another one bits the dust..

[enduro]

Has anybody tried asking for a booking fee on larger jobs say £100 once they have excepted your quote, explain you need to do this to stop people cancelling at the last minute.

 

[peckers]

Has anybody tried asking for a booking fee on larger jobs say £100 once they have excepted your quote, explain you need to do this to stop people cancelling at the last minute.

I have done this in the past when I am supplying all or part materials, However when it is labour only I dont ask for a deposit, perhaps we should. but then again i can see some customers not being happy with this.. but then you could ask and if they wont pay a deposit on labour only then it is up to the tiler to decide weather to book the job in or not.
In todays climate it is understandable for a customer to cancel when they have been made redundant as in my case, but im sure some are cancelling at the last minute because they have found it cheaper/but not better somewhere else maybe.

 

[Daveyboy]

Sorry to hear your misfortunes..a painful but important lesson learnt there and one that's becoming more important to remember/apply in these harsh times..I never guarrantee a start date for work that takes more than two days, or costs more than £500 unless the client pays a deposit..if it's more than £2000, I make sure I also get a stage payment..that way, I never take a big hit and ensure my cash flow is good..

 

[faithhealer]

Sorry to hear your misfortunes..a painful but important lesson learnt there and one that's becoming more important to remember/apply in these harsh times..I never guarrantee a start date for work that takes more than two days, or costs more than £500 unless the client pays a deposit..if it's more than £2000, I make sure I also get a stage payment..that way, I never take a big hit and ensure my cash flow is good..

Same here Daveyboy

 

[White Room]

Thats bad news tileexpert, I think a few guys have had customers not being honest, I've had my share at the moment. Customers think the shop assistant know more than I do and takes their word like it's written in stone.

Hope some work comes your way mate

 

[doug boardley]

very sorry to hear of your predicament mate. I really hope something crops up asap for you:mad2:

 

[tileexperts]

guys, thank you so much for your support,and advice. its amazing,
i did not expect this big a response,
well i will let you all know wat happens as soon as i know

please god something pops up between now and friday.
ill sleep in my van if i have to, and am sure am not the first guy on this site to do this
and i now realise am not the only one on this site in this position.

anyway guys, amazing thank you all so so much.

allan

 

[brian c]

hi Allan,try and remain positive although its hard to do so.Contact old customers etc,tile shops,go around in the van looking for work,leaflet drops,contact other tradesmen and tell them you are looking to set up with say a good plumber/spark/joiner..sometimes people just need a nudge to get the ball rolling.Try anything at all that might get work...estate agents ,councils,local shops advertising,local newspapers just try anything and remain focused and im sure something will turn up..i really hope it does work for you bud.

 

[Eddie]

I've had three quotes knocked back lately. I've had people asking for estimates over the phone, but no jobs. I havn't had a tiling job for eight weeks. Done some decking, and some other work, but no tiling. I was thinking about packing in myself. just fed up with it now.

 

[tileexperts]

hi Allan,try and remain positive although its hard to do so.Contact old customers etc,tile shops,go around in the van looking for work,leaflet drops,contact other tradesmen and tell them you are looking to set up with say a good plumber/spark/joiner..sometimes people just need a nudge to get the ball rolling.Try anything at all that might get work...estate agents ,councils,local shops advertising,local newspapers just try anything and remain focused and im sure something will turn up..i really hope it does work for you bud.

you know, i never thought of contacting old customers,
great idea, thanks a lot mate