shed quote

Emily_Joy

I needed a bicycle shed made to measure because by Dutch bikes are oversized. We got in touch with a local handleman who did some other work for us before and asked him for a quote. We were happy with the quote received and agreed on a day.

Then he had to cancel last minute because his other job commitment over-run, then he had to cancel again because of the problem with materials, then the weather was not favourable, so there was a delay of about 6 weeks or so, which didn't bother us much; although last-minute cancellations on the day were somewhat inconvenient. In one of the very apologetic emails we received he said that he miscalculated the time and materials, but he will honour the original quote. 

Fast forward, the shed was finally completed last week and we are very happy with the result. The invoice we received matches the original quote. We are however not short of money at the moment and happy to pay more (e.g. he charged only for 8 hours of labour but has probably spent about 16...) 

However, if we were to receive the "real" quote at first place we might have gone for a ready-made option from one of the local companies. 

We would like to maintain good relationships with him and have discussed a couple more jobs we want him to do in a foreseeable future. 

I am aware this is a money saving forum, and what I am asking is in somewhat opposite direction, but I am uneasy because it feels unfair. 

Any suggestions? 

marcia_

Emily_Joy said:

I needed a bicycle shed made to measure because by Dutch bikes are oversized. We got in touch with a local handleman who did some other work for us before and asked him for a quote. We were happy with the quote received and agreed on a day.

Then he had to cancel last minute because his other job commitment over-run, then he had to cancel again because of the problem with materials, then the weather was not favourable, so there was a delay of about 6 weeks or so, which didn't bother us much; although last-minute cancellations on the day were somewhat inconvenient. In one of the very apologetic emails we received he said that he miscalculated the time and materials, but he will honour the original quote. 

Fast forward, the shed was finally completed last week and we are very happy with the result. The invoice we received matches the original quote. We are however not short of money at the moment and happy to pay more (e.g. he charged only for 8 hours of labour but has probably spent about 16...) 

However, if we were to receive the "real" quote at first place we might have gone for a ready-made option from one of the local companies. 

We would like to maintain good relationships with him and have discussed a couple more jobs we want him to do in a foreseeable future. 

I am aware this is a money saving forum, and what I am asking is in somewhat opposite direction, but I am uneasy because it feels unfair. 

Any suggestions? 

 Personally not money saving but I would ask him if his bill is right and point out where you think he miscalculated. Id feel guilty otherwise especially seeing as you want to keep using his services. 

victor2

Or just buy him a little thank-you gift. Bottle of drink, tin of sweets or something you think he'd like. Someone who does a good job and sticks to his quoted price even if it cost him more is worth keeping in your good books. You may want his services again and maybe you can even send more business his way.

pramsay13

I would pay him what he has asked for and then add a tip on top so it is at your discretion rather than asking for a new price. Any amount will be appreciated. 
You can then help out by promoting his services online, leave him a review on social media etc.

MysteryMe

I would ask how much the quote should have been and as long as it is in line with what you think it should be I would pay the extra. I would not add a tip as it sets an expectation that you may tip on future jobs where he does quote correctly.  It also lessons the chance of him just getting back what he thinks he is "owed" on future jobs by upping the quote that way.