Organized a Repair Job and Now Tradie Refusing to Go Ahead with Job

Organised a roof repair and got tradie to come out and quote a job.

Paid 50 dollars through direct deposit before tradie came out and gave quote.

Quote came to 1600 and agreed.

Tradie asked for 800 deposit.

This was also paid via direct deposit.

When quote was given this was agreed as a Cash job.

Now when it comes to finally doing the job tradie is asking for remaining 800 cash in hand.

I mentioned i would be more comfortable doing the same direct deposit as the 2 previous times, tradie has got angry and refusing to do job anymore saying i have reneged on verbal cash agreement.

Posting this to get feedback from OzBargain community, was my understanding of cash job wrong ? I had already paid half the amount via bank transfer and am not understanding why this cant be done for the remaining amount

Tradie is now saying he will refund 100 dollars and deliver the materials.

What are my options ?

Comments

  • +12

    I'd pay the cash; that was the agreement.

    *Organized Agreed to pay cash for a Repair Job and Now Tradie Refusing to Go Ahead with Job Pay Cash

  • https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/legal/legal-tender/

    However, refusal to accept legal tender in payment of an existing debt, where no other means of payment/settlement has been specified in advance, conceivably could have consequences in legal proceedings; for example, the creditor may be unable to enforce payment in any other form.

    These general comments about legal tender are offered only as a guide and should not be taken as legal advice. People who need clarification on these matters should obtain appropriate legal advice.

    • +4

      The tradie isn't refusing to accept cash; OP is refusing to pay cash (even though previously agreed)

      • +1

        I realise. OP asked what his options are, the paragraph above was supposed to highlight that he didn't have any.

  • +8

    Bank transfer isn't the same as cash. Transfer can be traced, physical cash handed over cannot unless they specifically declare it. If you agreed on cash then pay in cash.

  • +9

    remaining 800 cash in hand.

    Not talking about 8k here…

    Goto an ATM to get $800, and just pay with cash. You want the job done?

    Not sure what your struggle is with getting cash?

  • +2

    i have reneged on verbal cash agreement.

    This.

    Pay the tradie in cash as they requested and you agreed to or find another tradie - don't expect all your money back if you do.

  • +14

    Tradie is trying to keep the transaction from showing on his bank account - probably tax fraud or preventing someone else getting it (divorce, child support etc).

    If you're happy with the price, pay him cash (it will be interesting to see what sort of receipt you get, if any).

    If you don't want to deal with him, take your hundred back (but on insist on a receipt for the $700 he's charging you).

    For a victory lap, don't forget to dob him in: https://www.ato.gov.au/general/gen/making-a-tip-off/

    • +4

      agree, pay the cash to get the job done,

      then chuck the ATO a tip off as a parting gift

      • **** scumbag move. Regardless of the Tradies motives, if your ethics and moral don't allow you to do that, say so from the beginning & don't agree to a cash-in-hand job, then play the good law-abidding citizen & stab said tradie in the back. Absolute d!ck move.

        Leave the legals to the legal system.

    • My thoughts exactly.I be requesting a tax invoice.

    • -1

      Eh. The first part but not the victory lap. It's not like they spend taxpayers hard-earned money wisely.

    • +7

      Indeed, more money is needed for pollies champagne breakfasts and helicopter trips.

      • +3

        Don't forget trips to Europe and corporate welfare for Gerry Harvey and our fossil fuel overlords.

      • Ha ha yeah, that's what happens when you pay your taxes! They pop another champagne cork!!

        • +6

          They sure don't spend it where it's needed, health, education etc.

          Qld politicians getting a 7% pay rise over the next few months. New politicians getting near $200k in "entitlements" on top of their salary. On average pollies pay rises are about 5% a year. Scumbags.

          • +1

            @brendanm: And the Federal Government is only sitting for about a fortnight in the first quarter of next year. Absolute disgrace.

  • +3

    he wants the cash to cheat the tax system and not declare his earnings

    • +9

      well duuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

    • +4

      Mr rocket scientist over here

      • +1

        Rocket surgeon you mean?

    • +2

      Thank you Captain Obvious….

    • +1

      Ding ding ding we have a WinRAR

  • You say the cash payment is paid on completion of job.

  • +4

    This is why don't agree to cash jobs since they likely won't give receipt and no work warranty. If you insist he does the work or you report him to the ATO he may just stuff the job up and you have to then get another to do it properly

  • +3

    What are my options ?

    Pay the man… Im not sure what the issue really is?

  • +1

    ..this was agreed as a Cash job

    What else is there to say? Pay the guy in cash!

  • -7

    Thanks all for your comments, have managed to talk the Tradie down and he is accepting a prepayment of the remainder through bank transfer, fingers crossed the job gets done !!!!

    Next time I will check what method they want to be paid as I have paid through bank transfer on the spot for other cash jobs, different vendors of course.

    • +11

      Next time I will check what method they want to be paid

      You did - and you both agreed on 'cash'. If you want to insist on paying by bank transfer, then next time say "bank transfer". Avoids these kinds of problems.

    • +7

      Google the word "cash".
      Never unilaterally change an agreement and expect smooth sailing.
      Keep your word and friken pay in cash as agreed.

    • +3

      Prepayment?

      Cant wait for your next post.

  • +1

    Remember for next time, cash means cash - handover notes and coins. Best to ask a neighbour to be present as a witness to the transaction when cash is exchanged. Follow up with a message via SMS confirming that all payment is done and no money is owed.

  • +5

    Jesus christ my dude you never pay more than 10% deposit. I got 7 roof quotes for my repair and not one of the companies/contractors asked for any $50 callout fee either.

