Cleaning company verbal quote no mention of VAT but now wants to charge VAT before work starts

VV17

Good evening all,

Sorry for the long title and thank you for reading this.

I have had a cleaning company over yesterday to quote for a regular house clean. I spoke to the owner on the phone and was given an hourly rate but no mention of VAT. This morning, I agreed that we would use their service and booked a slot for tomorrow. Before end of day, I messaged to confirm the booking and asked how to pay. This is when I was told that the price will be the hourly rate originally quoted plus VAT. I then replied and said it’s too expensive and we wouldn’t require the service.

I’m wondering if anyone has experienced this? We have used cleaners and cleaning companies before but never experienced this. Is this a bit cheeky or should I have clarified on the vat situation at the start?

I know a lot of cleaning companies or cleaners require advanced notice for cancellations. I would hate to have to compensate her for the cancellation. It’s really a shame as the owner was very efficient.

Carrot007

Yes they should have said. Maybe they usually deal with commercial customers.


Likewise you should have asked.

VV17

Thanks carrots007. I know I’m feeling pretty rubbish for having to cancel. With the vat added on, the hourly cost is 30% more than what we used to pay. If I had know I wouldn’t have asked the person to come out to quote.

Risteard

You absolutely should have clarified this from the outset. They are legally obliged to charge you VAT.

theonlywayisup

Risteard wrote: »

You absolutely should have clarified this from the outset. They are legally obliged to charge you VAT.

They are only legally obliged to charge it if they are VAT registered.

It may not have been evident to the OP they were VAT registered, my cleaning company aren't.....

prowla

Prices to retail customers should include VAT.

Risteard

theonlywayisup wrote: »

They are only legally obliged to charge it if they are VAT registered.

That is patently obvious.

troffasky

Risteard wrote: »

You absolutely should have clarified this from the outset. They are legally obliged to charge you VAT.

If they're legally obliged to charge you VAT, why wouldn't it be included in the quote?

Carrot007

troffasky wrote: »

If they're legally obliged to charge you VAT, why wouldn't it be included in the quote?

The only time a non bnb quote does not incklude vat is because:


a. they are not going to charge it.
b. they are dodgy and misleading the customer.
c. idiots (see a or b).

Risteard

troffasky wrote: »

If they're legally obliged to charge you VAT, why wouldn't it be included in the quote?

The OP didn't get a quote. This was an informal discussion over the phone.

theonlywayisup

prowla wrote: »

Prices to retail customers should include VAT.

Only if the person giving the service is registered for VAT. If they aren't then there will be no mention of VAT on the invoice.

Risteard wrote: »

That is patently obvious.

There are threads on here where people do not understand VAT and how/when it is charged.

No, it is not obviously, patently or not, to some.