Wedding photography VAT

res24

Hi,

A wedding photographer quoted me a price of £1,300 and as I liked their style so much I decided to go for it. They then sent me a contract which stated that the deposit would be £200 and the remaining balance (£1,100) would be due six weeks prior to the wedding. I have now had a receipt for the deposit which states that the total balance is £1,760 inclusive of VAT. Could someone advise me if it is legal to have VAT as a hidden cost like this?? I do not have the budget for this... help!

Thank you.

double_mummy

if the contract doesnt say something like excluding VAT or VAT to be added on the total amount then all you have to pay is what the contract says

the contra proferentem rule states that ambiguous terms will be construed against the party that included them with the contract. this means that if there is nothing in the contract about VAT then you have a good chance in court - but you may not want it to go that far.

and trading standards say
When selling to the general public, all pricing information must be clearly legible, unambiguous, easily identifiable and inclusive of VAT and any additional taxes.

A letter sent recorded delivery to them basically saying:

Dear photographer

As the price stated within the contract that we have both signed states the price of XXX for the services of XXX that is the price that has been agreed upon. If you wish to charge me more than this I request a full refund of my deposit and I will no longer require your services for XXX

Kind Regards

Res24

Before sending this please ensure that the contract is signed and that VAT is not mentioned anywhere within it.

If you have it on email and would like someone else to look at it please feel free to PM me xxxx

redped

Are you sure your figures are correct? £1300 + 20% VAT is £1560.

Having said that, I agree with double mummy - if they didn't mention VAT, then it's fair to assume that the price included VAT.