    You've got a dodgy one.

    • +1

      This^.
      And not sure why you've been nagged.

  • +1

    Cash job = cash job.

    Let me spell it out.

    $850 is on the books.

    $800 is not.

    If you DD the $800, he'll have to declare it….

  • -3

    Ask the tradie if they want you to call the ATO for them. When they get up you, ask for your money back. Once you have your money back, call the ATO.

    Why?

    This scammer tried to steal $850 off you.

    • +4

      "When quote was given this was agreed as a Cash job."

      He should stick to the deal agreed on.

    • +2

      This scammer tried to steal $850 off you.

      No, he is trying not to pay tax on the $850. Big difference.

      • -3

        You might need to reread OP's post:

        I had already paid half the amount via bank transfer

        tradie has got angry and refusing to do job anymore

        Tradie gave OP bank details for bank transfer. Tradie has half the payment. Tradie's excuse for not doing the work is:

        saying i have reneged on verbal cash agreement.

        Tradie is a conman.

        • +2

          I think you need to re-read the OP's description. Half was a deposit (which also accounted for materials the tradie purchased), now the remainder is for doing the installation.

          Now when it comes to finally doing the job tradie is asking for remaining 800 cash in hand.

          He isn't a conman, he gave a job based on cash job and OP agreed to this (which often is cheaper and doesn't include GST if the tradie keeps it off the books). That just makes the Tradie a tax-dodger but OP is okay with is because he got a cheaper deal.

          Now OP doesn't want to pay cash after agreeing to it. So if it went on the books, the price would go up and GST would be added. The Tradie decided it wasn't worth the hassle, so isn't going ahead with it which is their decision, so the Tradie is providing the materials purchased from the original deposit + $100.

          OP is getting their money back (materials + remaining cash) so isn't being fleeced.

          No con was involved. All parties were aware.

          • -1

            @MrBear: You are right, I missed the comment on materials + $100 refund.

            Tax fraud is fraud.

            If the tradie wanted cash and not an excuse to breach a verbal agreement, the tradie would never have given their bank details to OP.

            I highly doubt materials cost anywhere near $750. If the tradie is happy to steal from every other Australian, why would they hesitate to steal from OP?

    • Some people just don't realise, tradies are sometimes not the type of people you mess with.

      You would really go to those lengths, threats & calling the ATO ??? For what????

  • direct deposit /= cash
    OP is having a laugh

    Tradies do this all the time to reduce tax. But the tradie did say that was the price for cash.

    JUST PAY THE MAN HIS CASH.

  • +1

    Big sooshi mango vibes from the tradie 😂

  • +1

    Sorry off topic. But Shouldn't u only be paying him after the jobs done anyway? Uve already paid half of it as the deposit.

  • +1

    I don't understand why you're making a full off-the-books cash payment even before the job has started?? And I've never seen a tradie demand to be paid for a quote even before they come out for the quote!
    Both the things above are wrong on so many levels and not a practice you should be supporting. Not only is it illegal but you're also putting yourself at the mercy of someone who obviously is a fraud. If they are scamming the tax system then they won't think twice about scamming you. Did you even check if they are registered, licensed and insured?

    • Not only is it illegal

      It is not illegal to pay someone in cash.

      • It isnt illegal to pay cash but it is illegal to cheat the tax office and that is precisely what the tradie is doing and the op assisting.

        • +1

          Only the tradie knows if that is the case or not.
          The tradie wants cash; it is legal tender. In this case, it isn't a lot of cash (easy to obtain).

          You and others assume the tradie wants to avoid taxation, but they could also put it through their books as a cash receipt.

          OP is not assisting; they are paying for the works to be done.

        • +1

          Sorry I am putting my money on Travellor107’s view. This Tradie asks for cash and putting it through as a business cash recipient, hmmm, I highly doubt it.

          • +2

            @BeamMeUp: Again, neither of us know. Only the tradie knows.

            We should be focussing on OP agreeing to the payment terms, and then reneging. That's not good.

  • +1

    Call the tradie, apologise, pay cash, get the job done and get over it.

  • This is a troll post! Nobody is silly enough to make FULL CASH payment to a shady tradie before any works start. Just doesn't happen. Nope.

  • +1

    Never pay for a quote from a Tradesman. If you are having trouble finding one just keep hunting.
    Don’t agree to a cash job even part cash and even if you get a cheap quote, they are just dodging paying tax and you will have no complete money trail for your work.
    Get a complete written quote that includes all materials required that have itemised costs.
    If you need to pay a small agreed deposit that must be listed in the quote. If it’s a bigger job that requires progressive payments these should also be itemised and the job milestones the payments are due on, milestones are work done not just dates.
    If you did agree to a cash job pay it as cash, not bank transfer, these are traceable by the tax department who will watch a small business owners accounts. Never pay the balance of a cash job up front, you are destined to be stitched up.

  • You got a lower price so the tradie could avoid tax by getting cash. Bank deposits so far cover the materials, so tradie can break even (that's what they'll show the ATO). Final 800 can't go into a bank account, because the ATO would see that in an audit.

    Bottom line is he is avoiding tax, and you are aiding that. I think both are illegal.

    You should pay cash as agreed, but if either of you think there is a moral issue re an "honourable" handshake contract to "illegally" avoid tax, maybe you could both approach the ATO for an opinion.

    • +1

      you are aiding that. I think both are illegal.

      Hahaha, it's illegal for op to pay for a service with legal tender? Whether the tradie is paying tax or not has absolutely nothing to do with the op.

  • If you agree to a cash job, you are getting it cheaper because it’s off the books. If you tell him you can’t do folding money cash, you need to ask for a full price quote.

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