getting paid (domestic work)

[Andy Allen]

Is anyone finding it harder to get paid from domestic work?
With some of the programmes on telly.....dom gets even..etc
Do you find customers getting extremely picky.....almost to the point of finding fault just to avoid paying. ?

Would be interested to here others views on this subject. .

 

[Qwerty]

Not had any issues. I'm a trading standards approved tradesman (on the Buy with Confidence scheme) and find that this helps a lot in circumstances where it is a customer who hasn't come to me through recommendation

 

[White Room]

Not really had any problem as of yet....touch wood.

 

[Ian]

Don't seem to have many problems here. Had a few this year that have needed a gentle reminder but, always got it. Most of my work is for plumbers/builders/developers these days and they're all good payers, always get my money within 7 days even if they haven't been paid from the client.

 

[Stocks Tiles]

I only do domestic work and for myself, when I quote I state that the total cost is £x and this it to be payable upon time of completion. And yeah I've not been knocked some even leave me the money when they go to work in the morning and I've only just started work there on single day jobs! But then my first bad customer happened last month, got to the job he's got b&q budget white wall tiles none the same size, tell him it's not going to line up very well etc etc, yeah that's fine I understand he says, wants extra work done and has not allowed another day for this and had mosaic borders and boxings that I knew nothing about and done anyway so I ran out of time. I went home agreeing to his part payment and he would transfer the money. Argument later about tiles being different sizes and says he has a mental disability he doesn't remember, well he paid some in the end and i had enough of him. Wednesday just gone he said he's taking legal action against me for the remaining works cause I told him to keep the rest of the money and forget all the other works he wants done I'm not interested he was demanding I start 3.30pm and Saturdays. Really piddled me off I've never had a issue from a customer with any of my work! Off topic but wanted to moan for days! Lol.

But in general my requirement for payment upon time of completion works well, I've learnt that EVERYTHING has to be in writing no matter how silly it seems cause verbal doesn't exist! If you accept the quote have the work done then there is no need to not pay at the end of the job, I certainly wouldn't make anyone wait for money if do work for me.

And if I get a bad vibe then there has been a few I haven't quoted as personally it's not worth the risk. Now that I'm finally at the point where I'm 7 1/2 weeks booked up in front of me since starting solo in August, it was tough until 3-4 weeks ago so I like to play safe rather than take risks financially.

I will shut up now

 

[gamma38]

Pretty good for me as well, although i will say people are becoming a bit more savy when they ask about prep, finish, etc. I think it's a combination of that useless ex car salesman small man syndrome Dom, and the internet. The internet has made an expert of everybody.

 

[Russell brown]

I thought Dom was an ex burglar ?

 

[White Room]

I thought Dom was an ex burglar ?

So did I..

 

[gamma38]

I stand corrected if that's true, I was always told he sold cars in Essex.

 

[John Benton]

I only do domestic work and for myself, when I quote I state that the total cost is £x and this it to be payable upon time of completion. And yeah I've not been knocked some even leave me the money when they go to work in the morning and I've only just started work there on single day jobs! But then my first bad customer happened last month, got to the job he's got b&q budget white wall tiles none the same size, tell him it's not going to line up very well etc etc, yeah that's fine I understand he says, wants extra work done and has not allowed another day for this and had mosaic borders and boxings that I knew nothing about and done anyway so I ran out of time. I went home agreeing to his part payment and he would transfer the money. Argument later about tiles being different sizes and says he has a mental disability he doesn't remember, well he paid some in the end and i had enough of him. Wednesday just gone he said he's taking legal action against me for the remaining works cause I told him to keep the rest of the money and forget all the other works he wants done I'm not interested he was demanding I start 3.30pm and Saturdays. Really piddled me off I've never had a issue from a customer with any of my work! Off topic but wanted to moan for days! Lol.

