Payment Up Front

[Michael G.]

Nothing upsets me more than hiring a service company that insist on payment
before the job is started.
Even for 1 or 2 year contracts need to be paid before any work is started.

If there are materials to be ordered, yes then maybe a part of that expense.

I send many nice company's/people packing when they ask for payment up front.

Do your job, show me what you can do, then we'll talk payment with maybe a tip.

What your thoughts on this?

Cheers!

[retiredguy123]

Never, never, never, not ever, pay money in advance for work. The only time I would pay for materials is if they are custom materials that cannot be restocked. And, only if the contractor will accept a credit card that can be disputed if the custom materials are not delivered within 60 days. If the contractor won't agree to these conditions, I will find another contractor who will. There are plenty of them.

[retiredguy123]

True story. I built a luxury house in Savannah, Georgia about 35 years ago and hired all the subs and workers myself. I had a good painter, but he drank a lot and didn't have any money. So, I stopped by the house every afternoon, and gave him some cash based on what he had completed that day. He did a good job, and I sold the house for a nice profit. But, if I had paid all the subs and workers in advance, I think I would still be building that house.

[jebartle]

Only once did we mistakenly pay landscaper while finishing job, $100 lesson learned

[MartinSE]

Completely agree. For construction projects, like enclosing the Lanai I expect there are upfront costs, and maybe some of that could be covered. But not more than 1/3 and I struggle to go that high. I think there are a lot of good honest contractors working in TV, but I also KNOW (from personal experience) there are some not so honest or good.

Buyer beware.

[Stu from NYC]

Learned that lesson after hiring contractor to build a set of capt beds. Still waiting on him to do the work after giving him money to purchase lumber.

[MrFlorida]

Never pay up front.

[Michael G.]

Do you think their afraid that people in TV won't like their work, and they wouldn't get Payed?

I just don't like money's being paid upfront.

[Garywt]

Up north when hiring a contract many ask for 1/3 when you sign the contract, 1/3 on they show up to start and 1/3 when done. We had our roof done and paid 100% when the job was done.

[Dsalmiery]

Only once did we mistakenly pay landscaper while finishing job, $100 lesson learned

Lesson of $1700 learned here. The job was $3500 and we paid half in advance- never saw him again.

[banjobob]

Nothing upsets me more than hiring a service company that insist on payment
before the job is started.
Even for 1 or 2 year contracts need to be paid before any work is started.

If there are materials to be ordered, yes then maybe a part of that expense.

I send many nice company's/people packing when they ask for payment up front.

Do your job, show me what you can do, then we'll talk payment with maybe a tip.

What your thoughts on this?

Cheers!

I agree if money up front is required , check the company your are dealing with. We had a large birdcage built and a full roof replaced, neither company required up front money. Same happened with our granite kitchen and bath counter tops. Check who you are doing business with.

[jimkerr]

Never pay upfront, but if you must, use a credit card.

[me4vt]

In today’s changing prices and People dropping from the Chinese Flu, contractors need the insurance that they’ll get what they have invested in a project. I’m having a $53,000 project built and I’m paying at certain points of the project until it’s completed!!




Nothing upsets me more than hiring a service company that insist on payment
before the job is started.
Even for 1 or 2 year contracts need to be paid before any work is started.

If there are materials to be ordered, yes then maybe a part of that expense.

I send many nice company's/people packing when they ask for payment up front.

Do your job, show me what you can do, then we'll talk payment with maybe a tip.

What your thoughts on this?

Cheers!

[me4vt]

In today’s changing prices and People dropping from the Chinese Flu, contractors need the insurance that they’ll get what they have invested in a project. I’m having a $53,000 project built and I’m paying at certain points of the project until it’s completed!!

[bobeaston]

Nothing upsets me more than hiring a service company that insist on payment
before the job is started.


Simple. Don't hire them.

[lisa kay]

Completely agree. For construction projects, like enclosing the Lanai I expect there are upfront costs, and maybe some of that could be covered. But not more than 1/3 and I struggle to go that high. I think there are a lot of good honest contractors working in TV, but I also KNOW (from personal experience) there are some not so honest or good.

Buyer beware.

Could I please have the number to good contractor

[Malsua]

In today’s changing prices and People dropping from the Chinese Flu, contractors need the insurance that they’ll get what they have invested in a project. I’m having a $53,000 project built and I’m paying at certain points of the project until it’s completed!!

