quote given then VAT added after work done

verygrumpyoldman

In two telephone conversations with a plumber my wife and I were both told the cost of the parts for our central heating boiler was £200 + postage of around £12. In the second conversation (which I was listening to) my wife asked if this included VAT -she was told this was included. The plumber is not VAT registered and therefore cannot add VAT to his work charge but can he is now saying that the £218 (part plus postage) is now plus VAT and he needs to work out how much to charge us! Can he legally do this?

Owain_Moneysaver

No.

1. All prices to consumers must be VAT inclusive.
2. If he's not registered for VAT he can't collect it from customers.

It's possible the plumber has made a mistake and assumed his supplier's price included VAT when in fact it didn't, and now faces making a loss on the part. In which case, ask for a copy of his supplier's invoice showing the price.

capeverde

If hes charging labour plus materials, he will obviously have vat on the materials part of the contract. Simply ask him for the invoice from his suppliers to make sure he isnt pulling a fast one and that you are paying the correct price for the parts. Does seem like crossed wires, but easily verified. If quoting for a complete job, you should always supply the price including vat.

McKneff

He is not obliged to show you his invoice as to what he paid for the goods. Obviously he will have put his mark up on it, thats business.
You have no legal right to see the suppliers invoice.

capeverde

He is if he's quoted for labour plus materials. If he is just quoting for the compete contract I agree with you, but as per the OP he isn't.