Suppose a fixed price contact has been agreed with a client, should the client be expected to pay a deposit up front before any work is carried out? And the balance paid out at completion?
There you go, nice simple question(s) to some of you guys!
I offer all of my services at fixed price, and have done since I started. I never have, and don't foresee in the near future expecting someone to pay a deposit.
Personally I don't see the need. It's really no different from offering hourly and asking for 2 hours up front.
Both of my sons are in childcare though, and they asked for a deposit upfront. My point is really that the service provider decides whether to have a deposit (whether fixed fee or not) and the buyer decides whether they want to pay upfront or find someone else.
The views expressed in this post are my own personal (HRA protected) views, and are not representative of any organisation I have any involvement with.
I normally offer a fixed fee, so far no deposit, a while back I considered maybe a desposit to start, this was after having a slow payer, and I thought maybe by obtaining a deposit it be less likely they wouldn't pay.
But so far I have never asked for a deposit, I have it written in my terms and conditions that I could with hold any docs if they don't pay. Also if I have a client who I do bookkeeping for and a tax return, then I request payment up on completion of the bookkeeping before going ahead with any further work.
I don't think there is really a need for a deposit, probably best to have them pay per work that is completed. Also I have a monthly customer who pays per monthly installments.
I always quote fixed prices and feel it is good for both myself and the client's, you both know where you stand and there are no surprises with unexpected bills etc
thats ok! always happy to help if I can. I'm still fairly new to working in my own practice, even though I have been doing bookkeeping for a few years now, in full time employment, it's not till you go it alone, that is when you are in the big wide world, thank heavens for forum like this!
