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.