maxi77
Active member
Last year we ordered £3000 worth of kit at the Raymarine stand at the LBS, and paid in full there and then. As we subsequently found out, we weren't actually buying direct from RM but from a dealer that helped them staff the stand.
3 weeks later that dealer went bust and we received nothing. Fortunately as some (not all) of the purchases had been paid for by credit card and as RM took an 'enlightened view' we were able to minimise the loss.
However after that experience I said never again would I pay up front for later delivery/manufacture unless by credit card.
I have now fallen foul of that promise to myself with an order for some custom made items from a small company (with an excellent reputation, but it is small - not even VAT registered) that wants 50% deposit with order but does not offer credit card facilities.
I have made the point that if Comet can go bust anyone can go bust; indeed RM would not have chosen anyone they thought as being in financial trouble to help staff their stand. Once bitten twice shy and all that.
The business owner is basically saying in that case he doesn't want the work. Fine - you say - go elsewhere then. However most other businesses providing the same service are also small and would require 50% deposits and wouldnt have credit card facilities
I dont think the actual cost of materials is more than maybe 25% of the total cost so what is to be done?
I have found an escrow service https://www.trustedfriend.com that charges a flat £3 fee (which i would be happy to bear). Is it unreasonable to expect the tradesman to agree to use this service.
I feel that he has taken umbrage that I am effectively calling his financial health into question, but I see that as no different than his asking for a 50% deposit - I take no offence at that, I just want my cash protected!
I'd be interested in others views. I have deliberately not said whatthe item of equipment in question is as I dont wish anyone to speculate on which company it is. Until we hit this impasse I was highly impressed by their level of service and if I can resolve this problem I very much wish to use them so i dont want to bad-mouth anyone here!
Thanks for any advice.
Simple if you don't like his Ts & Cs go to a bigger company and pay their price, and the 20% vat on top.
If he is small enough to avoid VAT he is unlikely to be able to carry a big overdraft for WIP especially in the present climate, just the risk you take for low prices.