A Word of Caution

My builder Recommended that I should buy a Howdens kitchen and an electric hob, although I wanted the Metod range from IKEA as it has had very good reviews. He has a trade account with Howdens. My flat is being refurbished and the work was due to be completed in 6 six weeks. It is now in the third month. My kitchen cost £4383. My builder says he was not given a receipt by Howdens. I of course don't believe him. I am now stuck as I have no proof of purchase. I went to the branch where the units were purchased and asked for help. The sales assistant was very cagey and extremely unhelpful. I took proof of ID and my council tax bill which he refused to look at. He said that as my builder is their customer, there is nothing that can be done to help me even though I had transferred the amount into my builder's bank account and have documentary evidence of this transaction. There is no protection whatsoever for the individual who has paid for the kitchen if the working relationship with the builder goes sour. I know that Howdens give discounts to trade but he refuses to acknowledge that he has had a discount. All in all it has been a very negative experience.