Charged For Requesting A Quote?

[GS-Heritage]

Hello.

I recently required the services of a town planner on my property. Phoned at least six town planners to get the best quote. All of them responded promptly with a quotation, except one (who took way longer).

I decided on the town planner with the best quote. Upon hearing I had already found a town planner, this "slow" town planner got back to me with an invoice for her time spent. Charged me R 1700 for two hours spent liaising with a municipal official, reviewing documents, etc.

Is this fair business practice? At no time did she tell me she was going to charge me. All the other town planners provided a quote free of charge.

What are your thoughts?

BTW, I still haven't received a quote from this town planner, only a charge for her time spent trying to find information to figure out the "best route forward for me."

[Blurock]

In my modest opinion it appears as if no agreement or contract had been established and no service had been delivered.
If she started doing work without an instruction or contract, it is her problem.