It has become a running joke in our neighborhood - many contractors just step up their pricing when they quote because we live on a nice street. It has become common for the same services to be 40-60% cheaper from the same contractors only streets away. Sigh...
But, this is a new one on me. We have a dead oak tree to come down. I happen to be on the driveway when a firm not know to me is walking the street delivering mailers about their tree service. Nice guy, not too young, licensed and insured arborist. quotes me $2600, but I had literally just given the job out earlier that day to someone for $2300.
The guy I hired ultimately does not want to do the job (felt the tree was a little over his skill level), so I ask the pamphlet guys to come back, and requote. They quote $2600 all-in and I hire them. There is never any mention that there is a possibility that the price could increase.
The following week they come to do the job. Before even starting, they ask for an additional $600 to cobweb a rope system up high to make sure they can place the cut wood safely onto the ground (it is a 70' tall dead oak, so it is a large job). I grudgingly agree - I don't really want anyone hurt doing a dangerous job. After about 5 hours work, the tree is half down, but they've trashed some ropes etc because it is such a difficult job. They now want another $1500 to complete the job - the inference is if I don't agree, they won't finish.
This is classic bait and switch technique, and I don't like being held hostage. I'm also not a jerk and can understand that some jobs can go sideways - I could even be persuaded to throw in a little bit more cash. But not $1500 worth
Interested to know what you folks might have done at this point. I'll hold off on what I did until later....
best
bt