And I think that's the answer.

My wife and I expanded our villa in 2021 and the cost was somewhat north of your number. Windows were 5-7 months out from date of order. Trusses were 3 months. A contractor running dozens of jobs could not float those deposits and stay in business.

By the same token, we had 5 benchmarks we paid at. The first payment was when the permits/Arc were complete, the drawings were done and the windows were ordered.

I didn't find that unreasonable.

For a landscaping job that's 90% labor, it's a different story and I wouldn't pay ahead except in one small circumstance. If they asked that I order the materials and have them delivered, I'd consider it. That way I could always get another person on site to install or shovel it myself if it were stone.

[mkjelenbaas]

Nothing upsets me more than hiring a service company that insist on payment
before the job is started.
Even for 1 or 2 year contracts need to be paid before any work is started.

If there are materials to be ordered, yes then maybe a part of that expense.

I send many nice company's/people packing when they ask for payment up front.

Do your job, show me what you can do, then we'll talk payment with maybe a tip.

What your thoughts on this?

Cheers!
Time to learn from my mistake - gave several thousand dollars to VIP HOME IMPROVEMENT - and guess what - poor work - not licensed - did not meet timetable in contract - do not use this scamming company and do not give money up front like I did!! Thanks

[mkjelenbaas]

Nothing upsets me more than hiring a service company that insist on payment
before the job is started.
Even for 1 or 2 year contracts need to be paid before any work is started.

If there are materials to be ordered, yes then maybe a part of that expense.

I send many nice company's/people packing when they ask for payment up front.

Do your job, show me what you can do, then we'll talk payment with maybe a tip.

What your thoughts on this?

Cheers!
Learn from my mistake! Do not use VIP HOME IMPROVEMENT as I gave money up front and found he was not licensed bonded and his work was terrible - also MILKED the job and did not complete on time according to the contract- be warned!!

[DaleDivine]

Never, never, never, not ever, pay money in advance for work. The only time I would pay for materials is if they are custom materials that cannot be restocked. And, only if the contractor will accept a credit card that can be disputed if the custom materials are not delivered within 60 days. If the contractor won't agree to these conditions, I will find another contractor who will. There are plenty of them.

BEST advice right there.
:ho::coolsmiley:

[Papa_lecki]

One other thing to consider, many contractors have a big payment tied to work starting. They start (i.e. lay the foundation), then dont come back for months.
What’s a good method to prevent that from happening? More mileston payments?

[DaleDivine]

Could I please have the number to good contractor

Lisa, you can look on this site's forum under "Contractors and Services" and find reliable contractors.
:ho::welcome:

[DaleDivine]

One other thing to consider, many contractors have a big payment tied to work starting. They start (i.e. lay the foundation), then dont come back for months.
What’s a good method to prevent that from happening? More milestone payments?
And I think that's the answer.

As Malsua stated:
My wife and I expanded our villa in 2021 and the cost was somewhat north of your number. Windows were 5-7 months out from date of order. Trusses were 3 months. A contractor running dozens of jobs could not float those deposits and stay in business.

By the same token, we had 5 benchmarks we paid at. The first payment was when the permits/Arc were complete, the drawings were done and the windows were ordered.

I didn't find that unreasonable.

For a landscaping job that's 90% labor, it's a different story and I wouldn't pay ahead except in one small circumstance. If they asked that I order the materials and have them delivered, I'd consider it. That way I could always get another person on site to install or shovel it myself if it were stone.
:coolsmiley:

[Petersweeney]

I always pay up front that’s why I live in TV instead of Maui

[davem4616]

I did that once....luckily that lesson only cost me $250

[BEETHOVENMIKEY]

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER... pay up front.
Find someone else.
If a small company or startup, they may not have the revenue to back purchases. In that case, you either buy the material for them.
I had a materials and construction company I started in the early 70s. My contracts detailed estimated materials and labor, as well as any other estimated costs. I was a stocking contractor, as such, I asked for 1/3 up front for materials and permits. If the job went more than 1 - 2 weeks, I had a scheduled 1/3 after rough in and inspections were done, then the balance when complete and the customer was fully satisfied. After a couple years and my cash flow allowed it, I discontinued the practice.

NEVER pay up front!

