Paying in advance for works

firefox1956

Annie1960 wrote: »

I would be interested to know which companies you use that don't want a deposit on ordering.

The OP was asking about a builder i.e. a tradesman.
Over the last 45 years I have never ever paid a builder / plumber / electrician / carpet fitter etc etc in advance.
Mind you I always use local people.........

parking_question_chap

I can understand the request for half up front, as it would cover the price of the door which is a bespoke item. Then if the OP pulls out of having the works done the builder isnt left with a door they might never need.

Not all builders are dodgy, and they need to protect themselves against customers changing their minds.

If you have done your research on them and you feel they are trustworthy I would send it by bacs and not be too worried.

Annie1960

firefox1956 wrote: »

The OP was asking about a builder i.e. a tradesman.
Over the last 45 years I have never ever paid a builder / plumber / electrician / carpet fitter etc etc in advance.
Mind you I always use local people.........

Yes. I have just ordered a couple of doors and a window via my builder (going through a local window company). I paid 50% on ordering (as they make the items to suit my property measurements). I have previously paid a deposit when ordering doors/windows at my last property. Both of these were small local companies, not national chains.

I would be interested to know which door and window companies would go ahead without a deposit.

A deposit is quite normal in this situation, in my experience.

thescouselander

firefox1956 wrote: »

The OP was asking about a builder i.e. a tradesman.
Over the last 45 years I have never ever paid a builder / plumber / electrician / carpet fitter etc etc in advance.
Mind you I always use local people.........

Same here, something seems off to me. The OP should find a different tradesman IMO.

AndyMc.....

thescouselander wrote: »

Same here, something seems off to me. The OP should find a different tradesman IMO.

Maybe you can point him in the right direction? I cannot see many ordering a bifold door costing a few grand without taking a deposit. What's to stop him cancelling and leaving the builder out of pocket?

phill99

thescouselander wrote: »

Same here, something seems off to me. The OP should find a different tradesman IMO.

You are talking bow locks.


I'm a tradesman and would never order specialist items for a customer (windows, kitchen cabinets etc) without taking a deposit for the materials. If you suddenly change your mind, I'm left with goods that I have to pay for.


Try explaining your philosophy to Everest or B & Q. I'm sure they will be happy to deliver you £10k worth of products without a single penny up front.