90% deposit for windows, covered by The Home Improvement Protection Scheme

katejo

housebuyer143 said:

am_Cornwall said:

Out of interest I looked them up on Companies House - it's very clear now why they would like 90% deposit. They are a VERY small local company, who don't look like they have the cash to buy materials in advance. Sadly of course that makes them even more of a risk to deal with. Hope they get some good advice to find their way out of it or they'll drive themselves into the ground!

I used a local company and they wanted no deposit. They should have a deal with the supplier where they don't pay immediately, or that's what mine had. 
I only paid when the job was completed and I was happy. 

Surely it is fair to expect to pay a significant deposit? Without that the customer might change their mind and cancel the job and the Company loses out?

casper_gutman

I agree a significant deposit is reasonable as you're getting a large item custom made, and the cost of the materials and labour for off-site manufacture is a substantial part of the cost of the work. I'd be concerned that the balance of 10% undervalues the cost of installation, though. A fair deposit would leave enough money outstanding to incentivise the window company to install to a good standard.

jcb208

As said walk away and find a firm that does not require a large deposit, I never paid any thing upfront 

hissyfitcornwall

Hi
I am also in Cornwall and have been asked for a 90% deposit by a company at Longdowns near Penryn and although I like the product,  feel I cannot take the risk, I have approached another company at Redruth and they have said 25% deposit.

Jaybee_16

Although not in Cornwall, last week I had a local company come to quote for double glazing. I accepted the quote and he's since been back to check measurements. Not asked for any deposit.

Whilst here, he said my front door wasn't square and catching on the bottom rail, so he's adjusted that at no cost.