Hidden costs cause misunderstanding
Panelbeater finally agrees to write off additional costs of damaged car
Once you accept a quotation authorising a service provider to do a job, the price cannot increase later to include charges not agreed upon.
Lunga Gqoli, 37, of Midrand said he had a rude awakening in February when the panelbeater who was fixing his car told him he would not get his bakkie back because he had to pay a VAT amount that was not quoted when he gave authorisation for the repairs.
The father of two said after his car overturned in October, he took it to Accident Auto Body in Vorna Valley, Midrand, where he was given a quote of R93 000 to get it fixed.
He said because it was not a binding agreement, it gave him a chance to shop around for a cheaper quotation. He later found a panelbeater who agreed to do the repairs for R50 000. When the second panelbeating company arrived to fetch his bakkie from Tony at Accident Auto Body, Tony refused to release it, but offered to match their price of R50 000, said Gqoli.
He said his father later loaned him R20 000 and his wife took a further loan of R20 000 so they could pay to finish the repairs.
Gqoli said they agreed that he would pay the balance of R10 000 upon completion of the repair work.
After paying, Tony refused to release the bakkie because Gqoli paid him via EFT when he should have paid cash plus VAT. “He used f-words when he spoke to me and would not show me proof that he bought parts to fix my car,” Gqoli said.
A man, who only introduced himself as Tony, said Gqoli had used their services before and was a valued client.
Tony said he offered to fix the bakkie with alternative parts instead of new ones to match the price of the competitor. Tony said when he offered to repair Gqoli’s vehicle for R50 000, he assumed Gqoli was aware this was excluding VAT, as all verbal quotes excluded VAT.
Tony said he also battled to get some of the used spares as it took Gqoli a long time to raise the deposit and due to the vehicle rolling, the dome panel was difficult to repair and it would have been more sensible to replace the cab, and this was communicated to Gqoli.
He said at this stage he mentioned to Gqoli there would be extra labour costs associated with this. Tony said instead of paying the balance, he threatened to get physical if he discussed this any further.
“The balance owing comprised of the VAT portion (R7 000) of the quoted R50 000 and the extra labour cost,” he said. After reconsidering his decision, he agreed to write off the additional cost.
“Accident Auto Body is willing to absorb the loss incurred with the repairs to Gqoli’s vehicle and he can arrange to fetch it as soon as possible.”
Though the car was not completely repaired, Gqoli fetched it last Monday to avoid storage costs. Consumers must know that:
They must request pre-authorisation
● for maintenance and repairs.
Suppliers may not charge for ● any diagnostic work or inspections to prepare quotations or estimates unless there was a prior agreement. Consumers have the right to
● refuse or pre-authorise additional maintenance or repairs. Consumers can request a
● written quotation before repairs or maintenance is done. Suppliers are not allowed to
● charge a consumer for preparing a cost estimate. Consumers cannot be held
● liable for maintenance or repairs done without their consent.