Dog walker wants cash in hand

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Started using a new dog walker in January, as old one moved away. Today he messaged and asked if I can start paying cash. Ive been paying by bank transfer and always on time. AIBU to think no, you can be paid through the correct channels like everyone else. For the record he charges towards the higher rate for the area, so it's not like I'm getting a bargain.

What’s unreasonable about asking for cash? Cash is the correct channel just like bank transfer etc

What's the problem ?

Cash is as correct as any other method of payment.

Erm, I use cash in shops. Does that mean they are doing something wrong?

Cash is a correct channel - it is, as they say, legal tender.

Bank transfer cost the seller - cash is free.
It may be more inconvienent for you I accept, however many people prefer dealing in cash andd that's fair enough

What do you mean by correct channel?
It's 'correct' to pay by whatever means you want to surely?

I pay in shops by cash every week, should I be telling them they're doing it wrong?

If you don't want to pay by cash find a new dog walker

Interesting that you’re assuming he has nefarious reasons for wanting cash.

I’d assume he’s just getting fed up of chasing people who forget to pay, say they’ll pay asap and don’t and the likes. Much less chasing required in cash payments.

I'm not keen on paying cash in hand as I don't want to be indirect contributing to tax evasion, benefits fraud and underpaying child maintenance. I also don't generally have much cash around.

How hard is it to find another dog walker?

Yes that is correct. Op mentioned paying by the correct channel. And cash is just that

I’d guess he was either avoiding tax or avoiding child maintenance, neither sit right with me.

The risk of this happening with shops is small. Self-employed trades people not so much.

Why do you assume you're are contributing to that? Cash in a business can just as easily be accounted for. No reason to think it’s for tax evasion etc

Tell him you will for a discount.

For something like this I would expect to pay cash. Why would you have a problem?

You run the risk of him deciding you are too much hassle as a client if you insist on ignoring his preferred method of payment. Are there a lot of choices of dog walker in your area, or will it be inconvenient to have to find another one?

There are a lot of Dog walkers in my area and they all ask for cash!! My Sister pays her Dog walker in cash I think it’s the done thing now a days 🤔

They only thing I’d be concerned about if they were insured and had correct training

method of payment is irrelevant there’s a whole new thing about using cash to enable people to budget better
Martin Lewis has said about old school budgeting using envelopes of cash for certain things

We’ve always paid the dog walker in cash. Happy to.

I have a business where most clients pay in cash, it’s all accounted for and taxed accordingly. Paying cash means I’m not paying bank charges and keep more of the money I’m paid. Given I pay 50% tax and NI on my small business, another 2% in bank charges makes a difference to it being viable to trade at all. It’s not always about avoiding fiscal responsibility.

Cash is a pain though, who has cash on them regularly these days? I’d have to make a special trip to the ATM to get it, I’d much rather pay with a bank transfer.

Whether someone’s paying their taxes is their own business to sort but I couldn’t be bothered with the hassle, I pay my dog walker with a standing order.

Just say no if you rather stay as it is see what he says.
Up to him if he stays or ends service with you.

That’s a very bold guess… how can you assume that when you know nothing about the person or the business

Not a pain at all. I pay for many things in cash, never an issue.
each to there own really, no matter either way

I never have cash on me and it would be a deal breaker for me if someone didn't accept bank transfer

The question is whether the cash in hand goes through their books or not. It is often not a good sign for a business to insist on cash. And do they have insurance if they are sailing a bit close to the wind?

how much do you pay?