Will the Price Change After I Pay the Deposit?

In this post:

• Why a phone price isn't a price
• What a proper itemised quote looks like
• When a price can fairly change, and when it can't
• A checklist before you pay a deposit

This is the worry behind a lot of hesitation. You agree on a price. You pay the deposit. Then suddenly there's "something extra" and the number goes up.

It happens. One reviewer said they'd agreed on a price and a start date over the phone. Once the deposit was paid, the company said that conversation never happened.

I understand why people are nervous. So here's how to make sure the price you agree on is the price you pay.

Get everything in writing

A price on the phone isn't a price. A quick text isn't a quote.

Before you pay anything, you should have a written quote that says exactly what's included. The fence type and height. The length. The gates. Removal of the old fence. Whether a plinth is included.

If it's not written down, assume it's not included.

Ask for an itemised quote

One single number tells you nothing. An itemised quote shows each part of the job on its own line.

It does two things. You can compare quotes properly. And if anything changes later, you can see exactly which line changed and why.

Know what can legitimately change

Sometimes a price does change for a fair reason. We dig and hit solid rock. You decide halfway through that you want an extra gate. An old fence turns out to contain asbestos.

That's normal. What's not normal is finding out on the day, with no explanation, after the work's already done.

The rule should be simple. If something changes, you're told before the work happens. You see the new price in writing. You agree to it or you don't.

Check the GST line

If the quote adds GST, make sure the business is actually registered for it. Some aren't, and they add the 10% anyway.

Put the ABN from the quote into ABN Lookup at abr.business.gov.au. If it says they're not registered for GST, they shouldn't be charging it.

How we handle it

Our quotes are itemised, so you can see what you're paying for. If we spot a risk on site, like a slope or rocky ground, we tell you at the quote, not on the day.

If something unexpected comes up during the job, we stop and talk to you first. Nothing extra gets added without your okay.

Before you pay a deposit, check

• Is the quote written and itemised?
• Does it say what's not included?
• Does it say what happens if something changes?
• Is the start date in writing?
• If GST is charged, is the business registered for GST on ABN Lookup?

If a contractor won't put these things in writing, that tells you how the rest of the job is likely to go.

Common questions

Can a fencer change the price after I've accepted the quote?

Only if something genuinely changes, and you should be told and agree in writing before the extra work is done.

What should a fencing quote include?

The fence type, height and length, gates, old fence removal, any plinth, what's not included, and the business's ABN.

How much deposit is normal?

It varies, but it should be reasonable and clearly written on the quote. Be wary of anyone asking for most of the job up front.

Keep reading

• Is your fencer charging GST without being registered?
• Deposit scammers: make one phone call before you pay
• How much does a Colorbond fence cost in Brisbane?

Want a quote that's clear from the start? Call us on 07 2141 7748, get a price online or let's have a chat.