Most tradespeople don't ask for a deposit because it feels awkward - then they get let down. Here's the exact wording, what to say when a customer pushes back, and why asking wins you more work, not less.

A 2-minute read. Nick whatever's useful.

The message that gets you the deposit

Send this once you've agreed the job. Copy it, swap the bits in brackets, done.

Hi [name], good to meet you. Happy to book you in for [the job] - I've got [date] free. To hold the slot I take a [25%] deposit ([£X]); the rest is due once the work's done. Here's a secure link to pay it: [link]. Any questions, just shout. Cheers, [your name]

Keep it warm and matter-of-fact. You're not asking a favour - taking a deposit is just how the job starts.

With WorkPaid: that link is the quote itself. Your customer reads it on their phone, accepts by typing their name and pays the deposit in one go, with no app and no account. It's free to send quotes, with no monthly fee. Get started free.

When they push back

Most people won't. When they do, it's nearly always one of these three - so here's what to say.

What if they say they've never paid a deposit before?

Totally fair - a lot of sole traders don't ask, so it's new to some customers. Tell them: a deposit just means you're both committed, and it comes straight off the final bill, so they're not paying a penny more.

What if they want to just pay at the end?

No problem - they pay the balance at the end. The deposit only locks in the date. You turn down other work to keep it free for them, so it protects you both.

What if they're worried it's not safe?

Payment goes through Stripe, the same system as Uber and Deliveroo. You never see their card details, and they get a receipt the second they pay.

Why a deposit wins you more work, not less

Asking feels like it might scare people off. In practice it does the opposite.

  • Filters time-wasters. The people who won't put a deposit down are usually the ones who'd have messed you about anyway. Better to find out on day zero.
  • Kills no-shows. People who've paid something turn up. A held date is a date that actually happens.
  • Covers your materials. You're not fronting the cost of the job out of your own pocket before you've earned a penny.
  • Commits the customer. Someone who's paid a deposit has stopped shopping around. The job is yours.

How much to ask for, job by job: how much deposit should you ask for.

And if they cancel after paying it? What you can keep and what goes back, and the 14-day rule that decides it.