30% Deposit taken

[1shortcircuit]

Just like to say Thank You to those who assisted in another thread of mine. I took my first 30% deposit this afternoon and the customer wasn't bothered in the slightest. I am now going to continue to do this as it will take some of the strain off of my bank balance.

Okay, so this one was only 80 quid but it's 80 quid less to worry about


Thank you, Thank You very much:thumbsup

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[SPARTYKUS]

Nice one. I'm chasing everything too. And things like you've done above. Job been going on for months so suggested paying up till now, worked

 

[1shortcircuit]

I had a company email me last week too asking if I was interested in doing some "reactive works" - Ltd Company = Alarm bells started to ring so praised the offer up and gave them my rate and explained that I work on 7 day payment terms not 30. I received an email back saying that their terms were 30 days from invoice and that they could not do 7 days. I thanked them for their contact and wished them luck in their search:thumbsup

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[supasparxs]

You could have put them on a pro-forma invoice. (the pay upfront)

 

[1shortcircuit]

You could have put them on a pro-forma invoice. (the pay upfront)

This sounds interesting? Never heard of this before:blush2:

 

[Mark_Burgess]

This sounds interesting? Never heard of this before:blush2:

Done it a few times from customers for the odd obscure materials that can't be returned or reused for sensible money, and if I am not sure about the customer.

 

[Bubblecraft]

I've been taking a 50% deposit where materials are to be purchased by us since January 2010. Generally, I'll only take a deposit if the total value is over 500. Title of goods belong to us until final payment has been accepted & cleared. All details are clear as day on our website so customers know everything they need to know before they even lift the phone. I use one invoice book for deposits only which is clearly printed "This is not proof of your guarantee" then a final invoice book for final payment with print "This is proof of your 1 year guarantee". Makes doing the books much easier. If you look well presented, customers don't mind paying deposit! Glad you've started doing it & feel good about it. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel doin it


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[1shortcircuit]

Glad you've started doing it & feel good about it. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel doin it

It's just going to be part of my "Procedure" now, you know, just like going in and checking for type of system, correct size meter tails, main earth and boding and RCD protection etc

I'm also taking more time presenting my quote and adding information that explains to the client in more depth about RCD protection and how it can benefit them and their family. I have been promoting the importance of Part P and seperating materials and labour charges in written quotations.

I know some of this has it's downfalls BUT it does look far more professional and leaves the customer with very few questions afterwards.

I'm not worried about the quality of my work as I do have high standards in my opinion which is probably why a job may take me longer than someone else to do and may cost the client more money. What I do hope though is that the customer can see where the difference in cost and quality goes which in turn will do no end of good for my reputation in the area.

The 30% deposit is now required to confirm the booking in the diary and I make sure that the customer is fully aware of their 7 day right to cancel. I notice another member uses ten days which is what I have also taken note of. The job I secured this afternoon is to start Monday

 

[Bubblecraft]

I take deposit 14 days before commence date to allow cheques, Paypal or BACS to clear & allow time to order materials. It avoids disappointment. I have fact sheets & disclaimers for all types of work which leaves the customer without any doubt of the work that is to be carried out


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