Rewires...

[Welshsparky]

Doing a rather large rewire at the moment that is costing me a fortune in materials/ Labour/fuel etc , cant help but think i should ask for some payment upfront before starting a job, How many people on here do this?

 

[james the spark]

depends how big the job is really under 4k rewire i dont bother much over that sure ask for a 1st fix payment

 

[i=p/u]

i always ask for materials upfront.lol

 

[MKS]

Usually ask for interim payment after 1st fix

 

[cbw]

I do 1 third on 'order' 1 third after 1st fix and final third on completion.

In the current climate even the large blue chip companies are going under, I cannot afford to take a hit.

The other thing was I rewired an old bids bungalow and she died. (Not of electric shock before anyone (DS) starts)

Thankfully I had received 2 thirds of my money and walked away with literally a couple of quid profit.

 

[i=p/u]

thaats it like, i cant afford a hit yet as im new kid on the block...

 

[cbw]

Couldnt threaten to have her killed for non payment

 

[i=p/u]

nope... she wouldnt listen

 

[Rockingit]

Yep, anything over a grand and I require 30% deposit up front (which generally speaking will cover materials).

 

[DaveyD]

Any job over £500.

Materials before start.
60% Labour on 1st fix
40% Labour on 2nd Fix

Regards, Dave

 

[Knobhead]

When running my photographic business I took a deposit to cover materials, processing and a small proffit. I’ve never done domestic electrical, always been on a salary in the industrial field.
I will say I never had a problem with any customer.

 

[1shortcircuit]

I always ask for a 30% deposit and have not yet had anyone query it although I always mention in conversation WHY I do this. It's purely to cover the cost of materials and ensures that I do not have to use my own money as I have a family.

In all honesty anyone that questions it isn't worth working for because if they're questioning thirty percent then what are they going to be like when it comes to collecting the remaining seventy percent?

:thumbsup

 

[Farmelectrics]

Half payment after 1st fix the rest when finished tested and all Certs done don't hand over Certs till you receive full payment

 

[nickblake]

What you should do is state in your contract that a stage payment of 50% is required after first fix ,then the balance on completetion , could be 6 weeks after the first fix before you do 2nd fix , and i have had situations where i have done 4 first fixes on after another and when your a small buisness thats your cash flow gone so does make it hard at the end of the day you have to pay your suppliers and they wont wait

 

[soulman]

I would never ask for any advance payments, i think it's unproffesional & i tend not to trust trades who ask for payments in advance to buy materials. If you have done first fix and agree with the client in advance, then i see no problem with that. I personally dont ask for any payment until the job is complete. Most of the time the client is trying to pay me before the job is complete. One piece of advice i was given from a friend 18 years ago, when i started in business was, you must put aside some money and always keep it seperate for stock & eventualities. This has always served me well and i have transfered this over to my electrical business. It means you dont have to go to one supplier who you have an account with, you can go where you like for the best prices. If your tester is lost or stolen or your van breaks down, the money is there, as you cannot work without your tools. The money must then be replenished. Suppliers aren't stupid they love to give you credit, therefore retaining you as you always owe them money. When business is good, i like to buy a bit extra stock like cable or ccu especially when suppliers have them on offer, materials that you use on a regular basis and if you do have a quiet few weeks, you have a bit stock if a job comes in and your not driving to the wholesalers for bit & bobs.
Cheers