Company refusing credit card payments - would this put you off making a purchase for £2000+?

[00982ruser]

I have had a quote from a company for some work in my home, which I was planning to accept. The quote is for £2000+, and the company has asked for a 50% deposit to be paid by bank transfer.

Just wondering how other mumsnetters would feel about this? I usually make big purchases on my credit card because of the consumer protection you get with card payments, however the company does not accept credit cards. I feel a bit reluctant to transfer this money as I have not dealt with this company before (they were recommended to me by another business, so not a personal recommendation as such).

Am I being over cautious, or should I go back to the drawing board and start looking for another contractor?

I would be extremely cautious....it sounds dodgy to me. Especially as they don't take cards.....😧😧

I would certainly err on the side of caution. Depending on what the purchase is too..... i.e. is it for building work - I wouldn't think it odd a builder doesn't take cc but if purchasing windows/conservatory/kitchen then yes very strange x

It depends on the service. Retail companies - I would expect them to accept cards. Builders -I would not.

Receiving money by credit costs businesses 1 to-2.5% in fees plus the hassle if people raise disputes.

You protect yourself with builders etc by agreeing quotes in writing and paying in instalments.

Thanks for the replies 🙂

Not a builder, it’s a quote to supply & install a new front door.

In that case I think it's very odd. Ring a few other companies that offer the same and ask if they take credit card as payment. That'll give you a clearer idea too 👍

I wouldn’t expect to pay for a new front door and installation with a credit card

If it's a local installer then I wouldn't expect them to take card. We had our doors and windows done a few years ago and the local company was just invoice / bank transfer. I also understand the upfront deposit as the cost is mostly (made to order) materials.

Obviously just make sure you are happy they are legitimate before transferring the money.

Agree that this sort of company often doesn't take credit cards and it's not necessarily a red flag.

Are they established in your area with premises you can visit? Have they been around for a while?

Are there any Google reviews, comments on their social media, that sort of thing?

Obviously if they're online that probably is a red flag but then if they were online they should be taking credit cards, so if not, that would be a concern.

When we ordered new doors recently the ts&cs said they only accepted bank transfer, but when it came to paying they were happy to take card.

Run a mile.

Ever tried to buy a car on credit card?
Some of these purchases just cost too much in fees to make it worth running a card system.
FWIW, we paid for a new door by bank transfer (all be it with 0 deposit, so no money transfered until we had our door).

You need to trust the company. He's going to have the keys to your front door (literally). If you aren't happy, go elsewhere. But I don't think it's unusual.

Are they a local family run business? Have they got good reviews from genuine customers?

It's very normal for small, local trades not to take card.

DH and I are both self-employed and neither of us accept card payments. Cash or bank transfer only.

Credit cards cost small businesses a lot of money.
2% fee (American express charge about this) on a £2000 purchase is £40

That’s huge. So I understand wanting bank transfer

It's normal for this type of company not to take credit cards unfortunately.
Check reviews, check Companies House.

I would look elsewhere. You have no comeback should things go wrong.

Interestingly, l had some works done on the house several years ago. The company told me they would not accept credit cards. I said that l would look elsewhere. All of a sudden, yes, we will take a credit card.

Local family businesses and those with good reviews can still go to the wall. If you pay on a credit card you have protection. In addition card rates past on to companies are much lower than they used to be.

I've never paid for any type of home service like this on a credit card nor have I been given the option too. They have all been through bank transfer. I have just had a new window fitted and new carpet as recently as yesterday. I would say it is absolutely normal. Just make sure you are ordering from a reputable company that's all.

Why? It's fairly standard for this type of company not to accept credit cards. It doesn't mean they're dodgy.

Reputable companies can go bust too. Thomas Cook (UK)? BHS? Woolworth?

I would imagine many tradespeople who provide a service don't usually take cards.

I know some people do invoices and you receive them any pay them. Often with bank details.

Some things you can't always pay by credit card, we could put the deposit of our touring caravan on a credit card but we had to pay the balance by bank transfer or debit card, annoying as we got points with the credit card. It's sometimes same when buying from car dealers, probably some other purchases are the same.

Slightly different scenario, the OP is being asked for money up front. I assume your final caravan payment was after you had it?

If you pay a small part with a credit card then you will be covered by section 75, maybe you can do that

I would t trust