Q. I hired a plumber without getting a price quote from him. How much must I pay?
A: When the wages were not specified beforehand, the plumber is entitled to his wages according to the minhag hamedinah (C.M. 331:2; Pis’chei Choshen, Sechirus 8:4).
If there is not one clear practice, but rather there is a range in the wages, the worker – who claims his wages from the employer – has the weaker hand. He is entitled only to the lower end of the range, even if most workers charge the higher amount, since in monetary matters we do not follow the majority when taking from the one in possession (Ketzos Hachoshen, 331:3).
However, we consider the professional experience, accreditation, etc., of the worker. Similarly, if the worker has a fee scale, and it is known that he charges more than others – he is entitled to his standard fee (Pisc’hei Choshen, Sechirus 8:[11]).
Therefore, it is advisable to establish the wages beforehand, to avoid misunderstanding and potential gezel by either party (Ahavas Chesed 1:13).
