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Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 5:50 pm
by stephenm654
I have recently started my own business as a bricklayer/builder and i am wondering what is the best way to ensure i get paid or have a leg to stand on so to speak if i didn't get paid(other than a big hammer;).
Usually i do small jobs form £100.00 to £500.00 Currently i give out an estimate and then its verbal. I have been OK or lucky so far but would like something better. What do you guys do and any thoughts?
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 6:26 pm
by Pablo
You could use a duplicate receipt type book and when you do the on the spot quote you give them one copy and keep the other. It could be basic stuff like Build wall 6mx1.2m double skin facing brick followed by a price and signature it would only take a minute. For bigger quotes do a proper written quotation. With regards payment for smaller stuff I'd not ask for money before it was finished but would expect it straight after it was.
Edited By Pablo on 1304530042
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 6:59 pm
by GB_Groundworks
Tony has example contracts on Site for paving block work etc,
Most mine is verbal after they agree on written quoits and specification. Get them to sign that or have email conformation of commencement of work and 25% deposit before we start then defined stage payment on big jobs.
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 7:01 pm
by Dave_L
Letter/email accepting our quoted figure and payment terms usually 7-14 days from practical completion.
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 7:55 pm
by rab1
using the above advice could you not list your terms and conditions on the quotes as well to avoid any confusion.
Thought Pablos for the really small jobs was good.
:p
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 8:38 pm
by cookiewales
rab1 wrote:using the above advice could you not list your terms and conditions on the quotes as well to avoid any confusion.
Thought Pablos for the really small jobs was good.
:p
agree with pablo on small works best tip allways write down spec and what work entails when client asks can you just which normaly means free you say it will cost extra.get that sorted asap saves problems later 
:;):
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 9:12 pm
by mickavalon
Watch the verbal quotes, just been stung for £300!! Bloke owed me £800, only got £500 because he said we'd not done everything we'd said, a bit of Pointing that the frost had blown over Winter, about 20 mins work, and the wind caught his back Door while we were carrying spoil out and damaged the lock, bad luck really, and he's done us for £300. Worst is he's an old client we'd done quite a lot of work for, and were due to do about £3000 more but feck him. I'll see him out and about one day!!
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 9:22 pm
by stephenm654
Thanks for all the replys. All really good ideas especially Pablos copy book. I will have to get busy on Word and make up some templates etc. Thanks again for the super advice!
