Organized a Repair Job and Now Tradie Refusing to Go Ahead with Job

LRajIAmAWool on 02/12/2021 - 17:18

Organised a roof repair and got tradie to come out and quote a job.

Paid 50 dollars through direct deposit before tradie came out and gave quote.

Quote came to 1600 and agreed.

Tradie asked for 800 deposit.

This was also paid via direct deposit.

When quote was given this was agreed as a Cash job.

Now when it comes to finally doing the job tradie is asking for remaining 800 cash in hand.

I mentioned i would be more comfortable doing the same direct deposit as the 2 previous times, tradie has got angry and refusing to do job anymore saying i have reneged on verbal cash agreement.

Posting this to get feedback from OzBargain community, was my understanding of cash job wrong ? I had already paid half the amount via bank transfer and am not understanding why this cant be done for the remaining amount

Tradie is now saying he will refund 100 dollars and deliver the materials.

What are my options ?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • GG57 on 02/12/2021 - 17:26
    +12

    I'd pay the cash; that was the agreement.

    *Organized Agreed to pay cash for a Repair Job and Now Tradie Refusing to Go Ahead with Job Pay Cash

  • psyren89 on 02/12/2021 - 17:27

    https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/legal/legal-tender/

    However, refusal to accept legal tender in payment of an existing debt, where no other means of payment/settlement has been specified in advance, conceivably could have consequences in legal proceedings; for example, the creditor may be unable to enforce payment in any other form.

    These general comments about legal tender are offered only as a guide and should not be taken as legal advice. People who need clarification on these matters should obtain appropriate legal advice.

    • GG57 on 02/12/2021 - 17:29
      +4

      The tradie isn't refusing to accept cash; OP is refusing to pay cash (even though previously agreed)

      • psyren89 on 02/12/2021 - 18:11
        +1

        I realise. OP asked what his options are, the paragraph above was supposed to highlight that he didn't have any.

  • robbyjones on 02/12/2021 - 17:29
    +8

    Bank transfer isn't the same as cash. Transfer can be traced, physical cash handed over cannot unless they specifically declare it. If you agreed on cash then pay in cash.

  • SF3 on 02/12/2021 - 17:31
    +9

    remaining 800 cash in hand.

    Not talking about 8k here…

    Goto an ATM to get $800, and just pay with cash. You want the job done?

    Not sure what your struggle is with getting cash?

  • Hithere on 02/12/2021 - 17:35
    +2

    i have reneged on verbal cash agreement.

    This.

    Pay the tradie in cash as they requested and you agreed to or find another tradie - don't expect all your money back if you do.

  • Crow K on 02/12/2021 - 17:37
    +14

    Tradie is trying to keep the transaction from showing on his bank account - probably tax fraud or preventing someone else getting it (divorce, child support etc).

    If you're happy with the price, pay him cash (it will be interesting to see what sort of receipt you get, if any).

    If you don't want to deal with him, take your hundred back (but on insist on a receipt for the $700 he's charging you).

    For a victory lap, don't forget to dob him in: https://www.ato.gov.au/general/gen/making-a-tip-off/

    • MrThing on 02/12/2021 - 17:56
      +4

      agree, pay the cash to get the job done,

      then chuck the ATO a tip off as a parting gift

      • TilacVIP on 05/12/2021 - 10:02

        **** scumbag move. Regardless of the Tradies motives, if your ethics and moral don't allow you to do that, say so from the beginning & don't agree to a cash-in-hand job, then play the good law-abidding citizen & stab said tradie in the back. Absolute d!ck move.

        Leave the legals to the legal system.

    • parisienne on 02/12/2021 - 19:29

      My thoughts exactly.I be requesting a tax invoice.

    • LordSydney on 02/12/2021 - 19:58
      -1

      Eh. The first part but not the victory lap. It's not like they spend taxpayers hard-earned money wisely.

    • brendanm on 02/12/2021 - 20:06
      +7

      Indeed, more money is needed for pollies champagne breakfasts and helicopter trips.

      • subywagon on 02/12/2021 - 21:28
        +3

        Don't forget trips to Europe and corporate welfare for Gerry Harvey and our fossil fuel overlords.

      • Crow K on 03/12/2021 - 08:47

        Ha ha yeah, that's what happens when you pay your taxes! They pop another champagne cork!!

        • brendanm on 03/12/2021 - 09:35
          +6

          They sure don't spend it where it's needed, health, education etc.

          Qld politicians getting a 7% pay rise over the next few months. New politicians getting near $200k in "entitlements" on top of their salary. On average pollies pay rises are about 5% a year. Scumbags.

          • Lastchancetosee on 03/12/2021 - 12:37
            +1

            @brendanm: And the Federal Government is only sitting for about a fortnight in the first quarter of next year. Absolute disgrace.

