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Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:38 pm
by hondacrm
Having a garage built at the moment. Payment terms are;-
30% complete fnds
30% start roof work
balance on completion, no retention.
I would be prepared to pay an advance payment up to 15%.
Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 1:05 pm
by ringi
As a client I am more than happy to pay for materials direct to the builder’s merchant, as this can keep a trade’s person outside of VAT and reduces the risk all round.
However I don’t like paying any money up front, as it is practically impossible to enforce a court judgement against a sole trader and ltd companies can be created for about £50.
For “stage� payment, I am happy to pay an amount that is “total cost of works� – “cost of getting someone else to finish it at short notice�. Barring in mind that it will cost more for someone else to finish the work that you have started then for you to finish it yourself and that it is a lot harder to prove blame if the work is completed by more than one company. (The other person will also tend to claim that everything you have done must be redone.)
If there is more than one item of work, e.g. “driveway� and “patio�, I don’t mind paying the full cost of each item when it is completely finished.
At the end of the day, as we are both in good jobs and are a home owner, it is a lot easier for a trade person to enforce a court judgement against us (with an attachment of earnings order), then for us to enforce a judgement against a trades person – therefore I need to protect ourselves.
I don’t consider £100 to be a reasonable retainer, as my time to find someone else to finish a job is worth more than this to me.
Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 1:08 pm
by ringi
Carberry wrote:I sell gas to a corner shop, the asian owner didn't pay my driver and tried to give himself an account so when I went up there and he didn't have any cash or his cheque book I started grabbing arm fulls of booze and told him I would pay in a couple of weeks (I don't even drink :p) The cheque book magically appeared.
Do you wish to go to jail……
Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 1:15 pm
by Carberry
ringi wrote:Carberry wrote:I sell gas to a corner shop, the asian owner didn't pay my driver and tried to give himself an account so when I went up there and he didn't have any cash or his cheque book I started grabbing arm fulls of booze and told him I would pay in a couple of weeks (I don't even drink :p) The cheque book magically appeared.
Do you wish to go to jail……
No. Not sure I understand the question or which part of that would land me a jail sentence
Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 1:18 pm
by local patios and driveway
I try not to take a penny till the end of the job. Its the way my old mn used to do it and its how i try to follow, not been knocked yet, clients feel safer etc. but, i do now offer bond pay, which is safer for me as well as clients
Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 5:26 pm
by dig dug dan
I don’t consider £100 to be a reasonable retainer, as my time to find someone else to finish a job is worth more than this to me.
the customer was pleased i had offered it. though now, i am regrettting it, and will not offer this again. he has spoilt it for everyone
why does he think it is aceptable to take food off my table?