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No Price Agreed for a Service: What Is Reasonable?
If you did not agree a price for a service before it was done, the law says you only have to pay a reasonable price, and no more. The same goes for timing: if no time was agreed, the work must be done within a reasonable time. Comparing what other traders charge for similar work helps you show what is reasonable.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Price and Time
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Where no price was fixed by the contract, you must pay a reasonable price for the service, and no more. Where no time was fixed, the trader must perform the service within a reasonable time. What is reasonable is a question of fact. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Before payingQuery the billPay what you think is reasonable and dispute the rest
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Ask the trader for an itemised bill.
Step 2 of 5
Get quotes or prices from other traders for similar work.
Step 3 of 5
Write to the trader offering a reasonable amount, with your evidence.
Step 4 of 5
Keep a record of what was said about price before the work.
Step 5 of 5
Next time, agree a written quote first.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Trader
Dispute the bill in writing.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice; can pass cases to Trading Standards.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
A quote is a fixed price; an estimate is a rough guide. Get it in writing.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/part/1/chapter/4 Checked 13 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue Checked 8 October 2026