Paid deposit for a kitchen, they want the rest before work starts

carnassials

Kitchen company are due to come on 7 April to fit a kitchen we ordered with them at the end of last month. We paid a 50% deposit. They provide everything, the kitchen itself and the fitting, plastering, etc.

We emailed them today to let them know we are going on holiday next week and the kitchen company emailed back saying that full payment was due on 31 March (a week before they start work!).

I really do not want to pay upfront - everything tells me not to part with our money until work completes, but I do not want to disrupt the (so far) good relationship we had as we have already spent a lot of money with them.

How can we politely tell them no, not until the work has been done satisfactorily.

pinkteapot

Payment terms should be in the contract you signed - what does it say?

cattie

As pinkteapot mentions, the contract should outline what you've agreed to.

Whenever I've had a new kitchen fitted I've paid for all units etc. up front & labour, materials etc. on completion.

carnassials

Thank you.

The document we signed is just a quotation that sets out everything that will be put in. At the end is a total with Vat and then the deposit we paid. We signed next to that.

There are no t&cs or mention of any date when payment is due.

kelpie35

I certainly would not pay any more money until I am 100% satisfied with
the job.

How do you know they will turn up on agreed date and complete the job?

carnassials

Yes - there has been no mention of this before, we would pay for the goods but not labour perhaps?

stebiz

kelpie35 wrote: »

I certainly would not pay any more money until I am 100% satisfied with
the job.

How do you know they will turn up on agreed date and complete the job?

ditto ditto

southcoastrgi

I wouldn't be paying anymore til a week after they have finished incase you find any snags

nobulljusttruth

Agree to pay 25% when the units arrive at your house, unloaded, in the house, and the rest on completions to your satisfaction.

NO WAY pay up front, and tell them this. Trading Standards will tell you the same.

pinkteapot

In the absence of T&C's to the contrary, I completely agree with everyone else. Withhold something until you're happy.

DaftyDuck

It suggests to me that they might be in severe financial trouble, unable to pay day-to-day bills. You may wish to consider this in any response you make. It might call for some flexibility on your part, more than you (or I might wish), otherwise you may well lose your deposit as they go down the proverbial. However, you may wish to cut your losses and get someone else in anyway, as they'll like as not fold soon, if my guess is right.

I would, however, certainly not part with all my money until the job was fully and satisfactorily completed. It's a difficult balance between what is right/your right, and what may be expedient.