Demo data shown. Brightline Electrical is a fictional business.
A deposit does two jobs. It helps cover what you spend before the work starts, and it confirms the customer is committed before you turn other work away. It also feels far less awkward when it is printed on the quote than when it is raised on the doorstep.
When a deposit makes sense
- You have to buy materials or equipment before the job starts
- Something is made or ordered specifically for that customer
- You are holding days in your diary and turning down other work
- The job is large enough that being unpaid would really hurt
- You have not worked with this customer before
Small repairs for regular customers often do not need one. Choose a simple rule that you can apply consistently, so it never looks personal.
Fixed amount or percentage?
There is no single correct figure. A good starting point is to work out what you must spend before you start, then set the deposit to at least cover it.
| Option | Works well for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed amount | Jobs where upfront costs are known | The exact cost of a boiler or a kitchen order |
| Percentage | Jobs of varying size with mixed costs | A set share of the total on every quote over a certain value |
| Deposit plus stages | Longer jobs and building projects | A deposit, a payment at each stage, then the balance on completion |
Put it on the quote
The easiest way to ask is not to ask out loud. Show the deposit, what it is for and when it is due on the quote itself, so the customer sees it before they approve.
A deposit of [amount] is due on acceptance of this quote. It covers materials ordered specifically for your job, and we will book your start date once it is received. The remaining balance is due on completion.
Check whether your local rules say anything about deposits, cancellations or refunds for customers at home, and make sure your terms match them.
Record it when it arrives
A deposit you cannot find later causes problems at the final invoice. In JobPebbo, you can add a fixed or percentage deposit and a payment schedule to an estimate or invoice, then record each payment as it arrives. The invoice status moves to Partially Paid and shows the balance still due.
JobPebbo records payments you receive, by cash, cheque, credit or bank transfer. It does not take card payments online, so the customer still pays you directly.
Try it on your next job.
JobPebbo is free to use and runs in your browser, with nothing to install.
Common questions
How much deposit should I ask for?
There is no universal figure. Start with what you must spend before the job begins, and set the deposit to at least cover that.
Should I start work before the deposit arrives?
It is safer to order materials and confirm the start date only once it is in. Say so on the quote so it does not come as a surprise.
Can JobPebbo collect the deposit online?
No. JobPebbo records the deposit when you receive it, but it does not process online payments.