Rules for working without a quote?

Questioner

We had a beautiful garden designed by a gardener. One of the last activities was a rabbit hutch. We indicated in the preliminary discussion that this really shouldn't be too expensive. After all, they are only rabbits. The response was time and again that it would be fine and that it would be made from residual wood. I asked for a proposal several times, this was dismissed with 'it will be fine'. I sent another proposal of reasonably clear hutches. This was also discussed. Even provided material from an old hutch that could be reused. At one point I came home from work and there was a cupboard of a hutch. Not once was it indicated that this had become a very expensive model. What turned out to be the bill: 2500 euros!!! we do not agree with this. In the end we verbally agreed on an amount of 1250 euros last week. We did not discuss incl. or excl. VAT at the time. The gardener is now sending an invoice for 1250 excluding VAT. As far as I know, prices that are presented to consumers are always incl. VAT, right? And what are our rights anyway with this state of affairs?

Lawyer

Good afternoon, Based on your story, I assume that you did not enter into an agreement with the contractor as an entrepreneur, but as a private individual. In principle, entrepreneurs should state prices including VAT. You should inform the entrepreneur (preferably in writing, of course) and indicate that you will only pay that amount. If you would like to discuss your case, please feel free to contact us without obligation. Kind regards, Silvienne Leito FerLei Legal 06-49175526