Deposits up front have honestly saved me a ton of headaches. I used to feel weird asking, like I was being pushy or something, but after a couple of jobs where I was left hanging, I just started making it my standard. Most folks are fine with it, and the ones who balk usually end up being the ones who would’ve paid late anyway. It’s not a perfect fix, but it takes some of the stress off. Chasing money just drains your energy... you’re definitely not alone.
It’s not a perfect fix, but it takes some of the stress off. Chasing money just drains your energy...
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had a few folks walk away when I asked for a deposit. Sometimes it’s just a trust thing, especially with older homes—people want to see some progress first. Maybe it depends on the type of work or the area?
Sometimes it’s just a trust thing, especially with older homes—people want to see some progress first.
I hear you, but I’ve had the opposite happen—one lady literally handed me a check before I’d even unloaded my tools. Guess she just wanted the avocado green tile gone ASAP. I get the trust angle, though. Around here, folks are more nervous about being left with half-finished drywall than handing over a deposit. Maybe it’s just the horror stories floating around? Either way, chasing payments is like chasing a squirrel—exhausting and rarely ends well.
It’s wild how much it depends on the client, isn’t it? I once had a guy insist on paying me in full before I even gave him an estimate—he just wanted his shag carpet gone no matter what it cost. But then there’s the folks who treat every payment like it’s a leap of faith. I try to keep things clear with a written schedule and progress pics, but still end up chasing the odd check. Maybe it’s just part of the gig... like paint on your jeans or mystery screws in your pockets.
- Had a flip last year where the buyer wired the full amount before we even signed the final walkthrough—never seen that before.
- Usually, though, it’s the opposite. I’ve had to send three reminders just to get a $500 deposit.
- Progress pics and contracts help, but there’s always that one person who acts like every payment is a trust fall.
- Guess it’s just part of the ride... like finding old keys in the crawlspace or mystery stains on the subfloor.
- Still, I’d take late payments over a nightmare inspection any day.