Roofer Not Issuing Receipt

Maat

I have no idea what forum to use so if this is the wrong one, I apologise.


My problem is this. I had some work done on my roof a few weeks ago and, at the time of getting the quote via email, I specified that I would need a receipt for the work. The business owner agreed to this but he was on holiday at the time so I avoided bugging him about it until I was sure he would be back and hopefully have had time to settle back into his routine. I tried email, phoning him (never any answer), texting and Facebook messaging to get in contact with him. Absolutely no response. I had better service when he was on holiday fgs.


The receipt is essential to me which is why I made it clear right from the start that it was needed. To me, his agreeing to do this as soon as I had paid for the work made it a binding contract on him.


I should mention that on Checkatrade he's not listed as being VAT registered. I am an individual customer and I paid by cash. With there being no VAT avoidance issue (I assume), surely there can be no reason to not issue me a receipt.


Is there a way to force the guy to give me a receipt, perhaps based on the fact that he agreed to it in advance of the work being done? Is he now contracted to provide one and, if so, how do I get him to do it when he won't respond to any approaches from me? He doesn't seem to be registered with a trade body so do I contact Trading Standards, perhaps? All advice gratefully received, although do be kind.

Nile

Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.

I’ve moved your thread from the ‘I wanna’ to the ‘In my home’ board’, where it is better suited.

Regards

Nile

moneyistooshorttomention

My suspicion is that you shouldn't have paid in cash - as you intended to have a receipt for it.

It sounds like he is determined to ignore the agreement he made with you that you would have a receipt and is going with his "standard practice" and I doubt you'll get him to budge on that one.

As far as I can work out in my current area (which is one where the black economy thrives) there seems to be a dual system operating of either:

1. You pay in the conventional way (cheque/card/bank transfer) and get a receipt

OR

2. You pay by cash and no receipt is expected or offered (ie because it's gone into the black economy). Black Economy workers don't like giving receipts.

Is there another way to look at this? That being - do you need some sort of proof the work has been done and, if so, is there some other way you can get that proof?

Risteard

It is normal to be invoiced. It is wholly abnormal to be given a receipt. Receipts are given by shopkeepers.

kazwookie

You have no hope to get the receipt, IMO

You have paid him in cash in full.

Lessons, in future pay via a trackable means, and keep back 5% or 10% or what ever until you have all you need and have inspected the work.

moneyistooshorttomention

Risteard wrote: »

It is normal to be invoiced. It is wholly abnormal to be given a receipt. Receipts are given by shopkeepers.

I am used to getting receipts - or having them sign & date the invoice.

Thinking of equivalent minor jobs - like the plumber I had round every year servicing my boiler, etc. He'd give me an invoice on the spot. I'd pay him as soon as he'd finished. He'd sign/date that invoice. Job done.

Maat

Thanks for all the advice. Unfortunately cash was my only payment option as they don't do credit card and my bank doesn't do cheque books. Even bank transfer wouldn't have worked as it was an emergency and I only found out at 9pm the day before the work was done that they would be there.


Oh well, I'll try Trading Standards tomorrow. I have to get this sorted out. Thanks again, though, I appreciate the time and thought you've put into trying to help. You've been very kind.

I appreciate you moving the thread to the right board, Nile. I did try every heading I could think of but the 'home' stuff all seemed to be about mortgages, rent, etc. By the time I arrived here I was very stressed. Is it possible to put in a request for the website to be made simpler? So many times I come on here looking for information and unless it's a popular subject like buying a new mobile it's very hard to access what I need. Searches take so long and it tends to be bad for people like me with mental health problems and very limited motivation. It's probably too big an ask but I thought I'd mention it.