But in general my requirement for payment upon time of completion works well, I've learnt that EVERYTHING has to be in writing no matter how silly it seems cause verbal doesn't exist! If you accept the quote have the work done then there is no need to not pay at the end of the job, I certainly wouldn't make anyone wait for money if do work for me.

And if I get a bad vibe then there has been a few I haven't quoted as personally it's not worth the risk. Now that I'm finally at the point where I'm 7 1/2 weeks booked up in front of me since starting solo in August, it was tough until 3-4 weeks ago so I like to play safe rather than take risks financially.

I will shut up now

Not had any problems other than a shower cubicle I did for a wealthy consultant anaesthetist, waited 3 weeks for payment and he accused me of breaking his Dyson and trying to conceal a crack by sticking sellotape over it :mad2:

Paid up but the cheque was £15 short of the total. I didn't even waste my time or money chasing it.

Regarding getting everything in writing, remember this, 'The spoken word flies, but the written word remains' If you remember that then there can be no confusion as to the work that's carried out for the price agreed.

 

[Dave]

I get paid ok so far to date .. Had a few late payers but they still pay within a week.. 99% pay on completion and the other 1% is subby work and paid within a week.

I know what you mean about the written word lol , I've had some that seem to forget verbal conversations , so when I quote now , I always state what is what in the quote and fully state extra work will incur further costs.

Take it or leave it is my motto.

 

[Andy Allen]

I only do domestic work and for myself, when I quote I state that the total cost is £x and this it to be payable upon time of completion. And yeah I've not been knocked some even leave me the money when they go to work in the morning and I've only just started work there on single day jobs! But then my first bad customer happened last month, got to the job he's got b&q budget white wall tiles none the same size, tell him it's not going to line up very well etc etc, yeah that's fine I understand he says, wants extra work done and has not allowed another day for this and had mosaic borders and boxings that I knew nothing about and done anyway so I ran out of time. I went home agreeing to his part payment and he would transfer the money. Argument later about tiles being different sizes and says he has a mental disability he doesn't remember, well he paid some in the end and i had enough of him. Wednesday just gone he said he's taking legal action against me for the remaining works cause I told him to keep the rest of the money and forget all the other works he wants done I'm not interested he was demanding I start 3.30pm and Saturdays. Really piddled me off I've never had a issue from a customer with any of my work! Off topic but wanted to moan for days! Lol.

But in general my requirement for payment upon time of completion works well, I've learnt that EVERYTHING has to be in writing no matter how silly it seems cause verbal doesn't exist! If you accept the quote have the work done then there is no need to not pay at the end of the job, I certainly wouldn't make anyone wait for money if do work for me.

And if I get a bad vibe then there has been a few I haven't quoted as personally it's not worth the risk. Now that I'm finally at the point where I'm 7 1/2 weeks booked up in front of me since starting solo in August, it was tough until 3-4 weeks ago so I like to play safe rather than take risks financially.

I will shut up now

Exactly what's happend to me....customer gets cheap crap tiles from a diy shed against my advice. ....gose on holiday to Australia for 3 weeks while me and the plumber fit a new bathroom......he comes back and picks up on issues I explained to him before he left that I can do nothing about. Tiles sizes varying, bowed tiles ....glaze so thin it chips just running your dry cutter over them...ect

I think its more down to the price .....although me and the plumber have both done work for him before. ..an en-suite in his old house ( tiles supplied by me from a Decent tile supplier) he paid no problem.
When we priced this job he questioned us that he thought it was expensive and he was getting other quotes. ..fine by me I got plenty of work on. However he still came back to us to do the work...
Yesterday meeting ended with him paying me and the plumber three quarters of our money owed...as an intermediate payment ...as he put it, till the snags are done.
Its not rocket science to work out this is the price he wanted to pay in th the first place.
Btw hes a police officer.....just to pee me off even more..

 

[Colour Republic]

I thought Dom was an ex burglar ?

So did I..

I stand corrected if that's true, I was always told he sold cars in Essex.