  • Big Lenny on 02/12/2021 - 17:41
    +3

    he wants the cash to cheat the tax system and not declare his earnings

    • MrThing on 02/12/2021 - 17:55
      +9

      well duuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

    • k-rokfm on 02/12/2021 - 17:57
      +4

      Mr rocket scientist over here

      • subywagon on 02/12/2021 - 21:29
        +1

        Rocket surgeon you mean?

    • pharkurnell on 02/12/2021 - 17:58
      +2

      Thank you Captain Obvious….

    • solidussnake on 02/12/2021 - 22:11
      +1

      Ding ding ding we have a WinRAR

  • garetz on 02/12/2021 - 17:55

    You say the cash payment is paid on completion of job.

  • naruto128 on 02/12/2021 - 17:57
    +4

    This is why don't agree to cash jobs since they likely won't give receipt and no work warranty. If you insist he does the work or you report him to the ATO he may just stuff the job up and you have to then get another to do it properly

  • pharkurnell on 02/12/2021 - 17:57
    +3

    What are my options ?

    Pay the man… Im not sure what the issue really is?

  • bobbified on 02/12/2021 - 18:09
    +1

    ..this was agreed as a Cash job

    What else is there to say? Pay the guy in cash!

  • RajIAmAWool on 02/12/2021 - 18:11
    -7

    Thanks all for your comments, have managed to talk the Tradie down and he is accepting a prepayment of the remainder through bank transfer, fingers crossed the job gets done !!!!

    Next time I will check what method they want to be paid as I have paid through bank transfer on the spot for other cash jobs, different vendors of course.

    • bobbified on 02/12/2021 - 18:21
      +11

      Next time I will check what method they want to be paid

      You did - and you both agreed on 'cash'. If you want to insist on paying by bank transfer, then next time say "bank transfer". Avoids these kinds of problems.

    • bigticket on 02/12/2021 - 20:28
      +7

      Google the word "cash".
      Never unilaterally change an agreement and expect smooth sailing.
      Keep your word and friken pay in cash as agreed.

    • elgrande on 02/12/2021 - 23:42
      +3

      Prepayment?

      Cant wait for your next post.

  • upended on 02/12/2021 - 18:20
    +1

    Remember for next time, cash means cash - handover notes and coins. Best to ask a neighbour to be present as a witness to the transaction when cash is exchanged. Follow up with a message via SMS confirming that all payment is done and no money is owed.

  • Jugganautx on 02/12/2021 - 19:44
    +5

    Jesus christ my dude you never pay more than 10% deposit. I got 7 roof quotes for my repair and not one of the companies/contractors asked for any $50 callout fee either.

    You've got a dodgy one.

    • Traveller107 on 03/12/2021 - 07:14
      +1

      This^.
      And not sure why you've been nagged.

  • LordSydney on 02/12/2021 - 19:44
    +1

    Cash job = cash job.

    Let me spell it out.

    $850 is on the books.

    $800 is not.

    If you DD the $800, he'll have to declare it….

  • This Guy on 02/12/2021 - 19:47
    -3

    Ask the tradie if they want you to call the ATO for them. When they get up you, ask for your money back. Once you have your money back, call the ATO.

    Why?

    This scammer tried to steal $850 off you.

    • LordSydney on 02/12/2021 - 19:50
      +4

      "When quote was given this was agreed as a Cash job."

      He should stick to the deal agreed on.

    • MrBear on 03/12/2021 - 09:50
      +2

      This scammer tried to steal $850 off you.

      No, he is trying not to pay tax on the $850. Big difference.

      • This Guy on 04/12/2021 - 15:52
        -3

        You might need to reread OP's post:

        I had already paid half the amount via bank transfer

        tradie has got angry and refusing to do job anymore

        Tradie gave OP bank details for bank transfer. Tradie has half the payment. Tradie's excuse for not doing the work is:

        saying i have reneged on verbal cash agreement.

        Tradie is a conman.

        • MrBear on 05/12/2021 - 16:21
          +2

          I think you need to re-read the OP's description. Half was a deposit (which also accounted for materials the tradie purchased), now the remainder is for doing the installation.

          Now when it comes to finally doing the job tradie is asking for remaining 800 cash in hand.

          He isn't a conman, he gave a job based on cash job and OP agreed to this (which often is cheaper and doesn't include GST if the tradie keeps it off the books). That just makes the Tradie a tax-dodger but OP is okay with is because he got a cheaper deal.

          Now OP doesn't want to pay cash after agreeing to it. So if it went on the books, the price would go up and GST would be added. The Tradie decided it wasn't worth the hassle, so isn't going ahead with it which is their decision, so the Tradie is providing the materials purchased from the original deposit + $100.

          OP is getting their money back (materials + remaining cash) so isn't being fleeced.

