New Driveway Invoice Problem

nelehrenrut

I have just had a block driveway installed by a company I contacted after receiving a flyer through my door. I am very happy with the finished result, but the 'boss' is requesting that I make the cheque payable to him, and not the company. I have looked the company up and it does not appear to be a registered company and the invoice I have been given is not very professional looking.

I want to make sure that my financial records are above board and I feel uncomfortable not paying the cheque to the company.

Does anyone have any thoughts or advice for me please?

Thanks in advance.

stator

If the company isn't registered then it isn't a company and I guess he is a Sole Trader.

I'm guessing the invoice doesn't have VAT on it? If it does, does it have a VAT number on it?

ceredigion

Sole Trader, what is the problem.

jblessing

I suspect he is a sole trader, and doesn't have a bank account in the business name (probably to avoid the high charges for business bank accounts). None of which would worry me.

Mr.Generous

I am a sole trader, I have a business bank account. The account is under my name T/A (trading as) my business name. I prefer cheques to be made out to my name, the bank dont mind either way. Its not a problem. Anything dodgy going on he'd be insisting on cash.

pathtofreedom

Unless you're expecting some sort of guarantee, probably backed up with an insurance policy in case they go bust, then if they'd done the work you wanted you should just pay.

If there is some sort of guarantee what was discussed / in the contract about how that would work and is it is backed up by insurance and have you received this?

Elli452

As others have said it's likely a sole trader. On a lot of invoices the payment terms state who to make the cheque payable to, if this is present on the invoice you have received then I don't see why you have a problem. If it is not present, then perhaps get the builder to sign for payment received in full, stating the cheque number if you want the added peace of mind.


No builder on the fiddle is going to accept a cheque, it would be cash only.