Been asked if I can provide an invoice

[Kanpai]

So to put a long story short, I listed some pc parts on gumtree and I received a message from a user asking if I'd be able to produce an invoice.

I asked the question why and the response was they wanted to class it as an expense on his company name (not registered in UK).

Never been asked such a thing before, but does this sound dodgy or is this common practice?

 

[bremen1874]

Seems like a reasonable request.

 

[Deleted member 77746]

Probably to claim some sort of tax back.

 

[Tee Hee Johnson]

Thought vat on business expenses could only be claimed on new bought items, not 2nd hand.

 

[bremen1874]

It's only a glorified receipt he'll be after. Something to put through the books.

Only dodgy if he wants it made out for more than he paid.

Edit: Unless the OP is VAT registered there isn't going to be any VAT involved. The actual cost of the parts can still be offset against profit.

 

[peterwalkley]

Isn't the stock response here: I am not a shop.

 

[Rroff]

expense on his company name (not registered in UK).

It might be a limited company trading under another name?

 

[mjt]

Not dodgy at all. He could be self employed or whatever and wants to claim the cost.

As mentioned above, if you're not a business, you'll be providing a glorified receipt.

 

[Puzzled]

Just do a quick receipt, name (address if u like) parts, cost.

Done

 

[DJ85]

Send an invoice through PayPal would that count?

 

[Tony Edwards]

Nothing that dodgy.

Until he asks you to send it to Africa but his Paypal account is playing up so wants to pay via money transfer.

As with anything when selling on Gumtree be careful when meeting strangers to exchange items for cash.

Also http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/...items-going-Im-thinking-taking-seriously.html

 

[lurkio]

if you operating as a business you have to give a receipt
if not, then it is up to you

 

[booyaka]

Gumtree & business & not UK registered......I'd run a mile.

Is he picking the items up and paying cash? If not stay WELL clear!!

I bet the next thing he'll ask you is to ship to some dodgy address and he'll pay via Paypal plus a bit on top to cover your time.....classic sign of scammer.

Cash only - face to face deal - otherwise - stay well clear

 

[WantoN]

I’d just do one, you can knock it up on word and state explicitly that you are not a shop and the goods are second hand sold as seen.

 

[Pudney]

It's good practice for businesses to get a receipt/invoice for purchases, provides a paper trail in case authorities ever check.

 

[WantoN]

It's good practice for businesses to get a receipt/invoice for purchases, provides a paper trail in case authorities ever check.

It’s pretty much a necessity.

 

[Pudney]

It’s pretty much a necessity.

It is if you want an easy life!

 

[WantoN]

It is if you want an easy life!

Christ, there’s a truth if I ever saw one!

 

[cainer]

Gumtree & business & not UK registered......I'd run a mile.

Is he picking the items up and paying cash? If not stay WELL clear!!

I bet the next thing he'll ask you is to ship to some dodgy address and he'll pay via Paypal plus a bit on top to cover your time.....classic sign of scammer.

Cash only - face to face deal - otherwise - stay well clear

this, the buyer is trying to soften you up and make you think he's legit, Gumtree is face to face cash, next he'l ask you to post it to him.... run like ****

 

[dowie]

Probably to claim some sort of tax back.

what tax is he going to claim back on second hand goods.. a private seller isn't VAT registered

on the other hand it isn't exactly unusual for a business to account for its spending