Vendor changing price 2 weeks out... after payment has been made in full?

It especially makes me feel as though this is dishonesty... not just disorganization, since we're speaking with the owner who says "she can't do anything about it."

Do you have a contract? That would be the place to start.

It is written as a formal "estimate," not a contract. But payment was made based on the agreed upon amount. They didn't offer a formal written contract.

Check the contract for any gaps. If they are found negligent, their professional liability ( aka Errors and Omissions) insurance policy will probably pay out for your financial loss for their failure to provide services as written by contract. ( I'm an insurance agent)

Thanks!

Even if it's labeled an "estimate" and not a "contract?" That was my major concern. But that was what they were using to establish price and "bill" us.

I don't know, that's tricky. Because it's technically an estimate, not a contract. But it's very unethical what they're doing to you. Is it too late to get a refund and find someone else? The fact that they did this, and no-showed someone else is concerning.

Were there any signatures on the estimate? I would probably consult an attorney on this and provide them with a copy of the estimate. May be as simple as a phone call from an attorney to the vendor to straighten things out?

No signatures... but it stated that the reservation was made/complete when at least the 40% deposit was given. I called other event rentals, but because my wedding is on a holiday they were all booked. I really don't want to jump to getting an attorney involved... it's not a ton of money, I'm just frustrated feeling like they're trying to take advantage of us and I wasn't sure if we were in a position to fight it. Thanks again guys!

Squeaky wheel gets the grease. I would call them every day confirm things again. And simply ask"ok how are we going to be compensated for an alter in the contract, at no fault of bride and groom. state you are willing settle for a small refund, or upgrade in services. Bring contract circle it highlight it and put copy in front of them nicely. With kindness they can not say no..... also bring a laywer with you to next or final meeting and have him speak. He may cost hourly but they may quickly be willing to comply with your simple request for seating.with this advise or refund you infull. No one wants bad review. I am not attourny.

Nah. Don't pay them another dime until you at least consult with an attorney to see what the law says about your agreement because it sounds like they've pulled a stunt like this before. I think they're doing this to you because they've more than likely done it to other people and got no push back from it and they're going to continue if someone doesn't speak up.

Hopefully the WW baby lawyers can chime in on this one.

I hope some lawyers chime in here, and I'd definitely consult legal advice in your area, but considering you paid in full what was written in the "estimate", this is very unethical. Even though it's an "estimate", did you get a receipt after you paid the full amount? Even if it's just a simple receipt with date and amount paid and items paid for? I would take the "estimate" and the receipt for payment in full and say I already paid for everything we previously agreed upon and I have met my terms of the estimate.

Man, that is a shady company, I hope it works out for you!

An estimate is just an estimate. It doesn't mean anything, unfortunately. An official signed contract would have locked in those prices. Without it, then prices are subject to change, even though you already paid. You need to sign a contract with every one of your vendors, otherwise they're shady AF.

That's not always true, Jacky. It definitely is better practice to enter into a contract, but it depends on the wording in the estimate. OP, you need to consult with a lawyer in your jurisdiction immediately who can look at all of the language in the estimate and give these fuckers a call/letter. They wound listen to you, but they may straighten up and fly right once they realize you will go legal on them.

^ This is (unfortunately for Hailey) true. I hope everyone learns from this that you MUST require a contract with each of your vendors. If they refuse, find someone else.

I would kind of scare them a little bit, and mention that you'll be meeting with your lawyer to discuss the changes of the estimate you have with them, and if you'll decide to continue business with them. Odds are they'll give up on the price change because legal fee's are more than what it's costing them to give you the chairs. Otherwise, I agree with Jacky H. Unfortunately it's not a signed contract, they are able to increase that price. If it's not too big of an increase you might just have to bite the bullet, and leave a bad review on every site possible afterwards, or actually get your lawyer involved.

@AlwaysMs. actually, I'm a vendor (I design custom invitations), but I can't guarantee anything without an official contract. If it was just an estimate, then an estimate is only a rough guide that can be altered later due to a change in circumstances such as increased costs.

Jacky, it is entirely possible to write an estimate that converts to a binding contract upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. OP: this is why need an actual lawyer to look at all of the language in your paperwork before going off half cocked.

It would still have to be an official signed contract that outlines everything. Estimates without signatures can't guarantee anything.

Contracts is actually a more complicated subject than that.

Oral agreements are not recommended, because they can lead to lying messes and "he said, she said" disputes in court. An "understanding" can easily be converted into something else. That's why we need physically signed contracts. Estimates, as I've said before, are just rough guides and nothing is guaranteed. In OP's case, she should have made sure there was an official contract, because that's why this happened.