Repair Estimate Scenario

Her car was making a terrible noise, so a young woman took it to a repair shop on her way home from work. Once inside, she noticed there was no sign indicating the rate for estimates.

Mechanic: Sounds like trouble. Let me take a look.
Woman: It just came up out of the blue.
Mechanic: Yup, it's your muffler. Don't worry, I can fix it for you.
Woman: How much is it going to cost me?

Since the woman had no idea what a muffler job usually costs, she agreed to the mechanic’s verbal $200 estimate. The mechanic offered to take care of it on the spot, and she happily agreed to the price. She did not receive a written estimate.

What’s wrong with this picture?

The consumer’s first clue that the repair shop was not on the up-and-up was that no sign was posted in a visible place, as required under Part VI of Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act, 2002. The sign must include the following information:

• The repairer must not only offer a written estimate but must also inform the consumer whether or not there is a fee for providing the estimate.
• That if there is a fee for the estimate, it will not be charged if the work or repairs are carried out, unless authorization for the work or repairs is unreasonably delayed by the consumer.
• The basis on which the repairer charges for labour, such as on an hourly or flat rate, or both.
• Whether there is a charge for diagnostic time and, if so, the amount that will be charged.
• Whether commissions are paid to mechanics.
• That replaced parts will be available after the work is done, unless the repairer is told that the consumer does not wish to have the parts returned.
• Any other charges that the consumer will have to pay, such as storage, pickup or delivery of the vehicle, or providing the consumer with a "loaner" vehicle.