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

[Lana73]

Hello Everyone!

I am in real need of help! My name is Lana, and I own a 2016 Cobalt R3, which has been for sale with the broker since October 2021. The broker recommended detailing in the first months of signing the contract, which I agreed was needed. Last month, May 2022, he suggested having presale service done, $250, due to a boat not being used for over a year. I agreed. Then he contacted me again two weeks ago to say that boat needed some work. The price he gave me over the phone was around $3,000. I agreed, again! Today, June 22, 2022, I received an e-mail from the company that did the job, and the total was $2,489.95. At the same time, I received a text from my broker where he said my invoice of $4,456.31 was due. Unfortunately, the broker did not provide a detailed invoice, but the company did. I have enclosed a copy here.
I would be grateful if someone could educate/explain what those numbers and letters in the left column stand for, why the totals could be so different, and if there is any overcharge? My gut is telling me there is something "fishy", although it's just my feeling, and I might be wrong.
What could affect a price rise from $2,500 to $4,500?
My thoughts are because I am a female who's, in the eyes of some men, will pay as they say, without question
I appreciate any feedback and am grateful for your time!

Lana.

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, welcome aboard

second, what was in the fine print with your broker?

you may need to contact a contract lawyer

 

[Lana73]

Hi Scott,
Thank you for your response.
I haven't read the fine print
He asked me about my permission to fix over the phone.

 

[Thirsty Endgrain]

I would start by asking your broker for a line item invoice for his charge, and go from there before you pay a cent.

 

[Lana73]

I would start by asking your broker for a line item invoice for his charge, and go from there before you pay a cent.

Thank you! That was my next step. I just want to be prepared and get as much info as possible before talking to him. He already called six times

 

[Lana73]

Also, would it be logical to do a Presale Inspection right away, when boat is listed for sale, and not nine months later?

 

[racerone]

Well----I know some places that charge a storage fee while they try and sell your boat.-----But I believe there is some very shady dealings in this case.-----Put a stop to this as soon as you can !!

 

[Lana73]

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???

 

[Lana73]

Well----I know some places that charge a storage fee while they try and sell your boat.-----But I believe there is some very shady dealings in this case.-----Put a stop to this as soon as you can !!

I do pay for storage separately. I have the same feeling that something isn't right. Thank you!

 

[ThomW]

The letters on the left indicate what is was the shop used. "I" would be for an item...like a gasket or part. "M" is materials...like oil or lube. "L" is for labor. The numbers beside them indicate quantity. For the "L" items, that is how many hours of labor were spent. For the "M" its how many quarts or whatever it may be of material were used.
Regardless, I am not sure how or why the broker is trying to add almost $2,000.00 to a bill that already includes labor and parts.

 

[ThomW]

I would definitely ask the broker for a detailed breakdown of these parts that added $2,000.

 

[Lana73]

The letters on the left indicate what is was the shop used. "I" would be for an item...like a gasket or part. "M" is materials...like oil or lube. "L" is for labor. The numbers beside them indicate quantity. For the "L" items, that is how many hours of labor were spent. For the "M" its how many quarts or whatever it may be of material were used.
Regardless, I am not sure how or why the broker is trying to add almost $2,000.00 to a bill that already includes labor and parts.

THANK YOU so much for explaining/educating me on this subject! I appreciate it immensely! It helps a lot!!!

 

[Lana73]

I would definitely ask the broker for a detailed breakdown of these parts that added $2,000.

I will definitely do that!

 

[racerone]

Something is wrong with this broker.----Get your boat out of their hands ASAP while you still own it !!!!!!

 

[Lana73]

I am wondering, how can a PROFESSIONAL COMPANY with many years in business make such a HUGE mistake in the invoice?

Something is wrong with this broker.----Get your boat out of their hands ASAP while you still own it !!!!!!

As they say, trust your gut! Thank you for confirming!!!

 

[Lana73]

Thank you everyone so much for your input!
I appreciate it!!!
Have a fantastic weekend!!!

Svetlana.

 

[Thirsty Endgrain]

Please do follow up here for those of us playing along. Something seems not right. If it turns out to be foul play there could be folks who would want to avoid that particular broker.

I know not everyone can or has the time to, but sometimes it's best to remove the middle man altogether.

 

[FLATHEAD]

I am wondering, how can a PROFESSIONAL COMPANY with many years in business make such a HUGE mistake in the invoice?

As they say, trust your gut! Thank you for confirming!!!

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

 

[racerone]

This has -----Scammers -----Written all over it.-----Get the boat to a friendly local shop !!!

 

[Sprig]

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.