I’m wondering how most folks put various jobs/customers on the schedule. Do you guys ask for a nonrefundable deposit to reserve a spot on your calendar? I’ve had (2) big jobs fall off the table, after I’ve declined other work due to scheduling.
Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
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I take 10% with a signed contract to get on the schedule.
Birth, school, work, death.....................
I have never actually taken a scheduling deposit, but I don't schedule anything without a signed contract. Your job is not on the schedule unless you sign, and if someone else calls before you sign then they're next and you're after that.
There's a thread on this in the business folder, I think.
I also don't normally take a scheduling deposit from contractors I have a history with, but homeowners have left me up a creek numerous times.
I've got one guy that sent back the contract without the 10% about a year ago. I said I'd schedule when he sent the 10%. He informed me that when he used to be a contractor, he never took any payment until he was finished. I asked him what he did now. He worked in a factory. Apparently, contracting didn't work out for him. He refused to pay the 10%, I refused to do the job. It still hasn't been done. My guess is, he doesn't have the money. I weeded him out with the 10% requirement.
Birth, school, work, death.....................
Sign the contract, sign the start check, go on the schedule. Unless, I'm doing sub work for a builder. In that case, I just schedule it. I've never had a problem with the builders canceling.
spark... i always get a deposit , say $500 to $1000 " on signing the Proposal to schedule the work"..
no signature and deposit, no schedule-..
we also get a start payment when permit obtained and work commences
I require 10% deposit to commit myself to scheduling the job, never had a problem. It just assures them that they are guaranteed a start date.
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
From a HO's point of view, a deposit is completely reasonable. I come to expect that to get on your schedule, I'll need to put up a portion of the job. Nothing wrong with that. Unless someone is worried the contractor will skip out with their $$$. But then if he's worried about his contractor, why get involved with the guy in the first place?
Now if you could spread that sage advice to everyone. My life would be a little easier.
Honestly though, I've never had a homeowner back out after they gave me a verbal commitment.
Thanks for the info guys. I found the old thread as well.
Regards,
Spark
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