To think that if you get an invoice you dont NEED to pay it immediately?

[Hundredthmillionthdiet]

Context : used a new mechanic to repair car who issues invoices. Its taken 4 weeks to get the invoice and I've said to OH we can pay it when we get paid on Wednesday. OH wants to pay it now out savings , I'd rather not as more often than not the money doesn't get replaced (that's our issue not mechanics')

I'm not disputing paying it - of course not. Just opinions. Usually invoices will say pay withing x number of days which I've asked him to double check. Just wondering what's reasonable, as I'm sure there will be times cars need fixed etc and people to have the money immediately to hand.

Same as if too costly would say no /need to save etx

I like the sound of your husband.

me too

But you have known for a month that it needs paying so why did you not set the money aside in anticipation of the certain knowledge that you would be receiving an invoice and needed to pay your debt for the work?

You are mistaken about legally having 30 days. The person providing the service can ask for payment on issue or any length of time they want.

Are you in the UK OP? I have never come across a garage that doesn't have the invoice made up ready for payment before you take the car.

I use an independent mechanic, he collects the car from my house and drops it back again, and when I first started using him he would send the invoice a few weeks later. However I haven't paid him for anything he's done to my car for over two years, as he hasn't invoiced me ! Every time I see him I ask / remind him and he just laughs and says he'll get to it. I have been putting money aside for when he eventually does, but as OP says it's a bit tricky when I have no clue how much it will be !

Stop asking him. If he doesn't pursue for 6 years from when you acknowledge a debt then there is no legal recourse to pursue it! Hopefully he is a better mechanic than businessman.

I'd feel really mean doing that ! He's an excellent mechanic and a lovely guy, just as you say an absolutely hopeless businessman !

https://www.gov.uk/invoicing-and-taking-payment-from-customers/payment-obligations#:~:text=Unless%20you%20agree%20a%20payment,of%20what%20you're%20owed.

Are you ok?
You seem v bothered by me.
Maybe think about why.

@Doteycat I'm fine thanks, yourself?

We use our local garage. Local enough that the owner’s mum is a neighbour.
He’s a lovely guy but never has the invoice ready. In the past before he sent them out I used to pop in and remind him regularly. I usually pay within a week of it arriving. He seems fine with that as he treats us well. I also never know how much it’s going to be for regular jobs but trust he’ll do his best for us. I’ve just had an invoice for front tyres and brake pads and waited a couple of days until pay day. I’m sure we’ll carry on getting the same good treatment we’ve had in the past.

Most invoices state the due date for payment - typically a month.
If it doesn't, and given that it's not a business to business transaction, it there's no due date stated I wouldn't assume a month - but in this instance I'd probably email back a "thanks for the invoice, bank transfer is going through on Wednesday"
Mechanic knows it's coming, won't need to chase.
If he needed faster payment he should've sent the invoice when he did the repairs, not four weeks later.