To not want to pay £100 over the quote (vet)

[BlueGoddess]

My pet has had to go to the vet after not being well. I expected there would have to be some tests done and therefore wasn't surprised when x-rays and blood tests were suggested. I was given a quote for £250, "£300 worst case scenario".

When I went to collect the pet I was charged £350. I did question it and asked why it was so different to which it was stated that the quotation hadn't included the consultation or medication costs.

I understand that it costs what it costs and as a responsible pet owner I understand that I pay if they get ill, but this has really pissed me off. AIBU?

[WMittens]

Was it a quote or an estimate?

www.rcsolicitors.co.uk/construction-matters/the-contract-2/quote-or-estimate.htm

[BlueGoddess]

It says quotation on the paperwork but I was aware that it could increase if something major was found - I was advised I would be notified if this was the case.

As far as I can tell, only what was discussed was actually done hence I am so narked.

[bountyicecream]

Did you have a breakdown as to what each test cost to make the quote/estimate?

If it says quote on the paperwork then I think they're bound to stick to that.

They should have phoned you to discuss additional tests/ treatment unless it was emergency treatment. Did you have your contact number on all the time your pet was there?

[bountyicecream]

Oops re read your post. Did the quote say 'plus meds and consult fee" or words to that effect?

[BlueGoddess]

No one said anything about a consultation fee or cost of the medication

[bountyicecream]

Well I would ring up tomorrow and ask to speak to the practice manager. I would argue (politely) that a quote should include things like drugs and the consult fee as these are unavoidable expenses, unless it specifies that they are additional. I would expect to be put into credit for the extra £100.

[BlueGoddess]

I've got to take the pet in tomorrow for a check so I'll raise it again then. Thanks everyone for confirming I shouldn't just bite it!

[toboldlygo]

If the medication was dependent on the blood test results then the cost could vary hugely depending on what was found, some drugs are unbelievably expensive. The consultation fee should have been included in the estimate though. Have you got an itemised receipt/invoice?

[coco44]

I understand that it costs what it costs But you don't do you?
Treating an animal is not like having a new kitchen fitted, you know.You don't know what you are going to find until you do the tests,, you don't know how the patients is going to respond to treatment until it happens.

Wouldn't you rather they had done the best they could for your pet, or just cease treatment as soon as your estimate has been spent

[coco44]

I am guessing you had the consultation before you asked for an estimate.So that money was already spent and hence not included in the estimate

[bountyicecream]

But I would still argue that a quote should state that any drugs would be additional to the quote. And if they were super expensive drugs that I should have had a discussion before they are dispensed.

[bountyicecream]

There's a 3 rd option coco - phone the op with an update and to discuss ongoing costs.

[coco44]

If there's time. Sometimes things happen fast.

[bountyicecream]

Not usually though

[BlueGoddess]

I DO understand that it costs whatever, however if the treatment went exactly as planned you wouldn't expect to pay extra would you?

It's a huge difference, particularly at this time of year when the emergency pot is lower than usual!

[LackingEnergy]

You can't expect vet fees to be as cheap as they are when you go to the doctors. If cost is an issue then make sure your pet is insured/you have an incase of emergency fund. We ended up paying well over 1,000 in vet fees when one of ours was very ill in the days when DH didn't believe in insuring cats (he believes now though :) )

[BlueGoddess]

Appreciate that, but that isn't the issue - it's more the fact I was charged £100 more than the original quote.

[frazmum]

Go back and discuss it with them. We got charged extra for teeth cleaning which the vet was including when he did our dog's op. Once politely pointed out it was removed from the bill. I didn't mind paying a bit more but they'd charged as if it was a separate operation.

[DandyDindie]

The consultation would be the initial appointment where the pet was examined and the quote was issued and further tests discussed with you. This may not have been included in the quote as it would have occurred already, and it was probably assumed that you were aware you would have to pay for that service when you made the appointment. Additional medications should have been included in the quote.

[DropDeadThread]

What Dandy said. If the estimate was given during a consultation then the consultation has already occurred and will be charged for regardless. An estimate is issued with regard to future treatment. Surely you know that you pay for consultations?

It's impossible to give definite cost of medication before a diagnosis is reached, but you should have been informed of this in case, as has happened, you hadn't worked out out yourself.

[WMittens]

coco44

From your posts it doesn't seem like you're aware of the difference between the legal definitions of 'quote' and 'estimate'; OP has already said the paperwork said 'quotation' on it, which forms the basis for the contract.

Any deviation from the original quote needs to be requoted and advised as it represents a change to the agreed terms of the contract; yes the situation may change substantially, but the veet should have contacted the OP to discuss and confirm.

[WMittens]

*vet

[DropDeadThread]

The thing is, if a quotation for treatment is issued, then that wouldn't include the consultation itself. If you go to the dentist for a check up, and they say you need a filling, you wouldn't expect the cost of the check up to be included on a quote for future treatment, would you? That's something you would pay for at the time.