For years I always thought he was an ex con but it's because one of the first times I saw him on TV he hosted a show called 'beat the burglar' and the actual ex burgler looks like they could have been brothers, hence why I think so many get confused.

 

[Andy Allen]

It's about time someone stood up for the good, honest, hard working tradesmen.
Seems everything is stacked against us of a client refuses to pay..

 

[Russell brown]

He's still like Ricky Gervias, God id like to give the pair of them a kicking!

 

[mike1979]

I've got a none payer I tell no lies!! he showed me where his tiles were in the garage agreed the setting out I tiled his cloakroom then got accused of switching his tiles and using different ones !! I kid you not if he doesn't pay up by the weekend my hammer and chisel shall be making an appearance

 

[White Room]

I've got a none payer I tell no lies!! he showed me where his tiles were in the garage agreed the setting out I tiled his cloakroom then got accused of switching his tiles and using different ones !! I kid you not if he doesn't pay up by the weekend my hammer and chisel shall be making an appearance

Not heard that one before....

 

[Andy Allen]

Some rite nutters out there ...

 

[mike1979]

I even checked a copy of the invoice from the tile shop as this bloke doesn't know that I know where they came from

 

[White Room]

I even checked a copy of the invoice from the tile shop as this bloke doesn't know that I know where they came from

Wave it in front of his nose:deal2:

 

[Ken Bruty]

Not too bad here Andy, the slowest ones usually are the ones with the most money I always find, so I'm on their case as soon as I'm finished, and I also always put the payment terms on my written/email quotation so there are no grey areas, as they then have agreed to a legally binding contract when they have agreed for me to carry out the work(and this doesn't necessarily have to be in writing, a verbal contract stands) and they will be in breach of it if they have ignored it.

Hope that helps buddy

 

[MTiler]

the only people Ive had trouble with getting money off is other Tilers Ive worked for.

 

[Just Rizzle]

Exactly what's happend to me....customer gets cheap crap tiles from a diy shed against my advice. ....gose on holiday to Australia for 3 weeks while me and the plumber fit a new bathroom......he comes back and picks up on issues I explained to him before he left that I can do nothing about. Tiles sizes varying, bowed tiles ....glaze so thin it chips just running your dry cutter over them...ect

I think its more down to the price .....although me and the plumber have both done work for him before. ..an en-suite in his old house ( tiles supplied by me from a Decent tile supplier) he paid no problem.
When we priced this job he questioned us that he thought it was expensive and he was getting other quotes. ..fine by me I got plenty of work on. However he still came back to us to do the work...
Yesterday meeting ended with him paying me and the plumber three quarters of our money owed...as an intermediate payment ...as he put it, till the snags are done.
Its not rocket science to work out this is the price he wanted to pay in th the first place.
Btw hes a police officer.....just to pee me off even more..

mi m8 did you get the rest of your money

 

[Marvo]

I only do domestic work and for myself, when I quote I state that the total cost is £x and this it to be payable upon time of completion. And yeah I've not been knocked some even leave me the money when they go to work in the morning and I've only just started work there on single day jobs! But then my first bad customer happened last month, got to the job he's got b&q budget white wall tiles none the same size, tell him it's not going to line up very well etc etc, yeah that's fine I understand he says, wants extra work done and has not allowed another day for this and had mosaic borders and boxings that I knew nothing about and done anyway so I ran out of time. I went home agreeing to his part payment and he would transfer the money. Argument later about tiles being different sizes and says he has a mental disability he doesn't remember, well he paid some in the end and i had enough of him. Wednesday just gone he said he's taking legal action against me for the remaining works cause I told him to keep the rest of the money and forget all the other works he wants done I'm not interested he was demanding I start 3.30pm and Saturdays. Really piddled me off I've never had a issue from a customer with any of my work! Off topic but wanted to moan for days! Lol.

