Don't fall Architecture trap

[skndr]

Hi
Its very painful story of constructer who approached on phone to an architect to get an general idea, how to start and his basic requirement for construction. Later after a week time the architech came to my personal place and had general discussion of requirements.
After a month period archi called me and want to meet me and came to my place, then started a different term called RETAINER AMOUNT. yes he wants fee of 30, 000.00 rs for wat he had a discussion with me. I was just in shock. Before my first and second talks he never told anything and no service he had given , nor even I had not committed to give my project, suddenly says pay me for my service.
Plz be very very careful with these type of qualified exploring people. , and he says this how all architech work. RETAINER AMOUNT is the term he used, and its not advance.
Be clear before consulting these professional fee.