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Asked for quote but have been warned he does not pay

I have been working on my first large garden and there is a middle area that I don't maintain but is part of house/ land.He asked to borrow my lawnmower , he came out saying he had not finished and asked if I can do a quote he did some name dropping and with who rent property but the lady who I have been doing gardening for said be careful he does not pay.Should I just quote for small amount of work in stages ( prefer to do a one off than reg maintenance) and see if he pays, or not quote at all seems awkward as I will bump into him probably. What would you do?

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  • PRO
    If it's regular job, consider discussing payment by DD or S/O and see what he says...

    Other than that you have to follow your instincts....as John suggests above
  • Follow your instincts, its' nearly always the best guide.
  • I've been turned over so often this year I insist on cash and seeing it before I start work!
  • Depends - do you need the money badly enough to take potential hassle?
    If not, steer clear, if so - take a deposit upfront and explain you'll pursue the debt.
  • Give it a miss, nothing worse chasing money, plenty of good customers out there.
  • Thanks everyone really good advice especially about insurance, I was caught on the hop and in hindsight I should have just ask for cash to do the lawn, I have just submitted my maintenance quote to the main house, after initial works( they seem pleased) so I had no bad instinct until my client warned mel, so think I will make my diary full, it's funny how he wasn't sure who did his hedges then it was the MOD ???? he rents out to them too ?? and thought they might as well pay me.
  • Not good at saying no ! - the mind boggles.

    It's easy & best prefaced with "I am sorry but .....".

    I don't want to sound sexist but I suspect that some females, especially newcomers may be seen as an easy touch. Us Pro's know how to say no politely but with the kind of look that makes people think twice before asking again. Never let anyone near your tools & be suspicious of anyone who appears too friendly. You could end up showing a guy the contents of your van only to have it nicked later - believe me it has happened before.

    If you have any doubts about a clients willingness to pay you must minimise any potential losses. Try them out with a small job & get payment. If they are genuine you will have no problems. But no matter how well you know a client never let overdue amounts mount up. Get them into the routine of paying promptly. My maintenance clients all pay in cash & leave the money out for me so it is there when I arrive. Yes I am very good at client training & no you can't follow me to see where the dosh is hidden !.


    Rhonda Jack said:
    I think that if like me you are not great at saying no and being firm then just blame your insurance! Great get out! (Sorry but I'm a wimp =) )
  • walk away. if advise he doesnt pay , its a bad sign . has he paid you for work done already?

    i had a policy of max £100 owed to be paid before i did anymore work.

    im a good judge (i hope) now and work local mostly or for straight professionals.

    saying that a guy i thought highly of promised me £64 cheque 2 weeks ago for starting a timber/bark edge job with materials that he cancelled. ive been mowing lawn all summer for £45 a fortnight and cut tree branch on last job. i paid my bro £30 and materials collected/delivered were £34 on my account , he's offering me £40.... ive told him ill get my money.......
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