SFA: What's the Answer?
Client Contract Terms
Josh Rubink Premium Member
Hey all, I was wondering what you have set up for client contracts. We require a 50% deposit before material is brought in or fabbed. We don't currently get customers to sign off on anything beforehand, but it's been an issue here and there with certain customers. Does anyone require credit-card info or ID before a job starts? What's a good starter protocol for this lol. hanks, Amber Lauzon/ Ken Lauzon Stoneworks New Liskeard, Ont.
justzack Administrator
We collect 100% at the time of the order. All paperwork is done at that point, Contract, customer agreement, material waiver, plumbing waiver. That is when the template date is set and the job is put in the books. We make custom granite countertops so why not be paid in full? Creekside Granite Reno, Pa..
GanassaWMG Premium Member
Justin, do builders give you 100% up front as well? or is that just retail primarily? Mike Ganassa Washington Marble and Granite Ijamsville, Md.
justzack Administrator
Builders and contractors we have worked with get 50/50. New contractors and builders are 100% up front for the first few jobs, then they get 50/50 until they pay late.
tallzeng Administrator
I sometimes wish we did the same, JZ, but we are 50% down at acceptance of the job. We then adjust the estimate after template if needed and get a DocuSign of the job. Install is set after the DocuSign and we collect the remaining 50% upon completion. We have different rules for builders, designers, GCs and remodelers. Zeng Granite Inc Lincoln, Neb.
mikedean Administrator
50% down. 25% charged to c/c day of measure. 25% charged to c/c day of install. They sign that we will auto charge the card on those dates. The Top Shop Inc. London, Ont.
Artistrysurfaces Premium Member
Hello, curious to know what payment processing you guys use to process payments automatically Francisco Rodriguez Artistry Stone Countertops Inc. Indio, Calif.
mikedean Administrator
Francisco, we make notes in the calendar to do it. Nothing automatic.
Matt Kraft Premium Member
Wholesale shop here. No deposits. Bill upon completion, net 30 for any established accounts in good standing. Collection issues = bad account, we shoo them away over time. Most of my best customers pay by monthly statement, 5, 10, 15 invoices at a time. Our A/R is basically one month's billing. Matt Kraft Custom Marble Inc. Millstadt, Ill. matt.kraft@custommarble.net
JMarcella Administrator
Established wholesale builders, no deposit, net 30. Builders, 50% deposit, 50% on completion. Retail. 100% up front. Been burned too many times in recent years in retail not to charge 100%. Big-box charges 100%, why shouldn't we? Started charging 100% just a year or two ago, and hasn't been a problem. People expect this now. Mario & Son Liberty Lake, Wash