Is there any legislation on how much can be charged for a item. My daughter had a makeover at a hairdressing salon and I've just been quoted 500 to have a cd of 25 photos taken of her. Untouched photos, simply transferred from the digital camera memory card to a cd, which I think is absolutely diabolical. of course I'm not having them but I wondered if there was anyone I could complain to?
FFS of course there isnt, (except the people doing the makeover obviously) What sort of a Nanny State do you want to live in?
Make them an offer, 'everything is negotiable'.
There is legislation limiting fees for services to a 'reasonable' cost. It the rule that they use to prosecute dodgy builders for ripping off old folks.
But 500 pounds for a few hours 'professional' services is not necessarily going to be seen as excessive.
tim
I hadnt thought of that, but somehow doubt that would apply in this case, even if the OP was 95! Does this legislation only apply to people who can be shown to be mentally infirm? But it would make an interesting legal case, suppose they wanted (say)
5,000, or even 5M, could they be prosecuted for something like this? Its not as if you dont have a choice? One difference would be that they havent carried out the work (eg transferred date to CD and given it to you) as opposed to a builder who has replaced, say, the tile on the roof and *only then* wants his money. Suppose several builders quoted for a job, does that mean I am at liberty to pick the one who charges say 100x the other quotes and then not have to pay the 100x? Assuming I am not mentally infirm, for the sake of this argument.
Well you must have led a sheltered life if you can't recognise a scam when you see one! Do you ever watch TV or listen to radio? Just walk away and leave it, hopefully you will learn to be more alert next time. If you get anything offering 35 million in return for giving your bank details, that is also a con! You nd your daughter (depending on age) should READ the terms and conditions. Most makeovers offered as a prize or give away are a sales lead for photos and CDs.
Why do you want to complain? Unless the company didn't give what they charged for you have no complaint.
You decide the maximum you are prepared to pay. If it's too high / ridiculous / whatever, you tell them to f*ck off and you go elsewhere. It's a market economy.
If someone sells sausages @ £ 10 million a dozen, it's up to the potential buyers to decide!
The only maximum prices around are government's legalised theft, i.e. car tax, MOT, TV license etc.
Take your own pics ?
You need to differentiate between -
In this case a makeover will be offered, the people will be so impressed at getting a voucher or winning a fake contest they will not check the full details. The person will go to a salon and get the treatment and have photos taken. The photos are NOT part of the "prize" or "voucher" and this is made quite clear. The sales person will put pressure on the people to buy photos as this is how they make their money. You do NOT have to agree to buy the photos or enter in to any agreement or even sign a finance arrangement to pay. You can simply say "no thanks" and walk away once you realise the mistake in being foolish and not checking FIRST. They can not keep you against your will, all you have to do is phone the police and they will come and rescue you!
It's very simple. Learn how to identify scams and don't trust anyone, especially sales people. They want your money and will do almost anything to get it.
The original poster might need protecting from himself and I think he is more annoyed at this than anything. It will teach him a valuable lesson in not making himself a victim again. There is a programme on CH4 called The Real Hustle, have a look at it.
I think you were conned - it's on BBC3.
There is no legislation as far as I know in relation to a quote, I don't think that it constitutes a contract between you and the company, but some lawyers post on uk.legal so that may be a better NG to ask. Regarding making a complaint, apart from complaining to the company concerned you can also complain to Trading Standards. But I don't see what Trading Standards can do if consumer law hasn't been broken. If this makeover was at a top London salon then that fee is probably the going rate. But if not, they are taking the piss.
I guess it's like these e-mail scams. It only takes a few suckers to make 'em a profit, and if therecipient of said make-over is amazed enough at the transformation of her looks she may be susceptible.
Tiddy Ogg.
Unless an attempt has been made to coerce you into paying 500, or if your daughter had the makeover on the understanding that photographs would be supplied F.O.C. (or at a much lower price), I don't see what there is to complain about.
from what you say it' appears that you were not under any pressure or obligation to buy the photographs.
Joe Lee
If you really want some photos I'd spend the 500 on an entry level DSLR instead and take them myself. Then you can take as many as you like. :o)
Gav
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