Fxxxkkkkk......

[Adam]

Just got back an email saying my car is ready to pick up from the audio installer... One thing that i was shocked was the install cost. It came up to $1500...Wasn't expecting to be THAT much, considering initial talk said in the worst case scenario was around $400-500. I am hoping there is an error in the email, cuz otherwise, it's a massive debt i am in!! ....sigh.....

Installed:

X001 alpine
type X alpine 177r

I did all running of the wires and amp install....

[Kai]

When you showed the pics.

It looked exxy. Cause its all custom. And for them to have your car for such a long time. Labour rates are a bitch.

[thepowercosmic]

Just got back an email saying my car is ready to pick up from the audio installer... One thing that i was shocked was the install cost. It came up to $1500...Wasn't expecting to be THAT much, considering initial talk said in the worst case scenario was around $400-500. I am hoping there is an error in the email, cuz otherwise, it's a massive debt i am in!! ....sigh.....

Installed:

X001 alpine
type X alpine 177r

I did all running of the wires and amp install....

That's attrocious on the part of the installer given that you discussed with him a worse case scenario of $500.

Surely being the 'professionals' they are would be able to tell you early on in the install that it would blow out to three times your expectations. And then for you to make an informed decision.

I'd be pretty upset to say the least.
My advice - try what you can to pay no more than $500.

Difficult now that the work has been done.

Good luck

[Adam]

When you showed the pics.

It looked exxy. Cause its all custom. And for them to have your car for such a long time. Labour rates are a bitch.

Yeh.. No doubt.. Not complaining about the install.. don't get me wrong... so, the unexpected blow out! lol...... yeh, i can picture it now...

labour = 12.3 hours... even at 50bucks an hour. that's 615 bucks....

Say, anyone looking to hire some part-timers or in need of a kidney!??

[KI11Z]

Geez, thats a shocker mate!!!! i'd be pissed!! was it a written quote for the 400-500 dollars?? if not you'll have t cop it on the chin! damb . . .

[Soundofav6]

ouch man...just got my speakers installed, it ranged from 60- 140 just for front speakers. It's all the labour BS.

The guys should have gave you a call at least to tell you it's going to take more time, that is costing more money. Its just like a mechanic shouldn't replace other parts while at a job with out your permission.

[ralphk]

Give a solicitor a buzz

We are currently going through a court case where we were indicated $600 for a job and we received an invoice for $3500 told the supplier we were willing to pay the 600 but no more. So far we have spend 6000 on legals with no resolution yet. I would suggest you talk to the installer first. I just had an install Head Unit/amp/subs/speakers front back no custom requirement for cutting etc but cost $300

[SoVeReIgN]

Adam - Did that include the gear or ?

[99gti]

I'd be debating that for sure. It may however just apeard like that on the invoice as they have mistakenly listed the items as well posibly?

[Adam]

Adam - Did that include the gear or ?

na. i supplied all gears..

[BlackVr6ix]

what sort of work did they do? we charge up to $120 an hour for custom work (i.e.. fibreglass etc.)

[DaveMack]

Adam, did they actually give you a written quote? Or was it verbal? If written ... I'd hold off payment and ask them to itemise the difference between original quote and final billing ... and I'd tell them that I was getting it checked out (ombudsman or something ... maybe someone who has had these sorts of wildly overcharged prices can help here). At least make them THINK about what they've charged you ...

Dave

[NickZ]

Just got back an email saying my car is ready to pick up from the audio installer... One thing that i was shocked was the install cost. It came up to $1500...Wasn't expecting to be THAT much, considering initial talk said in the worst case scenario was around $400-500. I am hoping there is an error in the email, cuz otherwise, it's a massive debt i am in!! ....sigh.....

Installed:

X001 alpine
type X alpine 177r

I did all running of the wires and amp install....

That's ridiculous!

There has to be some sort of legal respite here. Whilst a quote can be way off in things like legal where circumstances change rapidly, for something like this the quote should be reliably estimated. If it is really $1500, that could be a case of misleading conduct, and you may have a shot with the Department of Fair Trading.

It is similar to a shop saying they have something on special, but they don't and instead try to entice you with other more expensive things. Obviously working a bit differently, but its the same underlying principle.

I would give the DFT a call, see what they say. They might be useless, but at least its worth a try.

Bring it up with them as well, as not too long ago a plumber tried to charge my dad about $700 for something relatively simple. My dad questioned it, he admitted he made an 'error' and the price went down to about $300.

Good luck.

[shami]

That's ridiculous!

There has to be some sort of legal respite here. Whilst a quote can be way off in things like legal where circumstances change rapidly, for something like this the quote should be reliably estimated. If it is really $1500, that could be a case of misleading conduct, and you may have a shot with the ACCC.

It is similar to a shop saying they have something on special, but they don't and instead try to entice you with other more expensive things. Obviously working a bit differently, but its the same underlying principle.

I would give the ACCC a call, see what they say. They might be useless, but at least its worth a try.

Bring it up with them as well, as not too long ago a plumber tried to charge my dad about $700 for something relatively simple. My dad questioned it, he admitted he made an 'error' and the price went down to about $300.

Good luck.

Hey mate i dont think the ACCC are the place to go, they look for at competition and the proper running of business as in the case of HIH and the like. The department of fair trading is the go if they dont reduce the price.

The other thing is, dont forget you didnt sign anything to say yes i will pay $1500 did you??? Say you are NOT going to pay and say $1500 wasnt quoted, speak to the manager and if they still dont drop the price, tell em to pull it all out and to kiss you ass. Seriously dont feel pressured to pay a cent.

Obviously thats your last resort, try haggling and see if you can resolve it amicably. However, they CAN refuse to give your car back for not paying so be careful. But i would fight it tooth and nail...and say you havent got the money and you have other comitments blah blah..

Good luck and let us know how you go. If you need a solicitor i can hook you up with someone.

[DaveMack]

Another thought, Adam. If they insist on you paying the full $1500 ... ask them if they can afford the bad publicity. When they say "What do you mean?" Tell them of your membership of this forum and say that you think their behaviour is downright scandalous and you'll name them on the forum.

NAME & SHAME FILE ANYONE?

Of course ... it might pay to have a couple of burly mates with you when you do this. n:

Dave