Credit Card or Cash for Home Improvements?

Jezscorpio

Hi to all,

My windows need replacing and I've finally narrowed my search down to two local PVCu double glazing companies both offering similar products, services and price.

My problem arises with their different methods of payment.

Company1 has said that payment can be made by either cash or cheque upon completion (I intend to pay by cheque). Company2 wants a 25% deposit paid by credit card and the balance paid by credit card upon completion.

Both ways of payment seem to have their pro's and cons. The way I see it is:


Company1's method:

Advantages - No deposit and can give the installation the 'once over' before paying in full. As I haven't paid 'upfront' they have the incentive to do a good job and make sure it's done on time.
Disadvantages - If I find a problem after installation I have lost my 'leverage' because they've been paid in full and they're after service may prove to be poor.Haven't got the added protection of paying with a credit card.


Company2's method

Advantages - Payment by credit card for the deposit and balance gives me added protection under the Consumer Credit Act 1974
Disadvantages - 25% deposit taken so I'm now doing the chasing and imay be given the 'run-around' eg Installation dates may be delayed, specifications may alter etc and because they've got my deposit it may be difficult to cancel and get reimbursed.


To me it's a difficult one to call. I do not have a lot of big home improvements done so never experienced this dilema before.

Apreciate peoples thoughts on this one :beer:

Many thanks

Gaz_2-2

personally i'd go with method 1, simply you dont pay them until work is done to your satisfaction. When i got my double glazing in a while ago I didn't have to pay until completion and after i had them installed i checked over them i noticed a chip out of one of the glazing features i told guys i wasn't paying until it was sorted needless to say after they rang there boss they were out first thing next morning and i remember thinhing if i had payed up front i probably would have been waiting weeks to get them out to it get sorted.