Deposits

[sparkyt]

how many of you ask for a deposit up front for quoted domestic work?

over what amount would you ask for one and then also how much? in the past i hadnt ever bothered as i thought it seemed unprofessional. thanks to a few a**ehole clients my view on this matter looks set to change.

 

[NozSpark]

That depends on the client and the job...

some clients... well what can you say, you get a feeling about!

and if the job has materials that are expensive and special order then...

However for a general rewire whereall the materials are std stuff then no, unless the client is a bit......

If they are too....... then I won't work for them!!

 

[Dane]

Ive not asked for anything upfront as of yet, but there are some customers where i do think i should! but ive taken the risk.

although, when its "special" order items, like 450 quids worth of fancy fronts! (recent job) i do say to the customer they supply them, or pay me for these before i order them. Which this customer seems to be perfectly fine about and understand.

I avoid it as much as possible but as above, you can normally tell with the customer.

 

[Tooold]

I try to get the first staged payment on the first visit and make it about a third, as mentioned it does depend upon job and customers.

 

[Theorysparky]

i only ask fo upfront payment on rewires for landlords and thats 30%

dont trust them

all other jobs its on completion

 

[Bez]

New Builds :

25% up front to cover materials

50% after first fix

Balance on completion, with no paperwork issued until payment clear.

Small jobs on completion but as Nozspark says, you get a feeling when it's not quite right and then maybe take 50% up front, just to cover your materials and at least make some profit if it goes pear shaped.

 

[NozSpark]

Forgot to say on my post...

and I don't have a trade account at the wholsalers,,, I don't like them - I don't like big bills and I want to know what things cost so I can bill customer the correct amount (on completion)

For commercial customers I tend to get them to supply as I'm not VAT registered and they can claim it back!