How long before I'm legally required to pay an invoice?

kat9lives

I've recently had some plumbing work done on my flat that has tenants in. The invoice came to nearly £900 and was reasonable compared to other quotes I'd received. He gave me an invoice dated 30th Oct 2013 for the amount but it doesn't state when the payment is due by. I thought that normally as the customer, we have 30 days in which to pay the invoice. I text the plumber to say I had received the invoice and would pay it off before the end of November. He replied that he'd like me to pay within 7 days as he is a small business and will be invoiced for the parts needed for my job soon.

I find this a but unfair as normal businesses give a 30 day period to pay off the amount. Am I being unreasonable? Does anyone know if there is any guidance on this or anything legal stating either way?

Many Thanks
Kat

vuvuzela

Why did you think that as a customer you would have had 30 days ?
Seems to me that the bloke did the work, charged you fairly and you are happy. now you want to delay paying him by over a month. That seems entirely unfair on your part. You should pay him what you owe as soon as possible.

ILW

Unless you have been granted a credit facility, the payment is due immediatly.

kat9lives

As per other invoices I've received, they have always stated 30 days to pay - that's why I thought this.

Vuvuzela - There is no need to be aggressive or speaking to me like a moron, I'm just asking a question!

comeandgo

He did the work you are owe him the money now.

winspiration

I think yes, you are being unfair. He treated you fairly and didn't mess you around, so why would you mess him around?

dshart

I assume this is a b2b transaction. If it is the invoice should normally state the payment terms if not then you have 30 days to pay

https://www.gov.uk/invoicing-and-taking-payment-from-customers/payment-obligations

Personally I would have consideration for a job I was happy with and pay as soon as possible.

kat9lives

It's not that I am unhappy with his work, it's that it is a steep invoice to pay straight away. I would prefer to pay within 30 days which would give me more time to spread the cost. The invoice doesn't state a payment date so I just wanted to check if leaving 30 days is 'legal' or allowed. The link sent by dshart says "Unless you agree a payment date, the customer must pay you within 30 days of getting your invoice or the goods or service" on the Direct Gov website.

Thanks for this. It's not something I'm choosing to do, to annoy the plumber, I was just asking as a consumer with low funds, whether it was possible to pay within 30 days rather than straight away. I think this link clarifies things.

Thanks

19lottie82

Surely he gave you a quote first? I agree you should pay him straight away. He runs a small business, hes' prob got a family to take care of.

You should have considered how to pay the bill before you contracted him to do the work.

McKneff

You hit the nail on the head
'as a consumer with low funds'

He may well be
A plumber with low funds.

Its only me but I would normally pay on receipt of invoice for any
work of this nature if I am happy with it.

dshart

Just remember OP that next time if you require a plumber he may want cash up front before he does any work.

If you cant afford it straight away then at least speak to him and pay what you can straight away so you do not put him in financial difficulty.

Doing things by the letter of the law is not always best.