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How to Spot a Serial Non-Payer Before Starting the Job

Red flags checklist + Deposit tactics + Protection strategies

🚩 Major Red Flags (Walk Away or Demand Deposit)

  • 🚩Pushes back on written quote/contract: "We don't need all that paperwork" = No legal recourse if they don't pay
  • 🚩Refuses to provide full contact info: No address, no email, burner phone number = They're planning to ghost
  • 🚩Won't confirm who is paying: Get written approval from the person or business responsible for the invoice before work begins.
  • 🚩Asks you to start "right away" without paperwork: Creates urgency to bypass your normal process
  • 🚩Bad-mouths previous contractors excessively: "Everyone I hire does terrible work" = They probably didn't pay them
  • 🚩Pushes back on deposit requirement: "Why do you need money upfront?" = Cash flow problems or no intention to pay

Step-by-Step Protection Process

Step 1: Get Complete Contact Info

Before starting work, collect:

  • Full legal name
  • Complete address (not just service location)
  • Email address
  • Two phone numbers if possible
  • Driver's license photo (for large jobs)

If they refuse: That's your answer. Decline the job.

Step 2: Require Upfront Payment for Risk Customers

Emergency/After-Hours Jobs:

50% deposit before starting OR full payment on completion before leaving

New Customers (No History):

30-50% deposit for jobs over $1,000

Any Red Flag Above:

100% upfront or decline job entirely

Commercial Jobs:

50% deposit + payment before final inspection

Step 3: Use Written Contracts Always

Every job should have:

  • Scope of work clearly defined
  • Total cost breakdown
  • Payment terms (due date, late fees)
  • Customer signature and date

No signature = No work. Ever.

How to Require Deposits Without Losing Customers

❌ Don't Say:

"I need 50% upfront because I don't trust you"

✅ Say Instead:

"For jobs over $1,000, I require a 50% deposit to order materials and schedule you in. The remaining 50% is due on completion. I can email you an invoice with a secure payment link right now."

Pro Tip:

Frame deposits as standard business practice for materials and scheduling, not as distrust. Good customers understand. Bad customers will self-select out.

Already Owed on a Finished Job?

Screening helps with the next customer. For the invoice already sitting unpaid, RemitRight texts the customer and offers them a payment plan. Free for your business.