They said this… · Services & contracts

“You paid cash, so you have no consumer rights.”

Generally incorrect

Payment method does not decide whether statutory service rights exist. The main practical issue is proving the contract, payment and agreed work.

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Why this answer

What actually matters

  • Keep receipts, messages, quotations and witness evidence.
  • Bank payment protection may be unavailable, but the claim against the trader remains.
  • Record the work and defects.
  • Ask for an invoice if none was supplied.

Important nuance

When the statement may have a point

  • A consumer still needs evidence of the transaction.
  • Cash payment does not create card-provider liability.

What you could say

Keep the response tied to the actual rule.

Evidence

What to have beside you

  • Quote, order, specification or scope of work
  • Messages and call notes showing what was promised
  • Photos, reports or other evidence of defective performance
  • Terms relied on by the trader and when they were supplied

If they still refuse

Move the dispute forward.

  1. Define the contractual promise or statutory service standard that you say was not met.
  2. Ask for the remedy that follows from that problem rather than simply demanding compensation.
  3. Use formal complaint, ADR or court routes according to the sector and amount involved.

Read the full rules

Go deeper before escalating.

Primary guideRead the detailed ConsumerWise guidance.ServicesRead the full guide.Proving an agreementRead the full guide.Breach of contractRead the full guide.

Official sources

Check the rules behind this statement.

Consumer Rights Act 2015, serviceslegislation.gov.uk · checked 19 Sep 2026