How to ask for a deposit

When a deposit makes sense

• When you need to order materials or products before the job starts, such as a boiler, kitchen units or bespoke joinery.
• When you're booking out a block of time and turning other work away.
• On larger jobs, where stage payments protect both you and the customer.

For small repairs and callouts, a deposit usually isn't needed and can put customers off.

How much is reasonable?

There's no fixed rule. Many trades ask for enough to cover the materials they need to buy, or a fixed percentage of the total. Larger jobs often use stage payments instead, so the customer pays as each part of the work is done. A deposit that's far more than the costs you'll have up front can worry customers and is harder to justify if the job is cancelled.

What to put on the quote

• The deposit amount, and whether it's a percentage or a fixed sum.
• When it's due, for example on acceptance of the quote.
• What it covers, such as ordering the kitchen units.
• When the balance is due, and how to pay.

Deposits and cancellation rights

If you agree a job with a consumer in their home, or online or by phone, they usually have 14 days to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. If they cancel within that time, you'll normally need to refund the deposit. If they asked you in writing to start within the 14 days, you can keep an amount that reflects the work you've done.

Bespoke items made to the customer's specification can be treated differently. If you're ordering made-to-measure products, say so on the quote and check the rules on GOV.UK or with Citizens Advice.

Invoicing the deposit

Send a separate invoice for the deposit, then a final invoice for the balance that shows the deposit already paid. It keeps your records clear and makes it obvious to the customer what's left to pay.

How TradeKwote helps

• Add a deposit to any quote as a percentage or a fixed amount, and it's shown clearly with the total.
• Choose payment terms, such as 50% upfront with the balance on completion.
• Your bank details appear on the quote so the customer can pay straight away.
• On Pro, an accepted quote with a deposit becomes a deposit invoice and a final balance invoice.