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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Am I being ripped off ?

201 replies

MamaJules34 · 18/04/2020 10:37

We had a joiner round to give us a quote.

£900 for the following:

To fit two shelves in three cupboards (2 airing cupboards and one cupboard downstairs).

2 poles (clothes poles) in two cupboards.

£900?! Aibu?! That seems extortionate?

OP posts:
Itwasntme1 · 18/04/2020 11:45

I am sorry but I do think this is very dramatic. Have you never got quotes before?

People on this thread don’t seem to understand what ripped off means. You haven’t given this person any money, and given the quote you probably shouldn’t hire him.

Getting overly worked up about a high quote is way too dramatic, most people laugh say no thanks and ring someone else.

Original poster
MamaJules34 · 18/04/2020 11:45

I wasn't that fussed about £35 for a pole! That doesn't bother me at all. Needs to be a decent pole that can hold weight!

OP posts:
Original poster
MamaJules34 · 18/04/2020 11:46

@itwasntme1 sorry, but it is personal. He's a family friend and is doing us over.

OP posts:
Original poster
MamaJules34 · 18/04/2020 11:47

I also got the feeling he thought I was a woman with her husbands credit card who could chuck money at any job.

My husband isn't the handyman type! Sadly! Confused

OP posts:
crustycrab · 18/04/2020 11:48

It's not a rip off. It's a quote. That's what he wants to do the work. Where did you get £20 an hour for his Labour from?

You don't like the price you don't pay it. It's not personal and I don't understand why you're offering "cash in hand"

SchrodingersKitty · 18/04/2020 11:49

It’s a carpenter’s job at the most, not a joiner’s

crustycrab · 18/04/2020 11:50

How on earth is he "doing you over"?

He doesn't owe you anything and can charge what he likes. It's too expensive so don't pay it. And get used to the fact that tradesmen quote higher for jobs they don't want

FreckledLeopard · 18/04/2020 11:50

DP is a carpenter and that job is so overpriced. Whereabouts in the country are you OP? I can give some recommendations if you're anywhere around Bristol.

Original poster
MamaJules34 · 18/04/2020 11:50

He told me he charges £20 an hour!

OP posts:
Original poster
MamaJules34 · 18/04/2020 11:51

@freck thank you! We're not anywhere near there unfortunately!

OP posts:
crustycrab · 18/04/2020 11:52

You might've insulted him with your cash in hand offer

Nestofvipers · 18/04/2020 11:52

My husband isn't the handyman type! Sadly!

You could do it yourself though. A Y chromosome is not a requirement for the job. It’s not difficult-you just need the right materials and tools.

Claphands · 18/04/2020 11:54

Id say that was less than a days work using fairly cheap materials. Well overpriced.

Fairylillie · 18/04/2020 11:54

You should always get three quotes before appointing somebody.

Perhaps he added danger money incase he caught CV from working in the current circumstances.

Candodad · 18/04/2020 11:54

All the people saying “you could do it yourself” Is there ever a skill that you couldn’t master and need someone else for? Well it’s just like that for some people and DIY.

FreckledLeopard · 18/04/2020 11:54

Speaking to DP - he would break it down as follows - materials shouldn't be more than £50 assuming MDF and 2x1 batons. Plus the day rate (no more than £200 per day). In theory it shouldn't take more than a day's labour. So the job should not be more than £250.

Candodad · 18/04/2020 11:55

If he only charges £20 an hour he’s far too cheap.

BrassicaBabe · 18/04/2020 11:57

When folks don't want a job I don't understand why they just don't say "no thanks" instead of giving huge quotes. Same for the trades who make an appointment to quote then never turn up.

P1nkHeartLovesCake · 18/04/2020 11:57

That is too much for what you what done.

However you haven’t been ripped off, his given you a price, you have decided not to use his service

Killerqueen2244 · 18/04/2020 11:59

I feel your pain OP, we needed skirting, architrave and a door hanging in one room and a carpenter quoted £750 just for the labour! Most carpenters around here work on a £200-£250 day so I can’t help thinking the guy saw a big house and thought we’re rolling in it- which we’re most definitely not!! I can understand your frustration!

Original poster
MamaJules34 · 18/04/2020 11:59

I didn't suggest cash in hand to him! He asked me!!!

OP posts:
crustycrab · 18/04/2020 12:01

"When folks don't want a job I don't understand why they just don't say "no thanks" instead of giving huge quotes"

Because if the customer was willing to pay £500 for a £50 job then it would make it worth doing. Same principle as overtime rates, it's an incentive to do something you otherwise wouldn't

Picamyhoney · 18/04/2020 12:01

Sounds like it's too small a job for him so he's over pricing it just in case you're stupid enough to pay that.
Also depends on the area you're in, I know quite a few handymen. plumbers etc and they put up prices by 30% or so for jobs where we live as it's a proper MC area full of professionals who can't do it themselves, have money and are used to paying top end prices for stuff.
I'm WC so haggle like a bugger, and once they know I'm from a family of trades people ( unfortunately I'm not in my home country!) the price drops significantly.

Candyfloss99 · 18/04/2020 12:01

He doesn't want the job obviously as he's quoted you an extortionate price so don't feel bad saying no thanks to him.

tiredanddangerous · 18/04/2020 12:02

I feel your pain too op. Our house is quite big and DH has an expensive (company!) car. I think some tradespeople just take one look at that and add 50% onto their quote!