Took my Skoda Superb estate 2012 to a (reputable,) independent repair centre for a rear coil spring replacement today. I'd never been to this garage before. When I asked for a receipt for the repair the technician said the garage would waive the VAT if I didn't request a receipt. Apparently the person who normally dealt with receipts was unavailable for a bit because he had another job to do.

 

Is it common for independent garages to do this in similar circumstances? 

 

I wasn't expecting this proposition to be put to me because I've not taken many cars in for servicing or repairs over the years.

Edited 8 September, 20214 yr by 2006edr

So Cash in Hand at a VAT Registered establishment will be a 'Nod as good as a wink to the blind donkey'.  

Part of the Shadow Economy that exists and is cheating the Treasury / HMRC / UK population. 

 

You are not supposed to broadcast it.    No receipts, no records and really you have no comeback unless that same person deals with it. 

 

 

 

43 minutes ago, 2006edr said:

Is it common for independent garages to do this

Aside from the tax fraud aspect, you have no paper trail and no comeback if you have a problem.

No VAT + no receipt = 0 warranty. "Yeah, that'll be alright, mate" does not equal a warranty.

It probably is quite common, I would think. What did you decide? 

 

 

 

Oh, and brace yourself for someone to announce that the world is going to end if you just had the one spring done, not the axle pair; irrespective of the VAT issue.

I chose this particular garage because it was reputed to be one of the best in the area. It was approved by Which? Trusted Traders and it was registered with the Motor Ombudsman. Online reviews were good, it was also significantly cheaper than other garages for the same repair.

 

I had little choice other than to pay the VAT, I needed the receipt because I wanted formal proof of the repair being done.

 

 

Edited 8 September, 20214 yr by 2006edr

@2006edr

The Owners / Directors maybe allow employees to be at it, maybe they are at it as well, but someone was at it.

 

Plenty have work done or buy goods for cash in hand and at a bargain price.    You pay your money and take the chance.  MP's do it with people they use.