Does anybody NOT do cash-only these days?

Duvaljones

Hi everyone

Having had a few bits done in my house recently I wanted to check something out.

Now, if I’m being naive/old fashioned then please be honest as I obviously need a reality check. I had two jobs done recently - plumber to install a new shower (£200 for parts and labour) and electrician to sort out a faulty light fitting (£125 parts and labour). Both asked for cash but settled for a bank transfer (In fact 3 others quoted different figures for ‘cash’ too), saying it would cost more to do it the ‘legit’ way (my words, not theirs) i.e. through the business - presumably something to do with VAT?

Does anyone give a bill/invoice at the end of a job and then a receipt once they’ve been paid these days? My concern is having pretty much nothing to prove that they did the work, should anything go wrong. Luckily (touch wood) all is ok with what they did, but if there’s a dispute of any kind, other than the bank transfer, there’s no invoice/contract etc. to connect them to the work.

Am I being naive/old fashioned here? Any comments (good or not so good) welcome.

Thanks

Doozergirl

We always invoice and only take bank transfers. I don't issue receipts because, well, I can't be bothered as you have proof of payment. I can if necessary but it seems a bit pointless.

I pay subbies via bank transfer too although I generally self invoice and usually end up sending tax certificates straight to their accountants as they're not exactly up on admin, in the main.

So no, certainly not everyone.

southcoastrgi

Materials are still the same price the only thing you might save 20% on is the labour so you are unlikely to save much

TELLIT01

As long as you have proof of payment it makes no difference what form the payment has taken. If the tradesperson is fiddling the books that's between them and the tax man.

Dan-Dan

I issue invoices via SAGE and never send receipts unless asked, even then seems a little pointless

silvercar

It’s income tax avoidance as well as avoiding VAT for those that are registered.

In my mind you are more likely to get someone who cuts corners.

Browntoa

Small business , taking card payment used to be extremely expensive so a no no

Most haven't grasped the new low cost options like Square and izettle .

And also some of the above

sgun

Browntoa wrote: »

Small business , taking card payment used to be extremely expensive so a no no

Most haven't grasped the new low cost options like Square and izettle .

And also some of the above

iZettle is really handy when I do shows or fairs but there is 1.75% fee. If I'm buying and someone gets out a machine then I try and find cash. People are more used to being able to just use the machine so don't bring cash anymore. It all adds up!

Risteard

Shopkeepers give receipts.

An invoice is all the evidence you need.

daivid

The 3 trades I have employed have all invoiced, 2 were 1man bands. All asked for bank transfer payment (would have accepted cheques too I think) and from memory confirmed receipt of payment by text or email (no receipt as such though).

Doozergirl

Where are you finding these people?