[Kgcetm]

Never pay up front.

[Michael G.]

Never pay upfront, but if you must, use a credit card.

Which brings up another question:

If after paying with a credit card you find the price was out of line, or if the service is taking to long, can you call your credit card and cancel said price????

[Barborv]

I’m looking to push out my closet, basically adding on a small room. Can anyone recommend a reliable company to me. Also need a recommendation for adding a stone wall with electric fireplace done. I’m up north now and would like to have appointments set when I’m in TV over my April break because I want to start work by the summer.
Thanking you in advance.

[Sherry8bal]

Sorry, but I would never do it. Too many companies disappear once they have your money. Keep looking - there are other people out there who don't do that.

[Heytubes]

I always required a deposit if I had to order a custom made product that I had to eat if the customer changed their mind. If materials could be returned, never a deposit because that indicates the company doesn’t have the financial resources in house to run their business. Big red flag there.

[APovi]

Often there are two sides to a story. Why might a vendor request pre-payment for services in The Villages?
One example is providing a service at your home. You pay by check. Then you stop payment before they can get to your bank to cash it!
Another is refusal to pay at all. Then the local Small Claims Judge says, in open court, that he will not make an award against a 'Villager'!
Most of us are fair and honest people. But, unfortunately - Not all. . . .

[Nucky]

Never Tip Before The Meal.

[Luggage]

The only people I would ever pay are those as you said with custom work they order in advance and only then buy a credit card and only then if there are reputable company and not someone with just a truck with a sign on it.

[Luggage]

If there ever was such a I will have to say is something wrong with the court system

[OhioBuckeye]

Nothing upsets me more than hiring a service company that insist on payment
before the job is started.
Even for 1 or 2 year contracts need to be paid before any work is started.

If there are materials to be ordered, yes then maybe a part of that expense.

I send many nice company's/people packing when they ask for payment up front.

Do your job, show me what you can do, then we'll talk payment with maybe a tip.

What your thoughts on this?

Cheers!

Yea, that’s terrible because so many times they either don’t come back or it takes them weeks maybe months to complete the job. Personally I wouldn’t pay anybody up front to do job, maybe that’s why I try to do everything myself. First of all I think they charge to much to do anything! IF they would ask for payment in full I would at the most give them half, if say no tell them you’ll get someone else. A good example is my neighbor there wanted 8 little bushes moved, he called someone for an estimate & they wanted $1,200. dollars, he said no. I told him I would do it & only told him $50. I moved all 8 in a hr. to an 1 1/2. It was like shoveling in a kids sandbox. So if you trust this person to be honest, do it but don’t pay them in full because you’re asking to get ripped off!

[OhioBuckeye]

Michael G. Just saw a comment that answered my comment to you. Read his comment. It’s by blue leader one & the title of the comment says, “Ned Viara AKA Village Handyman”. This is exactly what I was telling you why I wouldn’t never pay anybody in full up front!

[Traveling lady]

I agree. I give money for supplies in advance, but will not pay for labor until the job is completed.

Nothing upsets me more than hiring a service company that insist on payment
before the job is started.
Even for 1 or 2 year contracts need to be paid before any work is started.

If there are materials to be ordered, yes then maybe a part of that expense.

I send many nice company's/people packing when they ask for payment up front.

Do your job, show me what you can do, then we'll talk payment with maybe a tip.

What your thoughts on this?

Cheers!

[thevillages2013]

Could I please have the number to good contractor

867-5309 Axt for Jenny

[thevillages2013]

Often there are two sides to a story. Why might a vendor request pre-payment for services in The Villages?
One example is providing a service at your home. You pay by check. Then you stop payment before they can get to your bank to cash it!
Another is refusal to pay at all. Then the local Small Claims Judge says, in open court, that he will not make an award against a 'Villager'!
Most of us are fair and honest people. But, unfortunately - Not all. . . .
Really? What village do you reside in?

[Dog.Groomer]

Yes, I made the stupid mistake of giving handyman Richard Gugliuzza a $1500. deposit on a job. Never saw him again and he never did any work. He said he needed the money to buy supplies. I think these guys know how to play the system and who they can prey on.

[Rick and Hilda]

We are currently getting estimates to enclose our lanai with windows. We have gotten an estimate from Custom Windows and Exterior Designs and they ask for a 1/3 deposit up front to cover custom windows. Has anyone had any experience with this company? They apparently have done quite of business in TV.