          No con was involved. All parties were aware.

          • This Guy on 06/12/2021 - 11:18
            -1

            @MrBear: You are right, I missed the comment on materials + $100 refund.

            Tax fraud is fraud.

            If the tradie wanted cash and not an excuse to breach a verbal agreement, the tradie would never have given their bank details to OP.

            I highly doubt materials cost anywhere near $750. If the tradie is happy to steal from every other Australian, why would they hesitate to steal from OP?

    • TilacVIP on 05/12/2021 - 10:07

      Some people just don't realise, tradies are sometimes not the type of people you mess with.

      You would really go to those lengths, threats & calling the ATO ??? For what????

  • Drakesy on 02/12/2021 - 20:02

    direct deposit /= cash
    OP is having a laugh

    Tradies do this all the time to reduce tax. But the tradie did say that was the price for cash.

    JUST PAY THE MAN HIS CASH.

  • El cheepo on 02/12/2021 - 20:27
    +1

    Big sooshi mango vibes from the tradie 😂

  • SmiTTy on 02/12/2021 - 23:12
    +1

    Sorry off topic. But Shouldn't u only be paying him after the jobs done anyway? Uve already paid half of it as the deposit.

  • Traveller107 on 03/12/2021 - 07:07
    +1

    I don't understand why you're making a full off-the-books cash payment even before the job has started?? And I've never seen a tradie demand to be paid for a quote even before they come out for the quote!
    Both the things above are wrong on so many levels and not a practice you should be supporting. Not only is it illegal but you're also putting yourself at the mercy of someone who obviously is a fraud. If they are scamming the tax system then they won't think twice about scamming you. Did you even check if they are registered, licensed and insured?

    • GG57 on 03/12/2021 - 08:31

      Not only is it illegal

      It is not illegal to pay someone in cash.

      • Traveller107 on 03/12/2021 - 09:54

        It isnt illegal to pay cash but it is illegal to cheat the tax office and that is precisely what the tradie is doing and the op assisting.

        • GG57 on 03/12/2021 - 10:58
          +1

          Only the tradie knows if that is the case or not.
          The tradie wants cash; it is legal tender. In this case, it isn't a lot of cash (easy to obtain).

          You and others assume the tradie wants to avoid taxation, but they could also put it through their books as a cash receipt.

          OP is not assisting; they are paying for the works to be done.

        • BeamMeUp on 03/12/2021 - 13:38
          +1

          Sorry I am putting my money on Travellor107’s view. This Tradie asks for cash and putting it through as a business cash recipient, hmmm, I highly doubt it.

          • GG57 on 03/12/2021 - 13:47
            +2

            @BeamMeUp: Again, neither of us know. Only the tradie knows.

            We should be focussing on OP agreeing to the payment terms, and then reneging. That's not good.

  • Hirolol on 03/12/2021 - 07:54
    +1

    Call the tradie, apologise, pay cash, get the job done and get over it.

  • Traveller107 on 03/12/2021 - 10:07

    This is a troll post! Nobody is silly enough to make FULL CASH payment to a shady tradie before any works start. Just doesn't happen. Nope.

  • BeamMeUp on 03/12/2021 - 13:33
    +1

    Never pay for a quote from a Tradesman. If you are having trouble finding one just keep hunting.
    Don’t agree to a cash job even part cash and even if you get a cheap quote, they are just dodging paying tax and you will have no complete money trail for your work.
    Get a complete written quote that includes all materials required that have itemised costs.
    If you need to pay a small agreed deposit that must be listed in the quote. If it’s a bigger job that requires progressive payments these should also be itemised and the job milestones the payments are due on, milestones are work done not just dates.
    If you did agree to a cash job pay it as cash, not bank transfer, these are traceable by the tax department who will watch a small business owners accounts. Never pay the balance of a cash job up front, you are destined to be stitched up.

  • jrvb42 on 03/12/2021 - 15:56

    You got a lower price so the tradie could avoid tax by getting cash. Bank deposits so far cover the materials, so tradie can break even (that's what they'll show the ATO). Final 800 can't go into a bank account, because the ATO would see that in an audit.

    Bottom line is he is avoiding tax, and you are aiding that. I think both are illegal.

    You should pay cash as agreed, but if either of you think there is a moral issue re an "honourable" handshake contract to "illegally" avoid tax, maybe you could both approach the ATO for an opinion.

    • brendanm on 03/12/2021 - 17:28
      +1

      you are aiding that. I think both are illegal.

      Hahaha, it's illegal for op to pay for a service with legal tender? Whether the tradie is paying tax or not has absolutely nothing to do with the op.

  • Euphemistic on 06/12/2021 - 20:54

    If you agree to a cash job, you are getting it cheaper because it’s off the books. If you tell him you can’t do folding money cash, you need to ask for a full price quote.

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