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I have credit accounts, but, like you I ask for a deposit, in order to cover the cost of the materials. I figure that by doing this it means that even if they try not to pay after the job, I'm only out of pocket for my labour. I don't have to pay for materials out of my pocket, if the worst were to happen. I don't state that the deposit is for the materials though. I just put in my terms 40% deposit. To be honest if they were being iffy about paying the deposit, it would start to ring alarm bells with me about whether I would have an issue getting the payment after.
We do t state that the deposit is for materials specifically but do say it is to secure the purchase of any materials.
I agree with the labour cost... I work the same, I'd rather have to pay the labour out of my pocket and know that my suppliers are already prepaid as it removes a lot of stress.
I always ask for 50% upfront never had a problem with getting it. The ones that refuse are the ones i feel are a bit dodgy anyway <br />
I always say there there are cowboy customers as well as cowboy builders and half is reasonable on both sides
The shows seem to make some people think all trades are out to rip them off.
If you want a deposit and they refuse to pay it then they probably aren't the right customer for you.