UPDATE:
I totally intended to (and already did now) pay the correct amount. This was more a vent than an actual question. I was miffed that their error was my inconvenience (took 30 minutes to get to the dealer, another 25 back) and wishful thinking. But of COURSE paying it is the right "answer." We bought food from a carnival food truck last week and about 2 minutes after we had received our funnel cake and were eating it next to the truck, the operator said, "here's your lemonade!" But...we didn't order any lemonade and we told him so. He went back in the truck, came out a minute later, and said, "take it anyway; i already made it and don't want to dump it out." So kind! But we felt weird taking it and ended up paying for it instead. The offer made us happy; the least we could do was pay.
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I took my car in for a bunch of things on Monday - 4 new tires, alignment, oil change, windshield wiper blade, transmission fluid change and a repair to the CV boot.
The dealer called Monday afternoon to tell me it was ready, then while on the phone with me realized they forgot to fix the hole in the CV boot. The service guy asked if they could have until Tuesday to do it, and since I had a loaner car, no problem.
I picked the car up yesterday afternoon. I scanned the invoice to double check everything was done (and that the tires/alignment had been charged correctly b/c I had negotiated that price), but since there was so much to it AND my kiddo was grabbing candy off the counter, I didn't really inspect the other sections. The bill was just under $1200. Paid it. Went home.
I got a message this morning from the service person saying they forgot to charge me for the CV boot repair. I know I was charged for the part b/c it is on the invoice so it's not like they did the invoice Monday and never updated it. I'm sure it's the labor that was left off and of course, that will be a big number.
They did the work I asked for, so of course I am obligated to pay for it. But...a little part of me wants to say, "It's your fault for not double-checking your own invoice! I paid, the transaction is complete. Learn a lesson and pay attention." Is it so bad that I would rather say it than pay it?
Yep, left a message already to see if I need to go there again or just have it billed to the card on file. Sigh. $400!
8kidsdad - you're right; i scanned to make sure i wasn't overcharged, never thought about undercharged! we always notice overcharging, huh?
More Answers
B.C.
answers from
Los Angeles
on
Yes, it is always easier to have someone else pay for their mistake when it is to your advantage. But how would you feel if they made a mistake and charged you twice for replacing the CV joint.
Treat this bill the same way. Honesty pays good dividends. I know if I was the dealer service manager, I would be much more likely to give you a good deal the next time if you treated me fairly this time.
I would go in to the cashier and pay the bill. Then I would stop by the service manager's office and tell him that they forgot to charge you for the labor on the CV boot and you came back in because you appreciate the way he gave you a deal. You'll be much more likely to get a deal next time. I've seen this and the opposite happen many times over the years. The dishonest people always pay more. You certainly don't want the service manager to call his friends, other service managers in town, and warn them about you.
((I used to be the GM Area Service Manager and called on dealer service managers for 23 years.))
Good luck to you and yours.
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X.O.
answers from
Chicago
on
Glad that you realize that you are, indeed, obligated to pay it. Whether they remembered to bill you for it or not the first time is of no consequence. You already understand that you incurred labor cost and need to pay for it. Besides, the argument, "You forgot to bill me for that yesterday" won't hold up in court.
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P.K.
answers from
New York
on
If they over harmed you, you would be heading up there now. Pay the bill.
Sorry.
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J.K.
answers from
Kansas City
on
Yes I think it is bad that you would try that argument. How would you feel if he charged you for it, but didn't do it? Would you go to him and demand that you get what you paid for? Well, they need to get paid, for what they did. Be honest about it, would you like your children to act like that one day? Everyone makes mistakes now and then. Do what is right.
