Deposit required before the inspection?

[Blaine Wiley]

The idea of charging a deposit for a service leaves me very cold. It costs you nothing to take a booking. You're not buying a product then re-selling it, or buying materials to do a job.

I set my fees with crawl spaces, extra air conditioners, extra water heaters and even cancellations in mind. I have gotten many inspections from price shoppers who have said, your price is higher than the other guy I called, but you aren't charging extra for A, B and C. In the end, our prices are close (mine is higher), but I get the job. Win, Win.

When you tell someone prior to meeting them that they must pay you a $50 non-refundable deposit, you are creating a negative in their mind right off the bat. With the nature of our business, and perceptions that we can "miss" things, how many negative feelings do you want to create prior to even doing your job?

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by bwiley

The idea of charging a deposit for a service leaves me very cold. It costs you nothing to take a booking. You're not buying a product then re-selling it, or buying materials to do a job.

Greg's client is the one who made the request to make sure he was available on that day.

I see nothing wrong with trying it. One can always change how one operates based on better evidence.

Perhaps I should have added the ubiquitous YMMV after my suggestion. Geeeez

[Blaine Wiley]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Perhaps I should have added the ubiquitous YMMV after my suggestion. Geeeez

No need. Your view is different. This way he gets both opinions to choose from! It's all good.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I know a guy who requires credit card information for EVERY inspection, even those who plan to pay in cash. If they cancel with < 24 hours notice, he charges their credit card for the full inspection price. It's all spelled out in his inspection agreement.

[Ashli Norton]

hmmmm...

this is an interesting topic. i have always been used to doing to work first, and getting paid later, but.... i guess if everyone in the field did, and it became typical practice, i dont see why that wouldnt be better. but there are some shady inspectors out there....thats a good one

i still think the clients would prefer to pay after they have received the report