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Cheue

Posted by Tomos Osmond, on
We've had a quote from a plumber requesting the full cost of materials upfront by cheque and payment for labour once job a complete. Is this normal practice?
Mostafa Tavengar

Mostafa Tavengar

Hi Tomos, If you are wary then maybe suggest that he sends you an order list and you buy the materials direct? I have to say that, as a trades person myself, I always ask for a deposit big enough to cover the start up costs for a job because it is a financial commitment from a customer. You would be surprised how many people ask for work to be done and either cancel at the last minute or become uncontactable! Worse still are those who have the work done and then plead poverty, bounce cheques or declare bankruptcy! We have had our fingers burnt a few times so now insist on some form of payment up front. Luckily we have a good reputation and our clients are happy with the arrangement. I would say trust your gut but do not see this as a sign of dishonesty, he is probably just covering his own back. Hope this helps :-) Kind regards Mostafa Bedford Building Maintenance
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Shaun Allen

Shaun Allen

Hi I always ask for cost of materials upfront these days if they are of considerable cost to me or I ask the customer to supply if they are nervous and labour at the end of satisfactory completion. I never have any problems and my customers usually don't hesitate it's then good will on both parties. If your unsure of the plumbers reputation you should talk to a couple of his clients for reaSsurance Hope that helps Shaun
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Selvin Elliott

Selvin Elliott

It's not that usual some jobs requires a deposit depending on how much materials may cost ....If a tradesman lay out for example £200 on materials on your behalf and you change your mind about the job he loses out as some wholesalers apply restocking fees
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Ray Trueman

Ray Trueman

Yes this does happen but it's not the norm I would suggest that you tell the plumber that the cheque will be there on delivery of the materials to site then the remainder when the job is completed
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Donald Gray

Hi tomos. I would say this arrangement does happen.I would'nt say it was normal. If you don't know this plumber you might want to be careful and offer half with half when you see some succesful work being done. If it's a small amount I can't see how he would need this up front. If it's a larger amount and you are wary. Then trust your gut feeling and get another plumber. Good luck tomos. Donald
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matthew howden

matthew howden

Hi tomos. In some instances this is normal practice as the outlay for a tradesman can be very high. But....there are always some people who use this to there own gain. please be assured that the majority of tradesmen and women are honest and trustworthy. If there is some doubt about it, try to have the materials delivered on a cash on delivery term (you pay the delivery driver and the plumber never touches the money) or release the the funds in stages (after each stage is on site and the invoices match up, release another stage). Like i said earlier, most are honest and trustworthy but caution is always a safe bet. Hope this helps Matt - A A Roofing, Widnes
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