Is it cheeky getting a free quote and not proceeding?

[mynameisntlouise]

Our TV broke yesterday, was turning on but screen completely black. I found a TV repair guy and sent him the model number etc, but he said he'd have to open it up to give a quote, but would do so for free if we dropped it off.

We did so today, and he's said it's the back light; he can replace just the broken ones for £58 but the other bulbs will eventually go, or he can replace them all for £128.

Now I've thought about it, I think I just want to get a new tv in a couple of months. We're moving house in a fortnight and we've got a spare TV set up that was previously unused in the bedroom which I'm more than happy using in the meantime.

I just feel like a bit of an ass turning down any work when he's taken it into his house and carried out a bit of work... it would be like the walk of shame going back to pick it up...

I'd probably ask if it was any good to him for spares? I just want an easy life while I'm trying to pack my house!

Not cheeky at all. A quote isn’t an agreement whether it’s free or not

I don't think it's cheeky no but if you feel bad why don't you just let him replace the broken ones and then when the other ones eventally go you can just replace the whole thing then.

I see what you mean as he has took some time to evaluate the problem. How about offering him some money for his time instead ? We had a plumber round a couple of days ago , he worked the problem out but also told me he didn't have the correct certificate to do the job but told me someone who could. He was in my house 45 mins , I offered him money but he wouldn't take it.

It's not cheeky. The point of a quote is to give you the information you need in order to decide whether or not you are going to proceed.
If someone offers a free quote, they do so knowing they won't always get the job.

Just let him keep the TV.
He can repair it and sell it on.
Win Win (and no landfill)