Overcharging by carpet company

[leadbolt]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IOWA

I recently had new carpeting installed in several rooms. They had the salesman come out and examine the rooms and the furniture therein. Then they issued a quotation which dated $300 for moving the furniture. When accepting the quotation I took the precaution of presenting the salesman pictures of the rooms that he examined and the furniture therein, and asking that he initial each page, which he did. So there should be no question of there being further furniture moving charges added. However, I have now received a new bill which tacked on an additional $700 for "additional furniture". I've mailed them a certified letter, and gotten the return receipt back, providing copies of the original quote and initialed picture sheets, and telling them I don't owe an extra $700.

My question is: if they want to become inconsistent about the $700, can I shortcut past any possible collection procedures they might launch by going ahead and paying the $700 under protest, then filing a claim in small claims court for overbilling?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IOWA

I recently had new carpeting installed in several rooms. They had the salesman come out and examine the rooms and the furniture therein. Then they issued a quotation which dated $300 for moving the furniture. When accepting the quotation I took the precaution of presenting the salesman pictures of the rooms that he examined and the furniture therein, and asking that he initial each page, which he did. So there should be no question of there being further furniture moving charges added. However, I have now received a new bill which tacked on an additional $700 for "additional furniture". I've mailed them a certified letter, and gotten the return receipt back, providing copies of the original quote and initialed picture sheets, and telling them I don't owe an extra $700.

My question is: if they want to become inconsistent about the $700, can I shortcut past any possible collection procedures they might launch by going ahead and paying the $700 under protest, then filing a claim in small claims court for overbilling?

Thanks for any advice.

That is not what I would recommend. It sounds to me like they have a pattern of doing that and were unaware that their salesman had signed off on pictures. I suspect that you will hear nothing more about it.

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IOWA

... My question is: if they want to become inconsistent about the $700, can I shortcut past any possible collection procedures they might launch by going ahead and paying the $700 under protest, then filing a claim in small claims court for overbilling? ...

I agree with LdiJ. I, too, do not think you should pay first, dispute later.

Because you (very wisely) took photos of the furniture in each room and had the salesman initial the photographs, the company is unlikely to pursue the additional $700. The company should understand they legally cannot support the extra cost.

 

[leadbolt]

I agree with LdiJ. I, too, do not think you should pay first, dispute later.

Because you (very wisely) took photos of the furniture in each room and had the salesman initial the photographs, the company is unlikely to pursue the additional $700. The company should understand they legally cannot support the extra cost.

Thanks to you two gentlemen for answering my inquiry.

Dave Decker