Nice Customers But They Are Driving Me Mad.

[StevieBoy]

I quote with "payment is required upon time of completion, card and cash payments are accepted as payment" that's my terms and if a customer isn't happy to pay at the end then I'm not happy to do the work - I do offer bank transfer to a few people. If a tradesmen was to do work in my home then his or her payment would be ready for when they have finished.

I had a few headaches until I stated these terms for payment and since then everything's been fine, I and the customer both know the way it works so no awkwardness or delays.

I pay 2.7% on card transactions and 70% of my customers choose this method which have commented on how simple it makes things. I use PayPal Here if it's any interest to you to look into.

Crumbs, so if my maths are correct when you get paid via debit card, you lose £27 per £1000 you earn??

 

[Andy Allen]

Crumbs, so if my maths are correct when you get paid via debit card, you lose £27 per £1000 you earn??

Should imagine he adds it to the bill.......I know I would 🙂

 

[Ian]

Yeah I'd have it built in at quote stage just in case! If they pay another way then you're a few quid better off.

 

[StevieBoy]

Think I'd rather wait 6 days whilst the cheque clears to avoid any embarresment.

You can't really bill a customer for say £2000, they offer to pay via debit card and then say to them oh well it's £2054 can you.

 

[bl tiling]

I must be really lucky or something I do about 80- 100 jobs a year and Ive never had any bother with payments
sometimes they say, how do you want paid and I will reply politely.... if you are pleased with the work I will collect a cheque off you, or cash if you prefer and I will give them a receipt sometimes I even give them a small rebate depending on how they have been and if the job has been pleasurable Its amazing how that goes down with them when they haven't asked for a bargain price...helps with referrals too!!!

 

[On one]

After reading this thread this week I was starting to fret about a late payment(I don't specify terms) from a customer on a job that wasn't giving me good vibes.
So before emailing/texting/phoning them I thought I would justtttttt check my bank account online and
hey presto,the money is there!

 

[StevieBoy]

I must be really lucky or something I do about 80- 100 jobs a year and Ive never had any bother with payments
sometimes they say, how do you want paid and I will reply politely.... if you are pleased with the work I will collect a cheque off you, or cash if you prefer and I will give them a receipt sometimes I even give them a small rebate depending on how they have been and if the job has been pleasurable Its amazing how that goes down with them when they haven't asked for a bargain price...helps with referrals too!!!

I'm the same, I very rarely have any issues with people not paying.

Politeness usually pays.

 

[bcd-87]

@Sean Kelly

Ts&Cs mate get it all drawn up prior to starting... Very important set your terms from the start !! I want money up front to cover materials plus stage payments and I will be finished on Friday the ?? Please ensure final payment on this date.. Never trust anyone you will get burnt badly .. Good luck God bless.

 

[Stocks Tiles]

Crumbs, so if my maths are correct when you get paid via debit card, you lose £27 per £1000 you earn??

Your maths are correct, and I allow for this in my quotations. But to be honest there is plenty of money in tiling and if I lost £27 for every £1000 but never have a headache or stress with payments, not having to chase around after customers then in my eyes it is worth it and I'm happy with that 🙂

 

[StevieBoy]

Your maths are correct, and I allow for this in my quotations. But to be honest there is plenty of money in tiling and if I lost £27 for every £1000 but never have a headache or stress with payments, not having to chase around after customers then in my eyes it is worth it and I'm happy with that 🙂

Yep that's fair enough, as long as your happy and it works for you that's the main thing.

For me when I have quoted for a job and it has been accepted, I never mention payment, ask people how there paying, or can they leave payment before they go out etc, let alone asking them for payment via debit card or talk money unless more adhesive or other extra materials are needed.

If they bring the subject up first, it's easier - just the way I am I guess.