But in general my requirement for payment upon time of completion works well, I've learnt that EVERYTHING has to be in writing no matter how silly it seems cause verbal doesn't exist! If you accept the quote have the work done then there is no need to not pay at the end of the job, I certainly wouldn't make anyone wait for money if do work for me.

And if I get a bad vibe then there has been a few I haven't quoted as personally it's not worth the risk. Now that I'm finally at the point where I'm 7 1/2 weeks booked up in front of me since starting solo in August, it was tough until 3-4 weeks ago so I like to play safe rather than take risks financially.

I will shut up now

I feel for you. These are issues that any business faces and it's got nothing to do with how good you are at your trade it's simply down to business practices. I know a lot of very capable tradesmen that have a great reputation and have gone self employed and lost their shirt within a year or two. To be self employed and sucessful you need trade skills and business skills in equal amounts.

 

[Stocks Tiles]

I feel for you. These are issues that any business faces and it's got nothing to do with how good you are at your trade it's simply down to business practices. I know a lot of very capable tradesmen that have a great reputation and have gone self employed and lost their shirt within a year or two. To be self employed and sucessful you need trade skills and business skills in equal amounts.

I'm just out to earn a living I enjoy my job and I give people what they're paying for and not a bodge job, I have a labourer now and again I'll never commit to taking on workers I am happy on my own at my own pace. I am certainly learning a lot as I go along regards the business side of things, little issues that pop up I learn to help reduce these happening in the future, just unfortunately some idiots are unpredictable lol. I would rather sit at home now than tile with them cheap things again..!

 

[Marvo]

Maybe this forum would benefit from a Business sub-forum. Business acumen is something that takes time to learn and the lessons are usually expensive especially for the micro enterprises where one none-payer can mean there's no food on the table literally. It's better if you can learn the lessons and avoid the pit-falls without paying the price first hand.

With the unpredictable idiots you can exercise damage limitation by having apayments structure in place and proper paperwork proceedures where everything is in writing and acknowledged by the customer for future reference. Also look at getting involved in micro business coperatives in your area which can provide your business with services you wouldn't normally be able to afford access to such as legal, HR and accounting etc etc.

 

[Dan]

We have a few aspects of business with their own sub forums. Such as marketing and job pricing and trade price checking (or suppliers chat). They don't get hsed that much to be honest.

http://www.tilersforums.com/forums/tilers-forums-arms-professional-tilers-forum.9/

We've always sort of used the Tilers Arms its self as the business forum and some general chats and moans about the trade in general.

 

[Andy Allen]

[QUOhetiler, post: 771462, member: 44073"]mi m8 did you get the rest of your money[/QUOTE]

Yes managed to get it all in the end.
I to am going to avoid the crap tiles....ain't worth the hassle.

 

[Old Mod]

At the end of the day u can have as many safeguards in place as u like, but if they ain't gonna pay, they ain't gonna pay.
It has to be premeditated, they have every intention of bumping u before u arrive, they just try to find the excuse! It's just in their nature!
Oh good where in the arms haha
Which is exactly what I told a client a short while ago, not that not paying was in his nature, but that finding fault was In his nature. Haha He actually took it quite well I'd already explained and physically shown him that it was impossible to get a 64millon dollar job with 10 dollar tiles but he did insist on taking a small piece of timber about 60mm long and rocking it over EVERY single joint both horizontal and vertical and being they were johnsons 300x100 he wondered why there were discrepancies! I spose alarm bells should have rang when he said that it took 3 Tilers to do his first ensuite and that he had to finish it himself! It's amazing how complacent u can get when you're not used to getting snagged and u take it for granted that u won't have that problem! Haha how wrong was I! He moaned about things I didn't know was possible. Don't get me wrong he paid up no problem but still removed two tiles he wasn't happy with in front of me as I was leaving saying he'd do it himself! He nearly got my gauger in a very dark place! Haha live and learn eh!

 

[Dan]

I don't have the patience these days to deal with no-payers who don't have an actual genuine reason. I'd end up doing something daft.