Tradesman: "I Will Send You The Invoice Tonight"

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  nocure on 23/11/2015 - 17:24

  Did you get any type of receipt ?.

  • 

    sagi446 on 23/11/2015 - 21:56

    Zilch

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  mskeggs on 23/11/2015 - 17:58

  +1

  If they have completed what you have paid for, it isn't a disaster, is it? Or am I missing something?

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    sagi446 on 23/11/2015 - 21:22

    I have to provide invoices of any tradesman jobs regardless as I am renting the property. I apologize I should have mentioned this before hand.

    • 

      mskeggs on 23/11/2015 - 21:47

      +1

      Then I think you just need to get on the phone and pester them until they send an invoice. 9am tomorrow call saying you need it ASAP and asking when it can be sent. Call back at that exact time if it hasn't arrived asking how much longer. Call again then if it isn't here yet.
      People almost certainly aren't trying to rip you off, you just have to make it easier to just send you the bill than keep handling your calls ;-)
      Usually, for bigger places, there will be somebody looking after this stuff, and once you get in touch with him or her it will be sorted in a few minutes. It is only 'one man shows' that I have ever had to chase very long for paperwork.

      • 

        sagi446 on 23/11/2015 - 21:53

        I have a need for another job and the tradie he sent did as little as possible to ensure to come again on a second job (to wrap it all up) in an attempt to lock me into their company. He told me I will be given the invoices for both jobs on the next time. This is why I am worried why they would just prefer to screw me over if I don't contact them for the next job.

        His "boss", the owner of the business, has never replied to any of my SMS before (never even confirming the job, which makes me worried as ****)

      • 

        mskeggs on 23/11/2015 - 22:01

        @sagi446:
        So I think you need to voice call them in the morning. Many people do not like SMS as a way of communicating.
        You probably shouldn't have paid the first part without an invoice, but at this point, you had better call them and get them back for part 2.

      • 

        sagi446 on 23/11/2015 - 22:12

        @mskeggs:

        This is getting close to being blackmail.

      • 

        mskeggs on 23/11/2015 - 22:22

        @sagi446:
        I think you might be getting a bit excited.
        Nobody is blackmailing you or doing anything wrong at all so far. They simply said they would do all the paperwork when the second job was complete.
        That they assumed you would want them to do both is fine, unless you told them you only wanted them to do one.
        If you do want to get somebody else to do the second part, you might have to call the first people and tell them you are getting somebody else, not them.
        To be honest, it sounds like you got a bit flustered when they asked for payment for part one, handed it over and tacitly agreed to letting them do part two as well.
        If you have changed your mind, fine. But you will likely have to chase them for paperwork as all you have to motivate them is your nuisance value if you are using somebody else for the second job.
        I understand that there are some people on this site who rather email or SMS (me too!) but a voice call is hard to ignore, and will often get results if you are persistent.

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  whooah1979 on 23/11/2015 - 18:03

  why do you need an invoice? are you claiming the work as an expense to reduce your tax liability?

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  shadowarrior on 23/11/2015 - 18:10

  +2

  The OP might need the invoice for proof of work done. Either to his rental agency if its a rental property. Or in case the work done has problems or if anything is caused by the work done, then an invoice is his only documented proof. Otherwise said company can turn back and deny all liability.

  OP is this for a rental property?

  • 

    sagi446 on 23/11/2015 - 21:20

    Yes, it's for a rental property. I know that I have to provide all invoices for any work done by an tradesman when dropping the keys.

    • 

      shadowarrior on 24/11/2015 - 01:56

      +1

      Email the tradie's company (pref his boss) asking about the Invoice and CC your real estate agent. Mention that since you will be leaving the country on XYZ date could he please email it to the agent who is cc ed in this email.

      • proves kind of that you did pay and complete the job
      • proves kind of who did the job
      • in future if agent comes back for invoice, the email shows you organized the invoice to be emailed to them.
      • 

        sagi446 on 24/11/2015 - 19:40

        Just did that, thanks for the excellent idea!

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  stealthdirect on 23/11/2015 - 19:20

  why do you need an Invoice? unless it was a large amount, just note it down is usually the same.

