I only do domestic work and for myself, when I quote I state that the total cost is £x and this it to be payable upon time of completion. And yeah I've not been knocked some even leave me the money when they go to work in the morning and I've only just started work there on single day jobs! But then my first bad customer happened last month, got to the job he's got b&q budget white wall tiles none the same size, tell him it's not going to line up very well etc etc, yeah that's fine I understand he says, wants extra work done and has not allowed another day for this and had mosaic borders and boxings that I knew nothing about and done anyway so I ran out of time. I went home agreeing to his part payment and he would transfer the money. Argument later about tiles being different sizes and says he has a mental disability he doesn't remember, well he paid some in the end and i had enough of him. Wednesday just gone he said he's taking legal action against me for the remaining works cause I told him to keep the rest of the money and forget all the other works he wants done I'm not interested he was demanding I start 3.30pm and Saturdays. Really piddled me off I've never had a issue from a customer with any of my work! Off topic but wanted to moan for days! Lol.
But in general my requirement for payment upon time of completion works well, I've learnt that EVERYTHING has to be in writing no matter how silly it seems cause verbal doesn't exist! If you accept the quote have the work done then there is no need to not pay at the end of the job, I certainly wouldn't make anyone wait for money if do work for me.
And if I get a bad vibe then there has been a few I haven't quoted as personally it's not worth the risk. Now that I'm finally at the point where I'm 7 1/2 weeks booked up in front of me since starting solo in August, it was tough until 3-4 weeks ago so I like to play safe rather than take risks financially.
I will shut up now 😳
