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Original poster

Ethical dilemma: would you contact a workman who has apparently forgotten to send a bill?

29 replies

BlauerEngel · 07/04/2010 10:10

About a month ago we had a tree surgeon round to crown our copper beech. We only had a verbal agreement that he would charge 300 euros including VAT. I had the feeling he would have preferred cash in hand, but we insisted on it being above board with an invoice (in Germany 'home improvement costs' are tax-deductible).

He did the job fine and we waited for an invoice. Which hasn't come yet.

By chance I was talking to my tax adviser last week and mentioned it to him. Legally (in Germany) we have no obligation to contact him or to pay him, as he has not billed us for his work. In fact we are forbidden from even attempting to pay him until we get an invoice.

So it's becoming an ethical dilemma. Up to now I've been hoping to circumvent the situation by telling myself he's a bit sloppy in his admin and the invoice will arrive tomorrow, but tomorrow is looking increasingly like a manana (or at least it would do if I had the squiggle over the n).

So in all honesty, would you contact him and ask him to send the bill? Or would you just leave it and have 300 euro extra for yourself? I wouldn't have so many qualms about a large company, by the way, but he's self-employed.

OP posts:

Portoeufino · 07/04/2010 10:19

I'd ring him. Karma and all that....

Rhian82 · 07/04/2010 10:22

I'd contact him. Partly cos you do owe him the money, and partly cos otherwise I'd be worried that he'd chase me for it somewhere down the line when I didn't have it spare.

Original poster

BlauerEngel · 07/04/2010 11:06

Thanks both of you. You're right - what goes around comes around. One problem we had was that I'd lost his card with his phone number, but I've just spoken to our next-door neighbour (who knows the guy personally) and he has promised to mention it to him that we need an invoice. Now I just need to remember that 300 euros in my account is actually spoken for...

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Ethics & human rights

SuSylvester · 07/04/2010 11:06

everyone will say yes
but they wouldnt in rl

StayingDavidTennantsGirl · 07/04/2010 11:44

I don't think you can say that, Su - some people might not contact him, but I suspect they'd be honest about it, and I think it is wrong of you to suggest that the people who say they would contact the workman, are actually liars. You might know someone or some people who'd say they'd ring the workman, but would be lying - doesn't mean that's true of everyone.

I would ring him and chase the invoice - though my household admin is pretty disorganised, and it might take me a while to notice I hadn't had the invoice in the first place.

electra · 07/04/2010 11:46

I think eventually he will realise his mistake, especially if he's self-employed so at least keep the money available to pay him when you do get the invoice and be prepared that it will come.

I think I would just pay it as if you don't it is stealing really, isn't it?

electra · 07/04/2010 11:48

PS - it makes no difference if the person is self-employed or it's a large company imo...

OrmRenewed · 07/04/2010 11:50

Yes.

He might be a bit inefficient with his paperwork but as long as he did the job well he has earned his pay.

skidoodly · 07/04/2010 11:51

I would contact him and ask for an invoice. I might do this twice if I didn't hear back.

If none was forthcoming after that I would not contact him again.

electra · 07/04/2010 11:53

I know SE people who leave it 6 months before sending an invoice!

BuzzingNoise · 07/04/2010 11:55

I wouldn't contact him.

StealthPolarBear · 07/04/2010 11:57

yes & we are doing with a roofer we owe

TiredWife · 07/04/2010 11:59

Many SE people do monthly invoicing or have an accountant do it monthly. It may just be that your work missed the last 'invoice run' and is on its way.

Agree with Electra - doesn't matter whether it's a small SE person or a large company - the ethics are the same...

suitejudyblue · 07/04/2010 12:08

Could it be that he has sent you the bill but its been lost in the post and he is wondering why you haven't paid him yet?
This happened to me recently and when I conatacted the tradesman it turned out that he still had one very small bit of finishing off to do (which I had forgotten about) and wouldn't send me the bill untill it was done.
Shame on you cynical Su

EccentricaGallumbits · 07/04/2010 12:11

Ah Su. I'm obviously more virtuous than everybody else.

I phoned the plumber last week to remind hm to send me a bill.

[wish there was a smiley with a halo]

SuSylvester · 07/04/2010 12:50

lol

StayingDavidTennantsGirl · 07/04/2010 12:57

Ah - but which would get more use on Mumsnet - a smiley with a halo, or one with cats-bum-mouth?

SuSylvester · 07/04/2010 12:57

i do think there isa moral " ooh we must do the right thing" on mn that is perfectly commendable but i often wonder if everyone is as virtuous as they say

SoupDragon · 07/04/2010 12:59

"everyone will say yes
but they wouldnt in rl "

I would. My tree surgeon is a small concern who need the money. However, I usually pay him cash (unless he's trimming my hedge whilst I'm not there [snurk]) I wouldn't deliberately rip him off.

SuSylvester · 07/04/2010 13:00

oh bollocks soupy
you put out for him

SuSylvester · 07/04/2010 13:01

no I dont think people woudl intend not to pay - they would just wait a long time to be reminded

StayingDavidTennantsGirl · 07/04/2010 13:01

Well, Su - I am an absolute model of virtue - practically perfect in every way - which is why I am still in my dressing gown at 1pm, on mumsnet, and ignoring the housework!

OrmRenewed · 07/04/2010 13:01

DH was self-employed for ages. I know how damaging it would be for our finances if a job wasn't paid for. So I wouldn't do it to anyone else. Nothing to do with being virtuous, just to do with having empathy.

SuSylvester · 07/04/2010 13:02

i am in sweaty hot pants and top.
unwashed
eww

StayingDavidTennantsGirl · 07/04/2010 13:08

I may drag myself away from the pc and put some clothes on, Su. Though it will be too late, as I have just had to sign for a parcel - the nice man didn't make any comment about my slovenliness (though he couldn't see the kitchen floor).

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