Mobility Scooter Batteries

G-MIKI

I tried to buy replacement batteries for my mobility scooter today and was told by Bristol Batteries that they have been told by HMC&E that, as they could be used on non VAT-exempt products, they could not be sold ex-VAT even if I provided a clear VAT exemption form.

Has anyone else come across this or do you think that the business has decided that the VAT-exemption thing is more trouble than it is worth?

Richie-from-the-Boro

G-MIKI wrote: »

I tried to buy replacement batteries for my mobility scooter today and was told by Bristol Batteries that they have been told by HMC&E that, as they could be used on non VAT-exempt products, they could not be sold ex-VAT even if I provided a clear VAT exemption form.

Has anyone else come across this or do you think that the business has decided that the VAT-exemption thing is more trouble than it is worth?

- all kinds of batteries can be used by both the dis / and / able bodied
- a pre-exemption form is essential it can never be retrospective
- most, if not all reputable retailers specialising in the 'disabled' market provide the exemption before purchase
- don't waste your energy and your phone bill, go to someone else, there are hundreds of them

Clearly for whatever reason Bristol Batteries do not want the business from the disabled sector.

sunnyone

G-MIKI wrote: »

I tried to buy replacement batteries for my mobility scooter today and was told by Bristol Batteries that they have been told by HMC&E that, as they could be used on non VAT-exempt products, they could not be sold ex-VAT even if I provided a clear VAT exemption form.

Has anyone else come across this or do you think that the business has decided that the VAT-exemption thing is more trouble than it is worth?

They will be cheaper on fleabay even with the VAT.

G-MIKI

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

- all kinds of batteries can be used by both the dis / and / able bodied
- a pre-exemption form is essential it can never be retrospective
- most, if not all reputable retailers specialising in the 'disabled' market provide the exemption before purchase
- don't waste your energy and your phone bill, go to someone else, there are hundreds of them

Clearly for whatever reason Bristol Batteries do not want the business from the disabled sector.

That's exactly what I have done and got them for a good price from ebay. It wasn't worth arguing with them as I clearly was not talking to the person who makes the decisions.

rogerblack

G-MIKI wrote: »

That's exactly what I have done and got them for a good price from ebay. It wasn't worth arguing with them as I clearly was not talking to the person who makes the decisions.

The person is presumably the person at HMRC that's advised them.
If the business gets told that they can't by HRMC - they have little alternative but to comply.