Forum Topic

hand car wah

being the mother of a three year old who loves to get whatever hes eating right into the seats and on the floor, my car always needs cleaning. ive tried nearly everyone of these places in our local area i have never happy with the result. i fell no sooner had i got out it was finished and was being asked for the money. living in a flat its impossible to do it myself (ok i am lazy!). today i tried the new one behind nat west bank in brentford high street. they spent about 45 minutes and cleaned every bit of my car. even getting all the stains out of seats. they have a system whereas 2nd visit is half price and 3rd visit is free. that in itself is good deal but they were so friendly and helpful. my car is the cleanest its ever been. will never go anywhere elso now - well worth a visit.

M Dowling ● 7450d12 Comments

This is job creation for the sake of it---maybe they could polish your shoes too...

Keith Iddon ● 7447d

no,that's partly the problem. we only know about them what they tell us.i don't know whether they are on benefits or mugging people as you say. if they are not, what is the problem with asking them or finding out?

Keith Iddon ● 7447d

as i have said on the chiswick site - why do you use them then!

M Dowling ● 7448d

YES we can assume that they..the ones at Windmill Road.... are not registered for VAT..otherwise they would be able to issue proper Vat receipts when cash is handed to them...or at write their Vat number on the scraps of paper they issue. I have asked for a VAT receipt and it is never forthcoming.If, they were VAT registered,they would have to keep proper accounts...not seemingly bung all the dosh in their bosses pocket...and crawl away...into the web of 2004 London.

Jim Lawes ● 7448d

none of us know that any of them are in receipt of benefits they are not entitled to, avoid paying VAT or are working on the black market. people are so quick to inform on others, judge them and presume they are doing something wrong when they have no evidence at all. i agree at least they are working for their money, not mugging someone or breaking in to our houses!

M Dowling ● 7448d

A nice thought, however the odds are, that if those working are illegal and alot of the time they are, they are doing so on the black market, which is good for nobody and encourages people smuggling and the odds are that some of them are also in receipt of some kind of benefit.

Claire Peleschka ● 7448d

I think I'd venture just one small comment here.I'd far rather see individuals, whether immigrants or locals, ready and enterprising enough to provide a desired service to the community, instead of sponging off state benefits.If they are a part of a large business organisation, then yes, that organisation should provide VAT receipts, but if they are simply a small, self-employed group, then they will hardly reach the VAT turn-over ceiling.I can remember washing a car of mine just once in over 35 years, but for those who take pride in their vehicles' appearance, the initiative shown by these individuals must come as a welcome alternative to more costly services.

Nigel Moore ● 7448d

It's always baffled me as to why I should want someone to come 2,000 miles to wash my car.....

Keith Iddon ● 7449d

Claire: I'm glad to hear that their activities are noticed!They are sometimes very pleasant people working hard in those cold? and wet conditions...but its the bosses I'm more narked about. They should be VAT registered, keep some some of accounts..and when self-employed customers ask for a receipt for a £15 charge..they should produced more than a scrap of paper. We have to provide evidence for every little expense these days to the Inland Revenue..and these bosses are playing the game. I have complained to my VAT office..but the scraps of paper persist.Why one law/regulation for most of us have to apply by..and another for them.Ugh!

Jim Lawes ● 7449d

Jimif it makes you feel better they are the bread and butter of the Immigration Service who raid them regularly.

Claire Peleschka ● 7449d

You could always alert Customs and Excise - there is also one of these outfits in Isleworth Tesco, appaprently they are excellent, but I've never tried them. To be perfectly honest my car is a disgrace - I never clean it, I just hope for a heavy downpour now and again!

Vanessa Smith ● 7449d

That one in Catherine Wheel Road, south off Brentford High Street (Boston Manor Road junction) seems fairly new. I noticed the other day that their charges start at £3.99 if I recall.I normally use the one in Windmill Road,Brentford...quite a pleasant outfit...but charges kick off at about £7 and more..and they charge £15 for a Van!!My main concern is that when asking for a VAT receipt, a scraggly piece of notepaper is produced...often from a boss who has to be called from the adjacent pub!I've calculated that some £300,000 cash is collected at this site each year...and its not registered for VAT, unlikely to be registered for tax purposes..and all the staff...from Poland, Czecho,and elsewhere...in receipt of good UK benefits.My gripe is that the Inland Revenue are threatening me with baliffs if I don't cough up £2500 soon. Having paid tax for the past 46 years years...and seeing others who obviously don't pay into the kitty..I feel touchy about using these types of car wash services.

Jim Lawes ● 7450d