40% deposit for labour only?

candymycandy

Hi,
We have had a quote for £380 labour only to remove old bath and basin and replace with new (inc taps). We are supplying the materials.  The quote seems fair (cheaper than expected when compete to other quotes!?) however he can’t do the work until august 23rd and wants a 40% deposit within 48 hrs to secure the date. 

I haven’t had work like this done before so just wanted to see if the 40% seemed excessive or not? Particularly in light of the fact it’s 6months away and labour only? Appreciate they need some assurance from me to commit to the date but equally how am I to know he won’t go out of business etc in the next 6 months? Any advice much appreciated. 

Doozergirl

Yes. Don't bother! 

I think it might be a bit cheap for a decent job, but who on earth would pay a 40% deposit on something where someone that cheap wouldn't even start for 6 months?

It doesn't ring true to me.  We can't guarantee an exact starting date that far ahead and I certainly wouldn't be hassling people for a deposit 'within 48 hours'. 

donemedosh

You shouldn't have to pay a deposit to secure a date. As I am self employed if I have work planned for months away you just make a note in the diary then check all ok closer to that date. They are not even spending any money just turning up. I would find someone else.

candymycandy

Thank you both for the reassurance. Seems like he wants my money for his cash flow which isn’t great! And I am also surprised that they’d expect me to find £150 in 48 hours (sounds like a ransom situation!). Thanks both, back to the drawing board!

A_Lert

Yeah, (expletive) no. Way too easy for the person to just run off and you'll never see or find them again.

greenface2

In their head they will sort their small cash flow out now then work for half the money then . They might not turn up or fob you off until you leave them alone ?? 

binao

If they can not do the work for 6 months then they don't want the work.

Run for the hills real fast. Same as they will with your money.

Is the thread 100% for real? Maybe 6 months to start Trump Towers 2.

It's only a bath etc.