California Code of Regulations
Title 16 - Professional and Vocational Regulations
Division 27 - Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair
Article 3 - Invoices, Estimates and Records
Section 2722.6 - Unusual Circumstances; Authorization Required

(a) Where the service dealer intends to charge a diagnosis fee for preparing a written estimate, the service dealer, by telephone or other means, provide the cost of the diagnosis fee, including any transportation costs, to the customer for approval,

(b) Where the diagnosis fee is rejected by the customer, the service dealer may assess the customer for only the initial service call or the shipping costs necessary for the return of the customer's equipment.

(c) Where the diagnosis fee has been approved by the customer, or where no diagnosis fee is to be charged, the dealer shall prepare a written estimate for the total cost of repair, which shall include service call, parts, labor, and any transportation costs and provide to the customer for approval by telephone or other means, the estimate of repair.

(d) Where the customer has received an oral estimate of repair the service dealer shall, include on the service invoice to be provided the customer, the date and time the customer was contacted, the amount of the estimate of repair, any diagnosis fee and transportation costs quoted the customer for unrepaired equipment, the person authorizing or rejecting the diagnosis fee or estimate and the signature of the service dealer or his or her representative.

(e) Where the estimate of repair is rejected, the service dealer may assess the customer only that the amount authorized by the customer for the diagnosis fee plus shipping charges and for in the residence or home office transactions, the diagnosis fee and the initial service call.