Tradesman not confirming receipt of funds

[KettleOn919]

I had some work done on my house last weekend, and paid the business owner by bank transfer immediately the team had left (business owner was not present). Texted him to let him know that money had left my account, and he said thanks and that he would confirm later.

Five days later, I still don't have confirmation that my money arrived in his account. I've texted and emailed asking for confirmation, and each time been told that he would "check later". I am scratching my head a little over this. Am I being ridiculous to expect to want confirmation that my money hasn't disappeared or gone to the wrong account? Obviously I also want to get my receipt and guarantees, and this can't happen until payment is confirmed.

I have no reason not to trust this company; I was satisfied with the work, they have great reviews on a number of sites and I believe were recommended on here by somebody a few years ago. Just one thing though; the name on the bank account I had to send payment to was not the name of the business or the owner that I had been dealing with. Does that sound normal?

Thanks for any help!

phone and speak to him personally.

Who gave you the other bank account details, and was it personally or by text or email?

Thanks, PigletJohn. He rang me a few minutes after his team had left my house on Saturday, and asked if it was OK to text the bank details for the transfer. I paid the money as soon as I received the details, and the money left my account right away. Everything seemed very efficient up to that point.

I shall try to speak to him this afternoon. Was hoping not to have to, as I tend to trip over my words and get in a mess! I'm much clearer when expressing myself in writing.

Does he need to confirm it?

If you have put in the correct account details you have proof you paid him.

The OP is also waiting for a receipt. I suspect he does his admin at the weekend or someone does it for him and he'll get back to you after then.

Local tradesmen can be really slow with their paperwork. My record is waiting over 3 months for an invoice. I emailed to apologise for missing it when I received it - I assumed he was resending because I hadn't paid - and he emailed back to say no worries, he'd only just got around to issuing it. Probably not the best way to stay in business.

Yep, you're right... I can understand having to wait for the formal paperwork. It's just that he did originally say he would "confirm later" when I notified him that payment had left my account. I took that to mean later that day.

Ah well, maybe I'm being a bit fussy but... you know, it's not unheard of for banks to lose transactions or deposit them in the wrong account (and yes I did check the details several times before sending the transfer... no "fat finger syndrome" here!)

The same plumber I mentioned above gave me the wrong bank details first time around and the bank returned it almost immediately. I think if there's an error like that there's a high chance of the bank picking it up because the sort code/account number don't match. Annoying when a quick check on his part could set your mind at rest though.