Invoice query

[secret squirrel]

I did a job for an elderly woman, I gave her the invoice there and then and took payment.

This is my usual practise, everyone was happy.

I have just received a call from a "friend" of the elderly woman asking for a copy of the invoice detailing my hourly rate, call out charges and cost of parts used.

My immediate question was why isn't the customer calling me?

"oh, she's elderly and confused easily"

My response was that she understood how to call a plumber, understood the work done, was happy and paid!

Apparently, her son is interested in the break down, I explained that she (customer) has an invoice but I will put a copy in the post, in the absence of any problem with the work I consider the matter closed. (Go away, leave me alone)

I haven't come across this before are we obliged to give break downs on invoices?

My initial reaction is NO, job done, paid for, no leaks, everyone happy. Move on.

I have no intention (unless you all say differently) to entertain a member of the family because they are too bone idol to step in and take control until its too late.

 

[Destroyer2813]

I don't break mine down price is a price other wise you get the I've seen it cor this much brigade asking a million questions

 

[Paulus]

If the customer seems to have all her marbles and is happy with both the job and the paperwork I completely agree with your response and initial reaction although I do tend to break down the charges on my invoices. I also know many people who simply put a total for parts and labour.

As you say, the son should have got involved at the start of the job if he is so concerned.

 

[villa_tom]

I did a job for an elderly woman, I gave her the invoice there and then and took payment.

This is my usual practise, everyone was happy.

I have just received a call from a "friend" of the elderly woman asking for a copy of the invoice detailing my hourly rate, call out charges and cost of parts used.

My immediate question was why isn't the customer calling me?

"oh, she's elderly and confused easily"

My response was that she understood how to call a plumber, understood the work done, was happy and paid!

Apparently, her son is interested in the break down, I explained that she (customer) has an invoice but I will put a copy in the post, in the absence of any problem with the work I consider the matter closed. (Go away, leave me alone)

I haven't come across this before are we obliged to give break downs on invoices?

My initial reaction is NO, job done, paid for, no leaks, everyone happy. Move on.

I have no intention (unless you all say differently) to entertain a member of the family because they are too bone idol to step in and take control until its too late.

Id tell her son to do one.

I ordered a pair of jean the other day and they've come today.

It came with an invoice, and it just says £85.00. They haven't said how much they paid for the jeans and how much mark up they've put on, nor how much delivery actually costs them and the mark up on that.

I wanted some jeans, knew the price, ordere them and paid. Which is exactly like she has done.

Like you say, she was able enough to call you and pay up, now her sons involved. He's probably just sticking his oar in because he's jelous of what you are earning.

Tel, the pair of them to do one

 

[Destroyer2813]

Probably worried shes spending his inheritance

 

[dontknowitall]

This is easier said than done but what you could do is:

Contact son.

Explain that the last time you checked your solicitor or accountant never gave you a breakdown of all their telephone calls and letters - just a figure to pay.

Explain that of course you can provide a breakdown but it will cost £50 to cover the time involved and the postage.


Method two - ignore - they'll soon give in!!

 

[villa_tom]

Probably worried shes spending his inheritance

The thought had crossed my mind

its amazing how old people are always left on their own and no one gives a toss till money is involved. Then they all come out the woodwork trying to protect their windfall.

 

[secret squirrel]

I thought my initial response was fair, I was polite but had an edge, (so I was told), won't be quite as polite when they phone back, which he will.....

 

[downthesouth]

I break parts and labour down where required. But you did the job, she seemed happy and paid up. Bit late now for the son to get involved. Fair enough he is looking at for his mum but its a bit arse about face. I hate situations like this if he gets funny, it kind of gets your back up because he questions your integrity. Sure it wont get to that thou.

 

[secret squirrel]

Id tell her son to do one.

I ordered a pair of jean the other day and they've come today.

It came with an invoice, and it just says £85.00. They haven't said how much they paid for the jeans and how much mark up they've put on, nor how much delivery actually costs them and the mark up on that.

I wanted some jeans, knew the price, ordere them and paid. Which is exactly like she has done.

Like you say, she was able enough to call you and pay up, now her sons involved. He's probably just sticking his oar in because he's jelous of what you are earning.

Tel, the pair of them to do one

Honestly, jeans at £85...... you need to be going to primark......

 

[secret squirrel]

My like and thank button have disappeared but thanks for the responses,

£85 for jeans......

 

[downthesouth]

Its a sad state of affairs really, money can be horrid, well not money in itself peoples reactions to it.

 

[plumber0808]

The job has been and gone, invoiced, paid.

Personally would never breakdown little jobs, a big job if requested but only as a quotation not after all is done/finished.

The exact same thing happened to me a couple of years ago, big job invoiced and paid.
All of a sudden wants a breakdown, I didn't give them one and I never worked for them again, the trust had gone from both sides.

 

[nowucit]

Honestly, jeans at £85...... you need to be going to primark......

Haha ... Brilliant, nothing wrong with Primarny, unless of course your working in an Indian sweatshop.

 

[AWheating]

A simple breakdown of labour and materials is not a major issue and all i would offer.
You should ask for the son to contact you and discuss what if any concerns he has and be polite about the matter. It may be a simple case of your confirmation of a few things that puts his mind at ease and your customer happy.

 

[SimonG]

I'd be pretty dischuffed with the prat.

I'd be asking what's the problem with the job, what was the problem with the price and what the flaming hell it has to do with him.

If it's a can you come and do this then on the invoice I just put a simple Labour xx Parts xx Total xx. If they want anything more then it's 'oh and I forgot yy'

 

[armyash]

Some people.....

 

[PETE 123]

What about what we get told all the time sorry data protection i can only talk with the person concerned

 

[BLOD]

What about what we get told all the time sorry data protection i can only talk with the person concerned

Ha ha when he calls & fails your security questions just hang up

 

[royston]

I dont break anything down. Just invoice what ive done and how much its cost. Which is usually the same as they got quoted. Unless other things have cropped up and been agreed on. Been asked now and again how much things have cost verbally, but not needed to breakdown costs in writing. Tell him if he wants a complete breakdown it will cost for admin and time. Go to town on it from every screw used etc etc.

 

[dontknowitall]

I was asked for a breakdown a while back and gave labour and materials. This kept them quiet. (Also for an old person and the son had asked.)

I'm always reminded of the story from yonks ago about a surgeon who was asked by a father to provide a breakdown on costs of his son's operation (costing £1,000).

Bandages, etc £1
Knowledge on how to operate £999
Total £1,000

 

[mountainman]

Similar to the one
"£50, but you only hit it with a hammer"

"I only charged you £1 to hit it with my hammer, the other £49 was for knowing what to hit and where to hit it"

 

[Mrs Tara Plumbi]

Our quotes and invoices Usually just one price, we rarely give breakdown.

Whilst my instant reaction is indignant - like the rest of you. Job done she paid everyone happy too late to query the price now.

Legally - as far as I know you don't have to do anything and if they are not happy it up to them to take legal action.

But as a decent human try and see it from their point of view and ask the question they really want to know - which is was the old lady ripped off. - Because construction trade as whole has a bad image because of the few rouge traders.

If you don't want to give a breakdown just explain that is a reasonable rate for the work you did - which involved approx *** hours of time and driving to xxxx to get the part.

As I am NOT a plumber i think I often find it easier to see the customer's point of view. Most plumbing things just do sound really expensive. I am amazed at the high prices we charge - I keep checking the figures and I know we can't work for less! Customers often don't realise what a lot of work is involved in a "little job" or the specialist knowledge, tools, insurance and guarantee - cos you will go back and fix it again for free if it doesn't work.