Figures checked 1 October 2026: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) advises South Australian consumers to seek advice from at least three different tradespeople and get three quotes before deciding whom to hire, even when a situation seems urgent. CBS says the comparison helps identify the tasks that need to be done and whether suggested tasks are unnecessary; it also says quotes should be itemised and fixed and warns that some tradespeople charge thousands of dollars more than others.
How do three quotes clarify the plumber’s scope?
Give each tradesperson the same description of the problem and ask them to explain:
- What they believe needs attention.
- Which tasks are required.
- Which tasks may be unnecessary.
- Whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
- What is included in, or excluded from, the proposed work.
CBS says you may invite each tradesperson contacted while seeking advice about the scope to provide a quote. Its example shows why this matters: one tradesperson might recommend replacing an entire hot water system, while another recommends repairs for a fraction of the cost.
The difference between those recommendations does not automatically show that either tradesperson is wrong. It gives you a reason to compare their diagnosis, reasoning and proposed scope before accepting the price.
This should be a comparison process, not an accusation. CBS says most tradespeople in South Australia do the right thing.
Why does a low call-out fee not show the full cost?
A low call-out charge can make a quote look inexpensive while the remaining work costs substantially more. CBS therefore recommends checking the full total and making sure each quote is itemised and fixed.
| What to check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Itemisation | The work and charges should be listed clearly enough for you to compare like with like. |
| Fixed quote | Ask for the price to be fixed for the stated scope and clarify any exclusions. |
| Total cost | Check the whole-job total, not just the call-out fee. |
| Amount requested later | The amount asked for should match the quote or contract. |
| Proof of purchase | CBS says the tradesperson must provide proof of purchase, such as a receipt. |
If one quote covers a repair and another covers a replacement, the totals are not comparable until their scopes are aligned.
How do licence numbers reveal whether three quotes are really different?
Three business names do not necessarily mean three independent businesses. Some companies trade under multiple names, so apparently different quotes could come from the same company or companies owned by the same company.
Use the licence number as the identity check:
- Note the licence number shown by each tradesperson.
- Search the CBS licensing register.
- Check which business or trading names are connected with each licence.
- Ask to see a digital licence on a phone or tablet, or check a plastic licence card.
- If needed, phone Consumer and Business Services on 131 882.
CBS says every builder and tradesperson must display their licence number on advertising, including social media, websites and business cards. Deal only with someone licensed for the kind of work required. Working without a licence or outside what it permits breaks the law, and CBS warns the work could be substandard.
What if I am asked to agree at the house or after an uninvited approach?
Pressure tactics can include uninvited visits, upselling unnecessary work, threatening behaviour and limited-time pricing. Some companies also send a salesperson rather than a tradesperson to inspect the problem and provide a quote, so ask who inspected the issue and who is responsible for the proposed work.
CBS describes the following Australian Consumer Law protections for an unsolicited sale:
| Point | CBS guidance |
|---|---|
| Contract value | If an unsolicited contract is over $100, it must be in writing. |
| Cooling-off period | The consumer has 10 days to cancel the contract. |
| Work or payment during that period | With very limited exceptions, the business must not supply products or services or take payment during those 10 days. |
CBS gives these examples of unsolicited sales:
- A tradesperson visits after being invited only to provide a quote, and you enter a contract while receiving that quote.
- A tradesperson upsells additional work and you agree to it at the time of the new quote.
- An uninvited salesperson approaches by telephone or at the door and offers goods or services.
By contrast, CBS says calling a tradesperson to carry out repairs, or calling after receiving a quote to confirm that you want to proceed, are not examples of unsolicited sales.
If you are pressured into agreeing on the spot, be firm and politely say no.
What deposit can I be asked to pay?
For domestic building work, CBS gives different payment guidance for smaller and larger jobs:
| Job size | CBS payment guidance |
|---|---|
| Minor domestic building work under $20,000 | Some tradespeople require payment only at the end. If asked to pay more than 10% upfront, CBS says it may be worth considering other quotes. |
| Domestic building work costing $20,000 or more | The maximum deposit allowed by law is 5% of the contract price. Advance payment may also be requested for third-party expenses such as planning approvals and building indemnity insurance. |
CBS also advises against excessive advance payments because money already paid could be lost if the business closes.
How do I check reputation and report a concern?
CBS recommends searching for independent online reviews and asking friends and family which tradespeople they have used and whether they recommend them. These checks can provide context, but they do not replace checking the licence, scope and total in the quote.
Unlicensed tradespeople should be reported to CBS through its online consumer complaints form. Concerning conduct by a company can also be reported through that form.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Before proceeding, check the current regulator page and the applicable policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Sources
FAQ
Should I still get three quotes if the problem seems urgent?
CBS says it is still best to obtain three quotes even when the situation seems urgent, because doing so can save hassle and money in the long run.
Can three different business names represent different companies?
Not necessarily. Multiple trading names may be connected with the same company or ownership. Compare the licence numbers and check the names connected with them in the CBS licensing register.
Should every quote be itemised and fixed?
Yes. CBS specifically recommends itemised, fixed quotes so the scope, listed charges and total can be compared clearly.
What if a salesperson provides the quote instead of a plumber?
Some companies use a salesperson to inspect an issue and quote the work. Ask who carried out the inspection, who prepared the quote and whether the business and licence details match those you verified.
How do I report an unlicensed tradesperson?
Use CBS’s online consumer complaints form. The same form can be used to report concerning conduct by a company.
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