Being asked for 50% deposit before any work is done

elaneh

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81938441#Comment_81938441

many thanks to everyone for the advice.

I have been to see some they did in 2018 and it looks good and I’m told by the was that they had found them to be reputable.

however, I am going to pay the deposit day and they won’t let me pay any of it on a credit card and insist on bacs only..

There is insurance and they are a local firm in business for a long time with a decent reputation, but I do feel nervous about having no protection.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939840#Comment_81939840

I do not think I have ever paid any trades people, builders etc by credit card. Most will not be set up for it.

Bank transfer is normal, although usually it is by 'Faster Payments' rather than BACS.

casper_gutman

Maybe it varies a bit by area, but I'm finding more and more trades, whether small companies or sole traders, are set up to take card payments.

In the last year I've paid a window company as well as a plumber, an electrician and a drain specialist by card. When it came time to pay the first three emailed invoices with links to online payment pages, while the last one had a card machine in his van linked to an app on his phone to generate the invoice and receipt.

I've had no issues with any of these payments.

I agree it's more common for people to provide account details and ask for a bank transfer though.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939992#Comment_81939992

Interesting.

Where any of the payments by credit card, or just debit card ?

TELLIT01

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939624#Comment_81939624

This company went bust in late 2022, presumably caused in part by Covid and the effect on the building industry in general. They had been in business for over 30 years and had a great reputation locally.

sheslookinhot

Firstly, why do they need 50% upfront ? Is it to buy materials ? Most builders will have accounts with the material suppliers. Do you have a start and completion date ?

Good reputation but no work in your area. Who gave them the “good reputation”?

20% should be maximum you pay. Good builders will ask for no more with the rest on completion.

Swipe

No £100 on credit card, no deal

TELLIT01

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81941332#Comment_81941332

Depending on the size of the job, there may be stage payments to be made, but that should all be defined and agreed before any contract is signed or work started.

elaneh

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81938441#Comment_81938441

I did do that. Saw a roof done in 2018. But still no contract and deposit of over 4k before I so much as get the final survey done. And none on credit card. Makes me very uneasy

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81942696#Comment_81942696

I think for peace of mind, you had better look for someone else.