Many times as an individual I specify that I do not need a bill as a negotiation ploy. Saves me money and the business owner is safe from entrapment because I suggested it.

If the employee is skimming or not is really not our concern. The work preformed is the same. Usually I know I am dealing with the owner before mentioning that I do not need a receipt. Probably works the majority of times I ask with smaller business owners.

The sales tax alone is 15 percent here alone remember though. For the mechanics using their service they have to issue bills as they reflect a business cost to the mechanic. That's for cost reasons for his business he needs to claim. Having a receipt is really no guarantee they would rectify a situation anyways. Basically that is more a matter of their integrity.

The only way a bill might help is if you pursed court action. After the frustration of some botched situation and we cool down a little. The cost of a court action usually is not engaged because of the great cost and no assurance we will win. We instead absorb the loss of a bad situation if we have to. The machine shop is recommended so there should be no real issue. You can demand a bill as well but your cost will probably escalate for the job then. Or he will turn it down. Kind of your choice in my mind.

Simplified if having a bill is of no use for tax purposes to you or real protection. I will usually go that way if possible when available. Now once we go above a certain value and there is government backed protection in a transaction or manufactures warranty where you need a bill as proof of purchase is another story.