New Boiler - Money Up Front?

BecksMyCat33

Hello,


I am thinking of getting a new boiler as my current one is very problematic. I got an initial quote from British Gas, which was ridiculous, so I contacted an engineer who was listed on Glow Worms website.


His price is more reasonable (about what I was expecting, having read other posts here), but he is asking for money up front, by bank transfer, before he starts work. This would be to order the boiler and other materials. I have asked him for a written quote and he is going to confirm how much he wants before he orders the boiler etc.


Is it this normal to pay money like this up front (I imagine it will be quite a lot)? I have very little experience of working with tradesmen. He is an independent guy, not part of a company, but I am worried about handing over money before he has even started work. I have an address from him from Glowworms website, and a mobile number, but that is it!

ic

I didn't pay a penny up front on a boiler install (job was about £2400).

London50

Hi

While I am no expert on this type of thing I would NEVER pay the money up front to anyone before a job has been started and more so if all I had was a mobile number. OK I would be OK with paying in installments as {after many years in the Builder/plumbers merchants trade} any builder/plumber that was any good would have an account and would not be expected to pay as the goods arrived in our shop.
I would be VERY careful with this as in the end you could end up with no boiler and no CASH

barijohn

I'd be wary as well in this instant, the other option you could have is asking him the make and model of boiler he is going to install and buying it yourself for him to install.

Though I would check a few other installers. If you are a Which Subscriber don't forget Which Local

teddysmum

Mine, including new radiators, new gas pipe, gas fir fitting and a bathroom repair was on a pay when the job is completed basis.

BecksMyCat33

Thank you everyone. You have possibly saved me from an expensive disaster. He is apparently a moonlighting British Gas engineer, I think this is a bit of a side line for him.

phill99

We have to stop this.

What are BGs terms? I imagine they will want a big chunk of cash up front. As do B & Q if you have a kitchen or bathroom fitted by them, Everest Double Glazing if you have windoes or doors fitted by them. These companies have massive cash resources and can easily bank roll your installation. But people are happy to pay over thousands of pounds to large companies without questionng ut.

Small traders like myself don't have massive cash flows and money sitting in the bank waiting to buy your boiler etc. Most tradesmen do have accounts with suppliers. Just because they have an account with Plumbase or whover, doesn't mean that account doesn't have to be paid. And if you as a homeowner get funny and devide not to pay, how is the account going to get paid.

I have been working for myself for 13 years and have regular customers. These customers don't get asked for money up front as I know I will get paid. If you are not willing to pay a deposit, then how do I know you are willing to pay up at the end?

However, if you sre a new customer and want me to install a kitchen or bathroom, I will ask you to pay the cost of materials up front. If you don't wish to, then you need to get somebody else in to bankroll your project. How many customers have I lost by asking for material costs? Not one.

Granted you should not be paying 100% up front. That is dodgy.

Its about give and take and creating a relationship of trust.

phill99

BecksMyCat33 wrote: »

Thank you everyone. You have possibly saved me from an expensive disaster. He is apparently a moonlighting British Gas engineer, I think this is a bit of a side line for him.

If it is a sideline, then you have a right to be cautious, but if he is a legitimate trader, then you need to be more trusting.

BecksMyCat33

Thanks Phil, yes I completely understand the situation from the other perspective.


In this instance he has agreed to do the work, with payment on completion.

daveyjp

My RGI requests 25% upfront, which is reasonable.

I wouldn't pay all of it upfront as there is then no incentive to finish the job.

sparkieguy

How does he know you're not a rip off merchant? Trust works both ways!