How do I word this response?

[Weloveflowerss]

Hi, we arranged for a gardener to come round to do 3 hours work at an agreed rate and they did 5 hours instead and now they are quoting what we owe them. I am happy with the work but not happy that we are having to pay for more hours than we suggested. How do I respond to the text? Will obviously pay but want to make it clear we are unhappy.

also is this the norm? Never had a gardener before, don’t want to be harsh on them in case this is a done thing

It depends.

Were you quoted for a specific job or whatever could be done in three hours?

Whatever could be done in 3 hours

Then you pay them for three hours. That's what was agreed. Otherwise someone could stay for a fortnight and charge you thousands.

If you have a quote saying three hours, you should refer him to that?

I’m not debating there’s 5 hours work and possibly more work to be done but just that we had agreed 3 hours and see if it needed more

we had agreed 3 hours and see if it needed more

Was this conversation in writing (text/email)?

Just looking at my husbands text and he text saying ‘I was thinking probably 3 hours to see us through the winter’ not sure if he was being too vague 🤣

But he did then clarify in person for 3 hours too

Hmm I think his phrase "to see us through the winter" implies you wanted him to do whatever was needed even if it took longer than 3 hours.

Yeah I agree, didn’t realise what he said until I looked at his texts

IMO they should have contacted you prior to doing the extra work to get your agreement. It seems a bit devious to have undertaken the extra work to hike the bill like that.

Yea with those texts I’d just pay the 5 hours

Given the texts are vague, just pay and then find a new gardener for next time.

Thanks everyone!!

Next time he comes he does one hour or two but next time less again. Or miss a go. If it was a one off and he you saw him work for 5 hours pay him.

Pay them for their time.

We didn’t see them work as we were both at work all day, obviously we will pay them, thanks everyone!

Sounds like it was a vague 3 hours but whatever it takes, they did 5 so got to pay for 5. Make your feelings known that in future more specific time frames needed. Once you start gardening there is always more to do so good they continued rather than leaving bits undone? Defo some pisstakers out there of course, don't get me started on those!