Since when did asking a company for a quote in writing become an agreement to sign them up for the work?

[PingPongBat]

Just that really... We asked 4 local firms to quote for roof repairs, asked all of them to either text or email me the costs, chose one of them, told the other 3 we were going with someone else, then got this back from one that we'd rejected:

"I was under the impression you were going with me for the job as you asked for the quote in writing. If you remember when I came round I made my policy very clear that if you wanted to proceed with me I will email an official quote. So I wasn't sure why you asked for this ??"

I thought I was being polite to let him know we weren't going to use him, & at no point did I make any commitment to getting his company to do the work - in fact I thought I "made it very clear" that I was asking several companies to quote!

Am I wrong in being a bit about his response? Does no-one put anything in writing any more?

[mambono5]

It's odd, I've never received a quote not in writing! I might have been quoted a price over the phone to remove a wasp nest, but for something as expensive as roof repair, we always have everything in writing.

[LotsoNumbers]

I would never proceed with anything without getting a quote in writing! How very odd

[ShatnersBassoon]

He's sulking. Of course it's normal to get a written quote before making a decision, so it's there in writing with no room for confusion!

Ignore him.

[Notapodling]

He's either very confused (and I'd be in doubt about his experience) or he's full of it. About ten years ago, I called around for quotes for removals and got one over the phone. I called him back fairly quickly (probably within half an hour) to say I was going with someone else and he got really rude. Around six months later, he sent me an 'invoice' for £300. I can't remember what the reason was -- something ridiculous. I'm not saying your guy is dodgy like that one, but at the very least he doesn't understand how quoting works.

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

You are right, he is wrong. I'd be tempted to ignore him as he's being so ridiculous.

[PingPongBat]

Shatners I think you're right. Sulking.

And yes I'm ignoring him! He quoted a huge amount more than the others too

[Testificateman]

Bloody hell, what a prick. Bet you're glad that you didn't go with that Muppet?
Nothing signed so, if he comes back to you, tell him to f#@k off!

[wowfudge]

If you want to get legally technical on him, in contract law you asked for a quote - that was an invitation to treat. He provided said quote - that was his offer to you. You have declined the offer, therefore no contract has been made. And he can bog off.

[PingPongBat]

Wowfudge