we have been asked for half payment up front before anything has been done?

I don’t think you should have to pay half up front as most trades have accounts with their suppliers so they don’t have to pay for 30 days we don’t take a deposit

Some people may take half the payment upfront just to make sure the customer they are dealing with are reliable payers. I personally do this myself but would never take full payment upfront ! I hope this helps .

This is normal for a lot of tradesmen, you've got to think materials, tools, fuel & wages aren't cheap so it just makes life easier 😊

yes quite normal, we have to trust you will pay us on completion,there has to be trust on both sides,if you can not trust anyone there are websites out there that will show you how to do it yourself,after all we are only manual workers so it can not be too hard to do.

An up front payment should be if it’s a big job imo for materials and fuel. If it’s a days work you shouldn’t need anything up front

Hi yes I do it with all my jobs I ask for 30 percent up front make sure that you receive an email out lining the work that you have both agreed on to be completed and for what price this protects yourself and your installer

We never take a payment until the client is happy with the finished job. Companies should have the financial backing to fund materials etc until the project is complete, all reputable will have monthly accounts for materials. I see around 2 clients a month who tell me 'the builder took 50% of the money and has left me with this mess!!!!'

Taking a payment before you start is nearly standard I no I do myself cause if I was to order the materials and pay for them. Then do the job and they don't pay I couldn't afford to take a hit like that. So big companies might be able to.

I do not take payments up front but I do request interim payments as not all of my suppliers offer credit .however it does depend on the size of the job .I always detail this on your quote and issue an invoice for all payments

Some companies will ask for payment up front we don't but do ask for a written order from our clients. We may ask for interim payments but normally only when materials are on site. If we have to order specialist materials for a job then we may ask for payment for this. As a customer I would want to see a full written quote on headed paper with the builders full address and contact number with VAT and company number on the letter. I would also suggest you speak to previous customers to ensure work has been completed on previous jobs.

We take a 10% deposit to secure the date In our diary then stage payments.

Never ask for payment upfront.unless materials exed £700