Removal service payment in cash?

[lalaear]

We are moving tomorrow after a long and drawn out selling/conveyancing process and I am just wanted to gather opinion on the moving side of things.

We are having a full pack and removal service and it will be done over two days as the new property is about 140 miles from where we currently are.

I have paid a deposit of 20% to our movers and up until now have not had an inkling of doubt about them - they came around, I checked (very positive, recent) reviews and have been in regular email contact with them.

However, they are insisting that I pay the balance due in cash and this for some reason is making me slightly uncomfortable.

Has anyone done it like this and is it the normal way to do it? I assumed I would send a bank transfer that afternoon/night but they are saying I need to give the guys the cash in hand?

The money might be going straight to the actual removers, with the deposit being the fee for the firm? Some carpet laying firms work like this I found 😁

You could always ask them why?

Fuel and the overnight extras for the movers is my guess.

It's normal to pay in advance. Get a receipt. I wouldn't be comfortable about paying cash - ask them why and say you would be more comfortable paying by bank transfer or card.

Thanks for the replies!
I also assumed that the money would be going straight to the guys doing the move so perhaps that is the reason.
I did ask, but was just told that it is common practice.

They are driving from our current home very early the day after the packing rather than staying overnight in the new city, but it will be about a 4-5 hour drive (each way) for them so very feasible it would cover petrol/food/wages/expenses.

An invoice showing settlement is going to be sent after the cash has been paid over so I may just be in the final moving highly strung phase of the process and worrying unnecessarily.

And yes, now that you mention it, we have paid carpet fitters in cash on the day also so not obviously not uncommon - thanks!

Thanks Wowfudge.
I am going to ask whoever I end up giving the cash to, to sign something to acknowledge receipt. I will then call the company and let them know I have done so.
Was totally happy to pay the 20% deposit upfront and fully expected to do so to secure the booking, I just then assumed the balance would be paid the same way via bank transfer and it threw me when they asked for cash.
I emailed yesterday and said I wasn't comfortable giving cash and would prefer card/transfer but was told cash was the way it needed to be done.