NEVER sign open Bill/Invoice
roucka
01-20-2005, 01:27 AM
Just a word 2 the wise;
Couple mnths ago my front break pad's went whereby I called Canadian Tire and had taken 2001 Grand Prix GT into garage to be replaced. After assessing the situation the mechanic confirmed it was strictly the front-break pads which would run about $150-200 maximum. I signed an 'Open-Bill' in good faith...and I think you know where this story is leading.
$825.00 later with front/rear pads, roters, oil drain, engine flush, new oil I was blown-away. Which is what I would have done if I had a shotgun in the trunk !!!!
This would have been the last time I ever sign an 'open-bill' never* under any circumstances do so...even if it's your regular mechanic. This will (legally) allow the garage or mechanic to charge you 'carte-blanche' what they feel deemed necessary.
Mancini ---
Couple mnths ago my front break pad's went whereby I called Canadian Tire and had taken 2001 Grand Prix GT into garage to be replaced. After assessing the situation the mechanic confirmed it was strictly the front-break pads which would run about $150-200 maximum. I signed an 'Open-Bill' in good faith...and I think you know where this story is leading.
$825.00 later with front/rear pads, roters, oil drain, engine flush, new oil I was blown-away. Which is what I would have done if I had a shotgun in the trunk !!!!
This would have been the last time I ever sign an 'open-bill' never* under any circumstances do so...even if it's your regular mechanic. This will (legally) allow the garage or mechanic to charge you 'carte-blanche' what they feel deemed necessary.
Mancini ---
GTP Dad
01-20-2005, 05:28 AM
Excellent information for everyone to know. Did you report this jerk to the Better Business Bureau or other governmental entity that governs business practices. This is similar to the old bate and switch routine.
DoberManJT
01-20-2005, 07:51 AM
As a retail store manager I can attest to the fact that there are a lot of people out there -- not just mechanics -- who will ruin your day/week/year with an "open bill". Never, ever sign until they have a set cost on it, or sign-off on an estimate and don't pay more than 10% over that amount. Be very cautious, because once you've signed something that states "Open" or "Unverified" amounts the business can rob you blind and do it legally.
carnutcass
01-20-2005, 08:21 AM
Legally, yes. Ethically, no.
Sorry about your bad luck. If this happened to me I'd become the biggest jerk they had ever seen. I'd park next door to the repair shop with a big sign in my windshield, "ASK ME WHY I WILL NEVER GO TO JOE'S GARAGE AGAIN!!!" I'd put an ad in the newspaper explaining that, "I took my car to Joe's Garage for brake pads and ended up spending $8xx. Ask me why." I'd give them an e-mail address where they can contact me.
I'm not familiar with Canadian law, but in the US you have to be really careful about making any statements or claims that are not based upon provable facts. It might be easier to suck it up and take your lumps......but $600 is $600.
Sorry about your bad luck. If this happened to me I'd become the biggest jerk they had ever seen. I'd park next door to the repair shop with a big sign in my windshield, "ASK ME WHY I WILL NEVER GO TO JOE'S GARAGE AGAIN!!!" I'd put an ad in the newspaper explaining that, "I took my car to Joe's Garage for brake pads and ended up spending $8xx. Ask me why." I'd give them an e-mail address where they can contact me.
I'm not familiar with Canadian law, but in the US you have to be really careful about making any statements or claims that are not based upon provable facts. It might be easier to suck it up and take your lumps......but $600 is $600.
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