Can you be charged a higher price for a good or service after signing a contract and paying?

Question

We requested a quote for replacing our 2 air conditioners---have a tri-level home and one air conditioner compressor is in the attic.  The quote came in at an amazingly low price but it was written on a contract.  The next day we paid the amount quoted---in CASH!  A week later we get a call from Lowes that the job was underquoted and it's going to cost more.  We told them we wanted it done at the price quoted and at what we PAID!  For the last 2 weeks they have been beating around the bush, the store manager called twice indicating he was trying to track down the regional manager---blah, blah, blah.  Meanwhile they have our money and we are sweltering in a heatwave.  Do we have any legal leverage? Help please!

Slickterp · Answer

You are bound to the contract as are they.  You have a signed contract.  Their mistake, their problem, not yours.

Bob · Answer

The media is leverage. If you were interviewed they would immediately cave.

L. E. Gant · Answer

It depends on the contract you signed.

Usually, if there is a strong possibility that the quote is too low, the seller has a clause that allows them to change the price. If there is no such clause, then they have to do the work at the quoted price (or within a fixed percentage, something like 10 or 20%, of the quoted price) if they can justify the extra cost.

That's one reason why most people get three or more quotes for the same work -- and then they usually choose the middle one; usually the lowest is the one that is a kind of scam.

In the meantime, if they are not doing the job until you agree with the higher cost, try for a refund of what you paid.

joensfca · Answer

Yes you do. But I would have to read the contract. Does it have a explicit or estimated due date?  Has it passed? There are many other questions I would need to ask.

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Can you be charged a higher price for a good or service after signing a contract and paying?

4 Answers