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  kywst on 23/11/2015 - 19:39

  +1

  If it's for "proof of work done" then specifically tell them that or have the party you need to confirm the works were done to call the company to confirm completion. I seriously doubt that this will come back to bite you and if it does just write a full affidavit to the effect of situation and submit that until called upon.

  • 

    whooah1979 on 23/11/2015 - 22:32

    "proof of work done" can be in other forms.

    i always get a itemised written quotations for major work. cctv of the property while they work also helps.

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  [Deactivated] on 23/11/2015 - 19:57

  +1

  Did you pay cash?

  • 

    sagi446 on 23/11/2015 - 21:21

    Yes, that's probably the dumbest way of paying for a service of this kind.

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  [Deactivated] on 24/11/2015 - 10:38

  You seem to be beating yourself up over this. Is there some information that you have not shared?

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  momov3 on 24/11/2015 - 12:20

  Hope I am not hijacking, but someone mentioned it's stupid to pay cash. I am having a kitchen refurbished, $2K and if I pay cash, will not have to pay the $200 GST. Only cash, not even direct deposit allowed. I am thinking of taking up the offer, no invoice will be issued, but the company is a well known local that says I know where to contact or how to reach him should something need attention. It's very tempting to save a whopping $200. Would you do it?

  • 

    shadowarrior on 24/11/2015 - 12:24

    +1

    Is there a margin of 'something can go wrong'. If it does, no matter how well the company is known, you have no proof that the company did work on your house…and they will not be liable.

    I do odd jobs with cash, like getting a new storm water pipe connected to the existing line etc. But anything else, where there's a risk of something can go wrong, directly or indirectly, I ask for invoice. Peace of mind is worth way more than a measly 10% GST.

    • 

      momov3 on 24/11/2015 - 12:31

      Well all the cupboard doors and drawers are being replaced with good quality melamine, I am not sure if anything can go wrong there. Not worried about workmanship because it's obvious if it hasn't been correctly fixed, I won't accept the job. If anything goes wrong and fails to meet standards, it would be the material and I won't know until the kitchen gets utilised over time.

      • 

        shadowarrior on 24/11/2015 - 12:34

        Yep, so are they supplying material as well. Is there any warranty on workmanship and material supplied? Without an invoice, there's not much you have to process a warranty claim otherwise.

      • 

        momov3 on 24/11/2015 - 12:42

        @shadowarrior: yes, they supply the material which they source from the company. I assume strictly no invoice means should the event arise, I will have no proof of workmanship. Will need to ask about the material warranty whether that will be fulfilled by manufacturer.

      • 

        mskeggs on 24/11/2015 - 23:13

        +1

        @momov3:
        I'm with the shadow - can pay cash if there is a discount, but not if it exposes me to lack of warranty etc.
        In the, I have paid the plumber cash to clear the drains now and again, and maybe if I was getting some painting or gardening done - stuff you can judge if it is done right straight away I would consider it.

        Be aware also that if the seller is rorting GST, that suggests they would be reluctant to declare the income on their tax too. So you might save 10% and they will get the lot tax free, potentially saving 40% or more. If everyone does it the country falls apart. That said, as I mentioned, I deal in cash with the plumber who is an acquaintance. I figure I could swap him home brewed beer or home grown eggs, but we are just saving time by using cash. Although I note the ATO has no such feelings and they would treat it very seriously.

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        momov3 on 25/11/2015 - 15:04

        @mskeggs: Well I agree with the tax dodge thing. Every tradesman that comes to do work and suggests cash in hand for 10% less does it for one reason alone, so as not to declare income. The fact that even a direct debit into their bank account will not do, says it all.

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    [Deactivated] on 25/11/2015 - 11:36

    I would stay away from anyone operating like this. If they are willing to rip off the government, what else are they doing? ordering cheap knock off supplies? What if they damage your place? have they got insurance to cover it?

    I'd also personally report them to the ATO for being dodgy. everyone who doesn't pay tax, means the rest of us end up paying more, or receiving less services back from the government