Ireland Customers wanting receipts

[Risteard]

I had a customer that I've done a bit of work for over the past couple of years ring yesterday morning looking to get some lights etc. replaced which I had advised him about a number of months ago. I told him that I wasn't available from Saturday onwards for another 3 weeks or so, so it would be doubtful whether I could get it done before then.

Anyhow, I managed to get there late yesterday afternoon when I was nearby and replace them.

Just got a text today: "Hi Richard, can you keep me receipts for any materials bought for work please. Thanks <name redacted due to GDPR>.

Obviously there is absolutely no way that he can have my invoices from the wholesalers, but how would you respond?

 

[sparks1234]

Personally I would take the original cost of the parts , add your percentage on top (whatever you charge) add your time and cost and send him the bill

 

[freddo]

It's not my fault that I'm a very attractive guy

Where has that optimistic button gone?!

 

[Risteard]

Personally I would take the original cost of the parts , add your percentage on top (whatever you charge) add your time and cost and send him the bill

That's what was done.

 

[Risteard]

So he phoned today demanding money off as apparently two different wholesalers quoted a price for the luminaires lower than what I had invoiced him for.

Also he wants money off because his job wasn't finished and I went to a job in Domino's. This is in spite of him openly admitting when challenged that the job wasn't complete because he cancelled it (and I had already been at the job at Domino's before he ever phoned about the job).

He seemed genuinely not to understand that I can't compensate him for a job not being complete when he was the one who cancelled it. Furthermore he claims he will take it to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and also to the Electrical Safety Supervisory Body (who are prohibited from getting involved in commercial disputes).

I have told him that should he fail to pay then I will be commencing legal proceedings.

 

[Robson689]

God forbid you make a few quid on the materials!! Some customers are unbelievable

 

[AJshep]

If you ring up the wholesalers for a price it will always be excluding VAT. Also your markup is to cover time and costs sourcing and obviously a guarantee if they fail.

If I were you i would only communicate with this customer via email from now on.
I would mention everything discussed so far in your initial email, then you have proof of dialogue if you need it.

 

[Phil Thompson]

You run a business, so obviously add a margin on to materials, to cover warranty, collection and delivery of said materials.

Some customers can be complete dipsticks. Hope you get sorted without too much hassle.