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We had two sets of customers place their orders with us today. Normally this wouldn’t be such a big deal but what surprised us is that both of them said that they weren’t at all bothered about paying the higher VAT rate which comes into force from 1st January. Bear in mind also that these customers had originally been quoted in June, they both had plenty of time to place their order with the 15% VAT applied.
I think what this shows us is that when the VAT rate officially goes back up to 17.5%, just like when the VAT rate was lowered last year, it’s not going to make the slightest bit of difference. This can allay any fears that a rise in VAT would cause damage to consumer confidence.
What is also good to see is that we are still doing decent levels of business despite the time of year. This months figures so far have shot way past last December’s which is great to see. It is important to sell a good handful of jobs in December to give the installation teams healthy levels of work to come back. There is no worse way to start the New Year than a spluttering one, scrapping to find the odd window here and door there to fit.
>Just a thought,
They both could avoid the VAT increase by paying in full now!
Regards
Alex
>You try selling that one to a customer who's placed a £25,000 order lol. Did cross my mind though!
>I've done it before!
I sold a 22k conservatory once and we needed a 20% deposit.
Before the customer wrote the cheque, he said if I pay you in full, how much discount will you give me. So we agreed a 2.5% discount and he did it!
Alex
>It's great if you can get it, I don't think the salesman wanted to rock the boat lol.
>Companies claim vat back? I have read bits of your blog and my opinion of double glazing has not changed, its an unprofessional industry run by mostly old aged failed sales people. If i was you I would jump ship asap, try getting a field sales job selling doors / glass etc into major house builders with a large professional firm, have a look on monster or bms sales website. Or just wait for your boss to go bust and then start up again under new name and just watch another 3 years of your life go buy while you… Read more »
>Dear anonymous What has got your back up so much?!I beg to differ on all of the points you make, and I would go into detail but I fear it would just fall on deaf eyes and ears, therefore wasting my time. What is interesting me however is who you may be. I doubt that you are a customer, as very few make comments on any blog. You are more likely to be someone in our industry, perhaps someone who knows who I am. But definately someone who has had a bad experience with, or at the hands of a… Read more »