Back in November, I took a chair frame in to Peneco, and spoke with the owner, picked out the fabric from his selection, and spoke specifically about what I wanted done. He quoted me a total job price of $80-$85, and asked for a $20 deposit, which I paid. I felt the price was a little high for the work to be done, but they came highly recommended. I was told that the chair would be ready in two weeks, because he was very busy. No problem.
After several trips back to Peneco in the interim, I went back today, and the chair was ready. A two month process, not two weeks. They did what they said they would do, and I found it acceptable..... until.... with a very big smile, the owner told me that they had obviously done a nice job, and the total would now be $200, not the $80-$85 quoted. We had a conversation about the significant difference in price, which he was unable to justify to my satisfaction. He wore the big smile the whole time, while three of his workers stood shoulder to shoulder next to him.
Draw your own conclusions from this experience. He still has the chair and my $20. I have yet another lesson learned in Gringo Bingo. He is probably still smiling.
Replies
PenRip
Here is some info I picked up at the Acodeco booth at the feria yesterday:
http://www.acodeco.gob.pa
Chiriqui region phone number: 775-2536 o 130
Dennis:
That is a very good idea. I think that those people are not so fluent in english but give it a try. You all should know that you are protected as consumers about bad commercial practices.
Bob:
This is unaceptable. It shouldnt be allowed and must be reported to authorities. That is not a good business practice. That kind of person give panamanians business a bad name. You should file a claim to stop this kind of behaviour. There is consumer protection agency called Acodeco.
Their website is http://www.acodeco.gob.pa. In Chiriqui they have their office in David and their phone number is 775-2536. Bob, please call them and file a claim. Acodeco has solved in Panama a lot of claims from consumers. Since this protection office started working in Panama they have won almost 95% of the cases against bad commercial practices.
Let see how much time his smile will last. Do this as a favor to expats and also panamanians that dont want this kind of bad commercial practices.
Bob:
Good.
Acodeco's slogan is "A very well informed customer has power..."
They are doing a intensive campaign to promote their services and teach consumers about our rights.
I am sure that they will help you with this situation. Please spread the word to anybody you know is having this kind of problems. NO matters what kind of business... you can file a claim.
In Acodeco you can file claims also for
1. Breaching of a contract
2. Not honoring a warranty
3. False Advertising
4. Illegal or incorrect charges