Just re-designed a Website for a friend but...

[That Guy]

I have just re-designed a website for a friend:

Briody Hartwell Domestic Cleaning Gloucestershire (http://www.hartwellcleaning.co.uk)

On the front page it has a paragraph saying:

No VAT is added; the total price goes purely on how many hours you require, with NO hidden costs!!

Someone has just said that because the company is not VAT Registered you are legally not allowed to mention anything about VAT on the website.

Anyone know if this correct or not?

Thanks in Advance :)

[Eagle]

Sounds like rubbish to me.

[Leo-InstallingIT]

I think what they are probably refering to is that you should say inc. VAT, and I suppose saying there is no VAT added might imply that it is included.

I am fairly sure there isn't anything to say you can't use the word VAT, but I would be carefull to be clear if they do mention it to not imply anything.

Hope this helps,

Leo

[seoandy]

not being registered doesn't mean you shouldn't mention it.
my invoices don't mention it - you don't legal need too

by saying no vat added it almost sounds like you will somewhere else - id not that wording

[Atilla]

Perhaps a slight rewording to remove the possible confusion?

Afterall, if it is domestic customers they often assume the price they see is the price they pay.

[RedEvo]

I think saying VAT isn't added when they are not VAT registered is misleading.

d

[Eagle]

^ That sounds about right.

[Matt1959]

that website is quite classy, mentioning the VAT in that context is effectively dissing the competition and doesnt read well IMO

[MASSEY]

maybe stick in bold along the bottom Not Vat Registered that would be better,

[Wild Goose]

No VAT is added; the total price goes purely on how many hours you require, with NO hidden costs - hmmm

Try "We do not charge VAT: the price you pay is based purely on the number of hours you require, with NO hidden extras"

"We do not charge VAT" is fine if the business is not VAT registered - it's a true statement. I can see why "No VAT is added" might imply other connotations. Trust me, I'm an accountant.;)

[Communications_Guy]

Sounds like they're trying to use it as a USP. That's long outdated.

What I'd do instead is offer them a better USP like the amount of years in business.

Which should actually go where you have included friendly and reliable service as it is much stronger than "Friendly and Reliable Service". Then include the friendlyy part further down the page.

"5 Years in Business" - Intriguing

"Friendly and Reliable" - Not Intriguing.

:-)

[paydayselect]

The content of the website about any information can be used irrespective of its own company status.

[ComputerCoders]

I have just re-designed a website for a friend:

Briody Hartwell Domestic Cleaning Gloucestershire (http://www.hartwellcleaning.co.uk)

On the front page it has a paragraph saying:



Someone has just said that because the company is not VAT Registered you are legally not allowed to mention anything about VAT on the website.

Anyone know if this correct or not?

Thanks in Advance :)

I don't think there's any need to mention VAT at all if you aren't VAT registered. Certain goods or services are not Vatable and your statement could be misinterpreted I suppose?

[the king]

Can o' worms?...

Colour scheme, layout look 'n' feel are pleasing enough (except that contact info is off-screen if not browsing full-size), but content leaves something to be desired: it doesn't start till over halfway down the page - even at full-screen

nor does it address the message in the first few seconds:
no-one cares who Briody is (from a business point of view!) nor wants to be thanked for visiting...
they would want to be thanked for an enquiry - make the text so compelling that if visitors are remotely interested in a cleaning service they'll be on the phone (rather than reading niceties!)

OK so Ps and Qs are important but only after the hook is secured.
I also think a 20% (or whatever VAT becomes) discount offers a real competitive advantage, what's your USP?: We clean your home... no ifs - no buts - NO VAT!
With regard to mentioning the tax, not a problem but be careful how: viz. "inc. VAT" is incorrect and misleading whereas
"we don't add/charge VAT" is honest, decent(?!) and truthful.

[Paul Norman]

I would look at it from the customer's point of view.

What is relevant is the price I will pay. Which I assume will include VAT if necessary, and unless I am buying as a company, I am just not interested.

So, for me, I just think the comment is not relevant. Not being VAT registered is not a virtue, it just confirms you are a small business. Which may or may not be of interest to me.

I would look for another way to tell me you are offering value, and a price driven sale.

[ComputerCoders]

I just wondered mentioned VAT at all, it's confusing. Especially if your target market is the public.