP £690 (inc vat). - I agree, my initial post said exactly that. BUT the locksmith is entitled to charge whatever they like; there is no obligation to accept that

It would be like getting your car MOT and the guy says I'll change your wipers. You know there will be a decent markup, but if he comes back with a £700 bill no one is paying that.

The onus is to ask how much that will be.


1. I'll change your wipers
2. How much will you charge
....

powerful_Rogue

Comms69 wrote: »

The onus is to ask how much that will be.


1. I'll change your wipers
2. How much will you charge
....

As horrendous as the price charged was, I totally agree with you.


My first question would have been "How much would it cost to......."

Tammykitty

If no price was agreed upfront, then it should be a reasonable cost for a reasonable quality of work. (Consumer Rights Act 2015).


The cost of the locks - check the make and spec of them - he may well have used expensive locks, and the cost may be genuine - maybe they are the only locks he had available out of hours etc)


Why don't you get someone else to phone with the same circumstances as yours and record the locksmith giving the price?

powerful_Rogue

Tammykitty wrote: »

If no price was agreed upfront, then it should be a reasonable cost for a reasonable quality of work. (Consumer Rights Act 2015).


The cost of the locks - check the make and spec of them - he may well have used expensive locks, and the cost may be genuine - maybe they are the only locks he had available out of hours etc)


Why don't you get someone else to phone with the same circumstances as yours and record the locksmith giving the price?

I'm curious, can you point out where the CRA2015 says that please?