Taking Deposits

[evergreenco]

How many of you take deposits on installation work? I am so tired of poor cash flow and having 60K out all the time for work completed.
Currently I do not take any money from homeowners until the job is complete. My contractors of course pay weekly or once every two weeks and i have to front that money for them!

[spoolinaround]

homeowners are ALWAYS materials & any rental fees upfront, commercials are 30% upfront

[KINGjosh]

Any jobs that the materials or other supplies are over $300, I get the money for the material upfront.

[treedoc1]

under 20K for total project...50% upon acceptance, 50% upon completion

over 20K for total project...1/3 upon acceptance, 1/3 at 1/2 way point, 1/3 upon completion

We are usually booked 6-8 weeks in advance. The deposit gets them on the schedule.

[i_plant_art]

30% to hold a spot.. dont want leave 30% no problem ill get there after i get done with everyone else. now a days even wiht contracts its still a PITA to get your $$ from people sometimes. Everything requires the30% unless its a long time customer who i have had NO problems with.