Paying with credit card for tradesman service

Blue_Lou

Hi,

My parent's driveway is being updated (brick paving). The company recently turned up and said they could do the work the following day...they agreed!

The paving company prefers them to pay with cash when work is complete.

My parents are wanting to withdraw the cash to pay for it from the credit card.
I want them to pay with credit card for protection.

What would you do?

misgrace

Did the Company just turn up on spec, and say they were in the area working, and could squeeze them in, hence they being able to start the next day?

If so, tell your parents not to go with it, as they could be your rogue trader types.

If it is a proper company they would accept the credit card, but they want chash, which means your parents have no comebacks, find out more about the company, check what other drives they did, if they are genuine they wont mind giving you details.

Blue_Lou

Yes, that's exactly what has happened. It's too late now.. one day of work has been completed. One day to go.

I wasn't too happy when I was told they'd agreed because it sounds like a classic cowboy outfit. They could be legit - I don't want to dismiss the idea but it came about too quick for my liking.

They've left company signs up outside house and one on the main road saying they're working in the area. I think I have seen the sign in the area recently.. which could be a good sign.

macman

The fact that they won't accept a credit card doesn't mean they're dodgy. Lots of tradesmen don't handle credit card payments, most want cash or cheque.
If they were really dodgy, then I would have expected them to ask for at least 50% upfront. I don't see why you need protection if the job is going to be completed before any payment is made.
You really should have agreed the payment method before the job started.

Rockporkchop

I have never had a tradesman yet who would accept payment by a credit card - on all but two occasions they have wanted cash. Even if you did pay with your card I can't see what protection this would give you? I don't think it would cover building work on your house.

I'm sure your parents know this but bear in mind that if they get the cash out on their credit card, they will have to pay a cash advance fee of up to 4%.

Hopefully they will do a great job, your parents will be happy and there will be no problem.