Boiler pricing/buying

d0nkeyk0ng

My boiler broke down. I've had three people look at it and all state it needs to be replaced. All have given similar quotes for labour with the only variable being the price of the boiler I want to buy.

The plumber I'm happy with is "Gas Safe" certified. He's happy for me to buy my own boiler and he will fit it. He's also happy to buy the boiler on my behalf but has asked me to pay upfront for the boiler itself so he can purchase it.

Not had to deal with this kind of thing. 90% happy with going ahead with him but this is the sticking point. Is this reasonable?

southcoastrgi

yes, you are trying to buy the boiler as cheap as you can & take away any profit from him so why should he pay for the boiler, i'm sure we will have all the heart bleating brigade on here in a min

theGrinch

its a new relationship. you dont trust him implicitly and the same for him with you. only solution is for you to buy it or go together if practical.

d0nkeyk0ng

Not trying to take away any profit but it does sound risky when someone asks for £1000 upfront. Surprised he doesn't have say credit with a trade company.

loracan1

He's happy for me to buy my own boiler and he will fit it.

if you do that you won't be giving him the money upfront.

Leif

d0nkeyk0ng wrote: »

Not trying to take away any profit but it does sound risky when someone asks for £1000 upfront. Surprised he doesn't have say credit with a trade company.

You should have a written quote from him, and he will provide you with an invoice for the boiler before you pay him, which will detail the deposit for the work. These should be on headed paper consistent with his company, or however he operates. Pay by cheque, or even by credit card if possible. The latter includes various forms of insurance. Also check that he is who he claims to be e.g. has a limited company on Companies House, or a sole trader.

It is normal to pay a deposit before hand. He wants some guarantee that you are not going to turn round and tell him you are using someone else once he has incurred costs.

keystone

d0nkeyk0ng wrote: »

Not trying to take away any profit but it does sound risky when someone asks for £1000 upfront. Surprised he doesn't have say credit with a trade company.

Whether he does or he doesn't isn't actually relevant. You seem to expect him to provide you with banking facilities at no cost to you which seems a little strange so:

1. He purchases the boiler using his own funds by whatever means and at his entire risk and then puts his margin on it which you pay in the final bill. Future problems / warranty etc are all down to him and you have a single point of contact. You pay more money for this option.

2. You purchase the boiler, he doesn't make any margin on it and you deal with the manufacturer if it goes wrong. He only guarantees his workmanship. This option costs you less than 1.

Whichever way you play option 2 you still have to provide thedosh to purchase the boiler whether you go and get it yourself or he nicely saves you time and gets it for you but with your money not his.

I don't see the problem unless you don't actually have the money to buy it.

Cheers