Plumber wants half the money up front?
Discussion
Hello,
This is a new one on me, had plenty of building work, decorating, bathrooms, roofs and Windows done, never have I been asked for cash up front.
It stinks of a get-out with some cashif a s
t job is done... But on the other hand I'm new to him so he doesn't know if I'll pay up when the work is finished...
The guy seems ok, and has good reviews on trust a trader, for whatever that's worth...
There is about £1000 of materials in the job, total price is just over 3k...
Thoughts?
This is a new one on me, had plenty of building work, decorating, bathrooms, roofs and Windows done, never have I been asked for cash up front.
It stinks of a get-out with some cashif a s
t job is done... But on the other hand I'm new to him so he doesn't know if I'll pay up when the work is finished...The guy seems ok, and has good reviews on trust a trader, for whatever that's worth...
There is about £1000 of materials in the job, total price is just over 3k...
Thoughts?
I think its reasonable for a certain amount up front if its a big job. 50% is a bit high mind.
As a spark, on big jobs (re-wires etc) i ask for 25% on the first day. This tends to weed out the non payers.
Don't forget things work both ways... You have to hope he does a good job, he has to hope you will pay him at the end.
As a spark, on big jobs (re-wires etc) i ask for 25% on the first day. This tends to weed out the non payers.
Don't forget things work both ways... You have to hope he does a good job, he has to hope you will pay him at the end.
Rickyy said:
Pay him for the materials upon delivery to site is fair and what I'm considering doing in future.
Unfortunately, there are just as many rogue customers as there are tradesman, he's probably been stung before and being cautious.
That is a reasonable approach, works for both the customer & tradesman.Unfortunately, there are just as many rogue customers as there are tradesman, he's probably been stung before and being cautious.
ILoveMondeo said:
Just a week, it's supply and installing a water softener and a absolute load of little jobs, changing valves, power flush CH, move some dishwasher plumbing, few other bits and bobs...
How about 20% per day for five days? That limits potential losses for both of you.I recently had a new oil boiler install (re-sited, associated plumbing, Magnatec filters and new oil lines to tank) 6 new rads installed, rising main moved, power flushed and other bits and bobs.
Plumber supplied everything, roughly £6k job in total, and he didn't ask for a penny until over a week after he'd finished and we were happy everything was working correctly.
Guess it comes down to cash flow and trust.
Plumber supplied everything, roughly £6k job in total, and he didn't ask for a penny until over a week after he'd finished and we were happy everything was working correctly.
Guess it comes down to cash flow and trust.
As above,cash flow and trust. I used to send a quick standard letter stating (amongst other things like access etc ) payment terms which in our case where always 3 stage payments,third on commencement,third half way and remainder (often the only bit i got anything from ! ) on completion.
Dont recall anyone ever having a problem with this approach,mind most of our work was recommendations.
Trust has to work both ways remember.
NB: i would always send our terms but if a smaller,say weeks work, would often not even chase/ask for any payment until finished just depends on job,time of year etc.
Dont recall anyone ever having a problem with this approach,mind most of our work was recommendations.
Trust has to work both ways remember.
NB: i would always send our terms but if a smaller,say weeks work, would often not even chase/ask for any payment until finished just depends on job,time of year etc.
Zyp said:
I recently had a new oil boiler install (re-sited, associated plumbing, Magnatec filters and new oil lines to tank) 6 new rads installed, rising main moved, power flushed and other bits and bobs.
Plumber supplied everything, roughly £6k job in total, and he didn't ask for a penny until over a week after he'd finished and we were happy everything was working correctly.
Guess it comes down to cash flow and trust.
He may regret that policy when he eventually meats a rogue customer!Plumber supplied everything, roughly £6k job in total, and he didn't ask for a penny until over a week after he'd finished and we were happy everything was working correctly.
Guess it comes down to cash flow and trust.
Its nothing to do with cash flow for me (it may be for some), its all to do with minimising risk, and atlas having materials covered.
R1 Indy said:
He may regret that policy when he eventually meats a rogue customer!
Its nothing to do with cash flow for me (it may be for some), its all to do with minimising risk, and atlas having materials covered.
I was a little surprised that, when I offered part payment up front, he declined.Its nothing to do with cash flow for me (it may be for some), its all to do with minimising risk, and atlas having materials covered.
There must be an element of trust and I obviously have an honest face
Sheepshanks said:
OTOH I had complete CH system fitted in my daughter's house last year and I had to chase the buggers to get the bill. They finally sent one a month later.
When we had our extension done the builder gave me a stage payment schedule. The first few weeks/milestones had passed and he hadn't asked for any money, it was only when I reminded him that he asked me if he could have it the next day....it was 18k by that stage!!I did ask (joking) him what would happen if I didn't have the money to pay, and he said "I know where you live and, and I own shotgun"
I've never had to pay anything up front but I have noticed new trades chatting to the guys working on site, presumably asking if I'm ok to work for.
However my new plumber asked for 1/3 of his quoted price on the first day (a weeks work) I was wary of this but his price was reasonable and he seemed ok, at the end of the first day I offered him the money and he declined it.
However my new plumber asked for 1/3 of his quoted price on the first day (a weeks work) I was wary of this but his price was reasonable and he seemed ok, at the end of the first day I offered him the money and he declined it.
Renovation said:
I've never had to pay anything up front but I have noticed new trades chatting to the guys working on site, presumably asking if I'm ok to work for.
However my new plumber asked for 1/3 of his quoted price on the first day (a weeks work) I was wary of this but his price was reasonable and he seemed ok, at the end of the first day I offered him the money and he declined it.
He was vetting YOU However my new plumber asked for 1/3 of his quoted price on the first day (a weeks work) I was wary of this but his price was reasonable and he seemed ok, at the end of the first day I offered him the money and he declined it.
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