Q: Is there a law that regulates how services are charged? Can manual labourers charge any amount for a particular job? I recently requested the services of a particular individual. Before hiring him for the job, I asked him for a quotation but he said he could not give me a quote or estimate of the price as it depended on what needed to be done.

The job I asked for was quite straightforward. When it was done, the workman fired a price, which I believe is too expensive. The following day, I contacted two other labourers in the same business and asked for a quotation. I gave these labourers the details of the work done and the time it took. They both quoted half the price I was asked to pay.

What are my rights in this situation? Can I refuse to pay?

A: The law does not regulate how much traders charge for a service rendered or a particular job. Consumers have the responsibility to ask for a quotation before engaging someone to carry out a job. If the trader refuses to give a quotation, consumers should find someone else who is ready to give a quote of the costs involved.

So, it is basically up to the consumer to shop around, gather quotations and then decide who to engage to do the job they need. If a trader refuses to give a quotation, then he should not be considered for the job.

If the job is done then you cannot refuse to pay but are obliged to. If you don’t, the trader may take legal action against you.

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