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Maplewoody
Citizen
Username: Maplewoody
Post Number: 339
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 - 10:31 pm: | 
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Help...
We looked for a new lockset for our front door at a local Maplewood store, and got a quote for $280, and $70 & $80 (knocker and mailslot), and $100 for a new Mortise lock, also an installation fee of $110. These prices were written by the owner on the back of his business card. We told him to order it and gave him a deposit.
He came to install, and instead of a 3 piece set, it is a large one piece lockset in the same style. He told us the one we wanted didn't fit the lock he was installing. We said to put it in, and he now has to come back to do the knocker and mailslot and do some minor repairs to the new lockset. He left an invoice and it is for a $465 lockset and the other items are the same as on his card.
We've since checked prices at 2 other places online and the Mfg.'s Suggested retail price of the lockset he installed is only $280.00. We've no intention of paying any more than the original aggreed on price.
Can he legally charge MORE than the Mfg Sug. Retail price? How should we approach him? We didn't say anything to him yet, and didn't see the new figure until he left.
Also, the 2 places online offer the $280 lockset he installed for about 20% lower than $280....
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luv2cruise
Citizen
Username: Luv2cruise
Post Number: 108
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 - 4:54 am: |
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Unfortunately, I think a merchant can charge whatever they want. It's up to us to not pay their ridiculous prices. That's one reason why I don't support local businesses. You get a much better price via the internet or a large chain. Who cares about customer service. I'm not going to become their best friend.
Don't give him any more money. The one piece set CAN'T be almost double the price. Tell him to come and uninstall it before you give him more money. I'll boycott this establishment. Actually, I'm sure I already do.
There's nothing like being on the ocean!
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duncanrogers
Citizen
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 917
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 - 8:00 am: |
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I think the operative word here is
Manufacturer's suggested retail price
I disagree about boycotting local businesses it is winning a battle while losing a war. But do speak to this bonehead and tell him you want satisfaction. Either by having the lock set removed and all monies refunded, or by mutually agreeing at a price that is reasonable for the materials and labor. As you seemed to have done some post purchase research you are armed with facts so you are in a pretty good bargaining place. If it gets ugly just remind him of the "bait and switch" laws, and suggest that neither of you want to hoe that row.
BTW Orange Mattress is, as far as I can tell, not a major chain or internet store, yet they gave me the best price on a mattress set of anyone, not to mention good service and all the help I needed to get the mattress and boxspring home.
www.freshwater-films.com
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SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 115
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 - 8:52 am: |
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I disagree with boycotting local businesses as well... think back to Maplewood/So. Orange of 20 years ago. You paid a little more, but between the two towns you could buy virtually anything... now, you can eat virtually anything. The restaurants are nice, but I really miss the local shopping. Drifting back to the original problem - duncanrogers' suggestions are good - although not really a bait & switch, he did not tell you that he was charging substantially more than agreed upon for the lockset so you have some ground for a grievance. |
duncanrogers
Citizen
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 923
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 - 10:04 am: |
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By definition
"An illegal tactic in which a seller advertises a product with the intention of persuading customers to purchase a more expensive product"
Its not far from what is described in the original post. But SoOrLady is right, at the very least you have a launching point for grevience.
www.freshwater-films.com
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