That week in June when everything went wrong

Had a client in Richmond cancel a whole kitchen job after I'd already cut all the face frames and drawer boxes... turned out their financing fell through and they had to back out. Lost about $1,400 in materials and two full days of work because I hadn't taken a deposit yet. Has anyone else had a big job fall through like that and how do you protect yourself now?

4 comments

4 Comments

avery_ross24d ago

Oh man, that exact same thing happened to me with a bathroom remodel back in 2021. I had already ordered the custom vanity and tile before they even paid a deposit and got stuck with $2k in materials when they ghosted me. Now I always take 50% down on materials before I buy anything, learned that lesson the hard way.

the_simon24d ago

Totally feel you @avery_ross, that's the exact kind of lesson you never forget once you learn it. But here's what I've always wondered: how do you handle the customer who acts offended when you ask for that 50% down? Like they think you're trying to scam them or something. I've had people walk out of the store when I told them I needed a deposit on special order stuff. Do you just let them go or do you try to explain your reasoning? I feel like some people genuinely don't get why a business can't front that kind of cash, especially on custom stuff that can't be returned to a supplier.

lilya7623d ago

Wait, people actually walked out over a deposit?

vera_robinson3623d ago

You've gotta wonder though, when those customers get all offended about a deposit, are they the same ones who would turn around and stiff you if the roles were reversed? Like, is that offended act a red flag in itself?