You are completely in the right, based on the facts presented. At the very least it sounds like the guy is a terrible businessman, which is his problem not yours. It is one thing if you know that someone made an honest mistake grossly in your favor and you make it right even though you don't need to, which I am sure that you would do. The fact that you even have to ask about this situation shows your integrity, IMO.

A deal is a deal in my world. If someone tries to screw me, I'm a pitbull. OTOH, I will not charge 1 cent more than agreed for my own mistakes or miscalculations, and they do happen. There have been exceptions, but only when the change is discussed at a point in the job where the customer can still say no, not after all is done. On rare occasions, (one Pelican client in particular), I've very reluctantly accepted extra $$ at the end when I had slightly miscalculated in their favor. Still didn't feel completely right because it's not their fault that I make a miscalculation. What if my bid was all they had to spend on that job and that's why they agreed to it?

Considering what others charge for the work and the fact that you did not specify some special vinyl, I'd say you are fine.

You agreed to the quote they gave you as written by them.

They handed over the complete job for the "agreed" amount.

Sucks for them but you are in the right.

You could tell them that the other quotes were in the range of A-X. You will give them the diff between $180 and the next lowest bid minus 10%. The minus 10% is because you were shopping the price and your intention was to look for the best price.

But if you don't do that it is my opinion that you are still in the right and don't owe them a penny more.

Chris I have no idea what to make out of that transaction. I can see from you email that it was clear as to what you thought the charges were going to be. I think they just screwed up. It is weird that the wife has no idea how much this so called "premium" vinyl costs. I don't see anything wrong with you keeping what you paid for.

Well put.

Chris,
I have had two similar experiences. One was with a contractor (as someone alluded to earlier) and, unfortunately, there was no written contract or quote. The second time was with a vendor who basically did something like you are describing happened to you. Shortly thereafter, I had a friend obtain a quote for a package closely resembling my original order with the same supplier. This simple investigation quickly revealed their scheme/scam.

Given the facts as you have provided, the case is quite cut and dry. You have done absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, it appears that all of your ducks were truly 'in a row'. Even if you were quoted the wrong price the business owner is responsible. I smell an ethical issue with the purported business owner.

If I was happy with the product, I likely would pay the going rate of $300.