Paying up front in cashfor new kitchen

Lizstewart

Have been askedby a local company to pay up front total amount in 'cash' to have a new bathroom fitted. Is this OK. Do I have any rights if I do this? 

Penguin_

Well I wouldn't pay up front in cash for a new kitchen if they're going to fit a new bathroom.

Aylesbury_Duck

Lizstewart said:

Have been askedby a local company to pay up front total amount in 'cash' to have a new bathroom fitted. Is this OK. Do I have any rights if I do this? 

You do have consumer rights, but I'd shop elsewhere.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

What are you paying for and to whom?

Does the company make kitchens or just source them and fit them?  

If you are paying for the materials then paying up front could be fine, paying when the materials land on site is better. 

If they are asking for labour up front I wouldn't pay and would find someone else. 

When you say cash do you mean they want old fashioned notes or something like bank transfer?

Have you been given any written confirmation of your order, a quote, an estimate, an invoice? 

user1977

You have the same consumer rights against the company as you would if you paid by another method, but why on earth would you want to pay the full amount upfront at all?

Lizstewart

It's my bathroom (been reading so much about kitchens I mistakenly said kitchen) however, Company said they have had too many people not paying final payments. Also he wants to pay labour in cash? 

MattMattMattUK

Lizstewart said:

It's my bathroom (been reading so much about kitchens I mistakenly said kitchen) however, Company said they have had too many people not paying final payments. Also he wants to pay labour in cash? 

He is a tax dodger and probably looking to take your money and run, go elsewhere. 

user1977

Lizstewart said:

It's my bathroom (been reading so much about kitchens I mistakenly said kitchen) however, Company said they have had too many people not paying final payments.

And you've heard lots about people not having their work finished off properly (or even started), and that it's pretty normal for customers not to make the final payment until the work is done and they're satisfied.

Also he wants to pay labour in cash

He can go to a bank and get the cash out. Doesn't need to be your problem. After all, do you have that amount of cash lying around?

Lizstewart

Have just spoken with company again. He has agreed to take half money up front for goods (by debit card)  Remainder to be paid on completion of work by me directly to labourers. OR... My bill would be more (obviously to be put "through the books"  Do you think this is better protection for me????
 Really like the products I've chosen & really want this bathroom 

user1977

Depends whether you want to be aiding and abetting tax evasion I suppose.

gettingtheresometime

Lizstewart said:

Have just spoken with company again. He has agreed to take half money up front for goods (by debit card)  Remainder to be paid on completion of work by me directly to labourers. OR... My bill would be more (obviously to be put "through the books"  Do you think this is better protection for me????
 Really like the products I've chosen & really want this bathroom 

Personally if he is insisting that you pay cash I'd walk away - you know this is as dodgy as two week old fish.