Originally Posted by midiwiz (Post 2126424)

It is with a heavy heart that one of our local contractors has followed the path of others. Recently we had Duane at Color Splash Painting (also a handyman) over to do an estimate for trim work. He has done other jobs for us, all reasonably on time and had been given deposits before. So we figured not an issue.

This time, he decided to cash this check at a check cashing facility rather than a bank. Which means a stop payment does not work (learned a new one). We wrote a check for $1000 as a deposit for about $3500 of work. I was supposed to get a call the next day - didn't. Was supposed to meet him to select and pay for the trim - didn't hear a word. Several text messages unanswered, several voice mails not returned.

So here we sit I had to pay the check cashing company while he has my $1000. even had a friend call him -he answered - said he would call me - never did.

I now have to try several avenues to get my funds back, a lot of work to do ahead and still have the trim work to be done.

I do not recommend using this vendor. You could be next .

Originally Posted by Haggar (Post 2126927)

Many specialty contractor clients of mine - such as cabinet makers, stone and granite installers - would never take on a job unless they received a deposit. Their products cannot be returned to the supplier once they cut the raw materials to fit a specific customer.

They will not take credit cards specifically because they can be disputed.

There are many reasons customers might "cancel" a job - the customer finds someone cheaper after they sign the contract, the customer changes their mind about doing the work, economic changes in their household.

My clients can not take a chance on being stuck with unusable work because the customer changes their mind.

Saying never give a deposit is inappropriate in some circumstances!

Originally Posted by Haggar (Post 2126927)

Many specialty contractor clients of mine - such as cabinet makers, stone and granite installers - would never take on a job unless they received a deposit. Their products cannot be returned to the supplier once they cut the raw materials to fit a specific customer.

They will not take credit cards specifically because they can be disputed.

There are many reasons customers might "cancel" a job - the customer finds someone cheaper after they sign the contract, the customer changes their mind about doing the work, economic changes in their household.

My clients can not take a chance on being stuck with unusable work because the customer changes their mind.

Saying never give a deposit is inappropriate in some circumstances!

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2127061)

So how does one protect themselves from a situation like this?

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2127071)

Find another contractor.