Please HELP! Am I being overcharged for Presale Inspection, Service, etc 2016 Cobalt R3?

[dingbat]

I just got a message from the broker saying that the invoice I received was not up to date because there was an extra charge for the parts.
Can someone PLEASE explain to me the charges in the invoice below? The parts can not cost an extra $2,000!!! Can they???

I'm really confused here....

The invoice breaks down as follows
$624.14 in parts
$1,804.44 in labor
$61.37 in tax
$2.489.95 - total

What exactly are you disputing?

 

[Sprig]

I'm really confused here....

The invoice breaks down as follows
$624.14 in parts
$1,804.44 in labor
$61.37 in tax
$2.489.95 - total

What exactly are you disputing?

She is disputing that the dealer says she owes $4456.31, $2000 more than the invoice.

 

[tpenfield]

Pay the $2,489 as that is the only thing you have an invoice for.

It is surprising that a boat listed for sale last year has not sold yet. Can you comment regarding that?

 

[Lana73]

I wonder if the broker knew the service company sent an invoice directly to you.

The broker knew; probably didn't get to them on time to add additional cost. I received an email with the invoice at 11:27 am, and at 11: 42am, he called and said that invoice didn't have pricing for the parts. Interestingly enough, the company didn't call to inform me about this matter; it was the broker telling me about the new price. So why would the broker know better (he is not a mechanic) what is missing and not the company that did the job?

 

[Lana73]

She is disputing that the dealer says she owes $4456.31, $2000 more than the invoice.

Here is the text from broker

 

[Lana73]

Lana, first I’m sorry for what you are going through with this broker. The broker to me sounds shady and incompetent.Maybe even scamming you.
What first stands out to me is he has had your boat in his possession to sell for 9 months and it hasn’t sold. I know the economy is problematic and boat sales have suffered , but 9 months and no sale? He’s probably over priced it and hasn’t given it the attention he should. He should have been in contact with you at least once a month updating you on the status. Probably should have suggested price reduction. And then after 9 months suddenly says the boat needs work and you get billed thousands. This whole thing just isn’t right. It smacks of shady dishonesty.
You need to meet face to face with him and go over the bill item by item and determine why it’s costing way more than he said. Also ask what he’s been doing to sell this boat and why suddenly it needed service/repair. Try to find someone to go with you who is somewhat boat savvy and can help you confront him.
Before you do this contact other boat brokers and see what they say they can do for you. Tell them what you’ve been through and ask what they can do for you. Find one that can move the boat from where it is to their facility. And then get the boat out from where it is asap.
One last thing , get everything in writing, I mean everything. Especially repair estimates. Anything and everything that cost money must be in writing.
Any other questions please ask. Sounds like you are in an unfortunate situation.

 

[dingbat]

The parts prices on the invoice look like cost.

Coincidence the excess amount is almost exactly 3 times parts cost?

Pretty typical parts markup

 

[Lana73]

I am grateful for your input and support!
I did the original pricing; based on my research, and I believe it wasn't overpriced (but then who knows, maybe) The boat is in excellent condition and has only 38 hours, which is very low.
I made a price reduction in March.
I am not sure why it's not been sold yet.

 

[racerone]

Is it still there in the brokers yard / marina ??-----Careful that you don't lose the boat.

 

[Lana73]

Is it still there in the brokers yard / marina ??-----Careful that you don't lose the boat.

Yes, it's still at the marina. I keep the boat in the dry storage (which I pay every month) near the lake.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Yes, it's still at the marina. I keep the boat in the dry storage (which I pay every month) near the lake.

I think what Racerone is getting at is that the marina doesnt try to take the boat via mechanics lien for unpaid invoice on the work done. Tread carefully here.

 

[Lou C]

there are some questionable charges:
an hour and a half to change a battery switch and an hour to change 2 batteries?
2 hrs to change an impeller?
Really?
if this is legit they are REALLY SLOW....

 

[Scott Danforth]

call a contract lawyer

 

[briangcc]

I'd go to the marina in person and have them explain the bill to confirm what the broker is telling you cost wise. I'd get a breakdown in writing of all charges.

I'd also look at pulling the boat out and get it home. Contact an attorney/lawyer to review all contracts and make sure neither the marina nor broker can come after you or the boat. Then either sell it outright yourself OR trade it in elsewhere on what you want.

 

[Drcoffee]

Its not uncommon for a dealer to mark up the service after outsourcing the work. Pay it and remove it from their property before he puts a mechanics lien on it and sells it for what he is owed. Consider it a lesson learned

 

[Lou C]

Agreed pay and get it out of there. Some of the labor prices seem a bit much.

 

[tpenfield]

Only pay for what you have an invoice for. The broker has not provided you an invoice for the higher amount, so until he does and can justify the charges . . . Pay the smaller amount to the marina.

Then get your boat out of there.