Deposits

[Stevev]

What are your feelings on getting a deposit before starting a job. Do get one on expensive jobs or always? I know TV programmes advise customers not to pay up front just in-case the workman does a runner...

Any thoughts?

 

[Old Mod]

I always get deposits now, especially if the materials are going to cost a fair bit. I don't find anyone complaining or objecting in any way.

 

[Stocks Tiles]

I don't, but if materials were to be a huge cost I would require X amount to be paid when I start but make it clear that I will be bringing the materials and leaving them on site so they can be satisfied that they can see what the money has actually covered so far. Customers can get nervy about handing over money and tradesmen obviously get nervy about getting their money, I make it clear in quotations that payment is required to be paid upon time of completion and that seems to work ok 🙂

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I'd not fix a tile without the materials being paid for first, then labour due on Day of completion. You have no legal rights to remove any tiles once fixed and the 20% profit on materials is hard earned if they decide they don't like the current fashion trend.
Give them an inch and they'll take a mile and before you know it your chasing thousands while they're sitting in the garden having a beer with your money sitting in their bank earning them the interest!

 

[Dougs Third Go]

It's not something I do (take a deposit), but think that I should especially for materials. Once or twice I've been in a situation where I've been and collected materials prior to starting a job to then get the phone call that they've put the job on the back burner for now, leaving me with bags of addy, trims, grout etc. Not such a big problem as I'll use these on the next job but if tiles are involved and they were a special order I'd be charged a re-stocking fee if I took them back to supplier.

 

[John Benton]

Always take a deposit, especially if you are supplying tiles, I've been kind enough to negotiate a discount for the customer to help them, so they have to show some commitment back to me.

When it's supply and fit of kitchens then it's a 50% deposit, without any exception.

I don't order anything until either the cheque has cleared or the bank transfer has gone through ok.

Makes business sense, too many companies go under because of cashflow problems. You only need one bad/none payer and it causes major problems i.e. time and hassle to retrieve the monies owed, and the the stress related to it.

 

[Sean SML Tiling]

I always take deposits. As stated in my t&c's (thanks to geoff) I take deposit and if customer cancels within 14 days of booking me then I can keep the money for loss of earnings. I tell people that the deposit is for materials and to book my time as there are too many time wasters out there that cost me money. Once you tell them that they pay up straight away and if they don't they are wasting your time

 

[Lithofin BOB]

I take 50% up front to cover all materials- residential - final on completion, commercial 30-90 day dependant on written contract. No deposit - no job

 

[jSPENCEINC]

If your not getting 50% upfront and a signed agreement before work has started your not doing something right.

 

[cam_low]

I always take materials up front. nothing goes ahead without it. It wasnt that long ago I priced a huge high spec wetroom and when I sent her my contract over she started to fob me off. I then found out that days later she had lost her job. All to convenient for me like.