[Malsua]

Never Tip Before The Meal.

That also depends.

In most circumstances, I would agree.

If you want a lot of attention in a busy, classy place, maybe you have a big party and want the drinks to flow, you'll find that handing the server $50-$100 when they show up will make the experience excellent for everyone at your table. I would still tip at least 25% on exit too. Yes, I'm bribing the server for good service, no it shouldn't be necessary, but it works.

Dennys, not so much.

[retiredguy123]

We are currently getting estimates to enclose our lanai with windows. We have gotten an estimate from Custom Windows and Exterior Designs and they ask for a 1/3 deposit up front to cover custom windows. Has anyone had any experience with this company? They apparently have done quite of business in TV.
They are a good company, but I still wouldn't give them a third in advance unless they will accept a credit card and deliver the windows within 60 days, which is the deadline to dispute a credit card charge with the bank.

[Malsua]

They are a good company, but I still wouldn't give them a third in advance unless they will accept a credit card and deliver the windows within 60 days, which is the deadline to dispute a credit card charge with the bank.

King Canute ordered the tides to stop and demanding 60 days for windows will end up about the same way.

No one has anything but vinyl trailer park grade garbage in stock, so good luck with that.

[retiredguy123]

King Canute ordered the tides to stop and demanding 60 days for windows will end up about the same way.

No one has anything but vinyl trailer park grade garbage in stock, so good luck with that.
How long does it take to make a window? A few days? You may need to wait for delivery, but, you shouldn't need to deposit the money 60 days before the company starts to fabricate the windows. The credit card charge can be cancelled within 60 days and then charged again to restart the 60 day time limit.

[Nucky]

That also depends.

In most circumstances, I would agree.

If you want a lot of attention in a busy, classy place, maybe you have a big party and want the drinks to flow, you'll find that handing the server $50-$100 when they show up will make the experience excellent for everyone at your table. I would still tip at least 25% on exit too. Yes, I'm bribing the server for good service, no it shouldn't be necessary, but it works.

Dennys, not so much.

It is appropriate in the scenario that you described. When I was still a drinking man I would heavily tip the bar staff at any reception before the party started, normally when I was picking up the first round for a couple of people. They would call me up to the front when the party started so I didn't have to wait in line.

The situation that the OP wrote about and countless others over the years who paid first breaks my heart every time I hear the story of the next victim.

In most contractor situations you have to keep their interest. You do that by holding the funds. Tip after or during the meal but stay ahead of them at all times. I stick by what I said. :duck:

[Michael G.]

That also depends.

In most circumstances, I would agree.

If you want a lot of attention in a busy, classy place, maybe you have a big party and want the drinks to flow, you'll find that handing the server $50-$100 when they show up will make the experience excellent for everyone at your table.


To bad your plan doesn't offer a guarantee

[Malsua]

How long does it take to make a window? A few days? You may need to wait for delivery, but, you shouldn't need to deposit the money 60 days before the company starts to fabricate the windows. The credit card charge can be cancelled within 60 days and then charged again to restart the 60 day time limit.

An individual window, sure, doesn't take too long at all.

The problem is, there are thousands or 10s of thousands of people in front of you in line.

I'm serious, look into it. You'll be lucky to find anyone willing to get anything but HD 24x36 or 24x50 garbage to your door in under 10 weeks. Try finding a 48x60 window. The windows for our addition took just over 6 months. Ordered in April 21, arrived at the end of October. My understand is that lead times are worse now, but I have no way of verifying that.

[nn0wheremann]

Completely agree. For construction projects, like enclosing the Lanai I expect there are upfront costs, and maybe some of that could be covered. But not more than 1/3 and I struggle to go that high. I think there are a lot of good honest contractors working in TV, but I also KNOW (from personal experience) there are some not so honest or good.

Buyer beware.
If there are materials that need to be purchased in advance, and the contractor is unable to finance the purchase, have the contractor make up an order with the supplier and you pay the supplier upon delivery to your job site.

[PPLEPEU]

We have paid up front for materials and have only been burned once.

From now on, if it is a small contractor, I have my wife take a picture of me handing him a check. We pose behind his vehicle with his license plate visible in the photo.

That gives me a least a tiny bit of detail to help report him if he disappears.