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.

 

[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.