Binding?

[Jordyboy9]

can someone tell me how binding is a verbal estimate spoken in front of 2 witneses?

[jackthehat]

Not very.
It is an 'estimate' not a 'quote'.

[jackthehat]

What sort of works are we talking?

[jackthehat]

Reputable company or men with a load of tarmac on the back of a lorry?

[jackthehat]

How big was the area they covered?
Did they do proper ground preparation works before laying the tarmac?

Are you sure they are actually a reputable company? Where did you get their name from?

[jackthehat]

You've been had, Jordy.
A common ploy on unsuspecting householders.
I guarantee that these blokes will be living in some nice shiny caravans on an piece of land close to you.
You have 2 choices.
Pay £1000, tell them they are lucky to get that and tell them your son is a local Bobby......because they won't be happy.
Pay £2000 to get them off your back.....and advise any of your friends not to fall for the same scam you have.
Sorry!

[bhg481]

When they said they had plenty left over, what they probably meant was that they had deliberately taken too much from the depot so that they could make themselves some money at the company's expense. Has the demand for payment come from the men who did the job or the company office? Have you asked why they are asking twice as much as they quoted? I suspect if you threaten to take it up with their office they may back dowm. Alternatively give them £1000 and suggest they take you to the small claims court for the remainder (and remind them you have two witnesses to the estimate). Professional trademen should not be out by a factor 2.

[Peter Pedant]

wide boys
you have been had
try trading standards

I am very very sorry you have been had
( they were down by me and tried very very hard
the ones they did do - the drives are falling apart )

[jackthehat]

Don't take it laying down, Jordy.
I wish you well. :o)

[EDDIE51]

Demand they give you a written invoice with full details of their names and the company they 'work' for including VAT reference. Just tell them no invoice no money and only pay by card never cash.

[ummmm]

A reputable firm is highly unlikely to approach you.

[Canary42]

Congratulations on winning the payment battle. I hope the quality is OK.