Deposit required before the inspection?

[Gregory A. Liebig]

I've recently had a few situations, cancellations, people moving in to the area, etc. I was wondering how many ask for a deposit to "book" the inspection. This would be a non-refundable deposit unless there was a problem with the inspector. I'm looking for thoughts before I update my website.

[W. Michael Chris]

Gregory,
I've never asked for a deposit . . . I believe it's just part of the business . . . thing change in resl estate . . . most of the time I have to wait until the house is appraised, then I get the call . . . and yes I have cancellations as well.
I would be worried about taking a $50 non-refundable deposit and the folks who've asked for the inspection are unable for some reason to qualify for their loan, etc.
I would liken that to the car dealership requiring a deposit for a tune-up or other type of work - he hasn't done anything for me yet . . . I'd be going somewhere else if I had to place a deposit to have my car fixed or looked at . . . to much competition out there.
My two cents worth.

[James H. Bushart]

I could not find an option to meet my circumstance.

I book the inspection with the understanding that I will be paid before the client receives the report. BTW, if I were a competitor of yours I would be encouraging you to require a deposit at the time you booked the inspection.

[Gregory A. Liebig]

Originally Posted by jbushart

I could not find an option to meet my circumstance.

I book the inspection with the understanding that I will be paid before the client receives the report. BTW, if I were a competitor of yours I would be encouraging you to require a deposit at the time you booked the inspection.

That's the way I do it now and the way my contract reads and I've only been stiffed once in over a year in business (160 inspections).

I've had two situations where I had inspections scheduled and turned down additional inspections and the 1st client changed inspection companies.

In both cases, the wife booked me, I called the listing agent and the appointment confirmed. The Husband called a dfferent (cheaper) company in my area and cancelled with me. In the mean time, I turned down other inspections because my schedule was full.

I've also have been contacted on a half-dozen occasions by clients moving into the area and hired me for thier inspection. They WANTED to make a deposit to confirm the inspection and I currently have no way to do that for their peace of mind. So I'm working on an option to cover both of these situations.

That's the reason for this post. I appreciate all comments!!

[Blaine Wiley]

Having inspections cancelled just prior to the time of the inspection is just part of the business. Set your prices to cover a few cancellations per year.

[whandley]

Originally Posted by jbushart

I could not find an option to meet my circumstance.

I book the inspection with the understanding that I will be paid before the client receives the report. BTW, if I were a competitor of yours I would be encouraging you to require a deposit at the time you booked the inspection.

Exactly...

[klott]

i think Greg's out of town clients want to place a deposit for their own security, to make sure they get the inspection as agreed.

[Gregory A. Liebig]

Originally Posted by klott

i think Greg's out of town clients want to place a deposit for their own security, to make sure they get the inspection as agreed.

My point exactly. What I do in my business is to put my clients mind at ease. If it makes my clients happy to put down a deposit then I'm all for it. I'm just trying to give my clients more options and trying to figure outthe best way to do it.

[Michael Larson]

Greg,

1. Get a signed contract.
2. Issue a receipt for the deposit to be applied to the inspection fee.(you decide if you want to refund or not upon cancellation)

[klott]

Ditto.

[klott]

If you really want to impress them, offer to pay for someone else to inspect, if for some unforseen reason you can't do it. That should convince them of your excellent service and commitment.

[Gregory A. Liebig]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Greg,

1. Get a signed contract.
2. Issue a receipt for the deposit to be applied to the inspection fee.(you decide if you want to refund or not upon cancellation)

I like this. I've updated my page to have an additional link to my contract and by putting down a deposit they agree to the contract. Thank you

[Blaine Wiley]

Originally Posted by gliebig

I like this. I've updated my page to have an additional link to my contract and by putting down a deposit they agree to the contract. Thank you

I hope all of my competitors begin doing this!!!

[Gregory A. Liebig]

Originally Posted by bwiley

I hope all of my competitors begin doing this!!!

I get the impression you and others think this is a negative idea. I guess I'm baffled.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by gliebig

I get the impression you and others think this is a negative idea. I guess I'm baffled.

I personally would not require it for all bookings and that may be the reason for the neg. opinions.

My suggestion was to handle this client(and others in the future) who had a particular concern of securing a slot.