Finally started using a real contract template instead of just a handshake deal

I mean, after a guy in Charlotte refused to pay the last $400 for a driveway job last month, I switched to a template from my trade group. Has anyone else had a client try to ghost on a final payment?

3 comments

3 Comments

garcia.wren9d ago

My uncle's old plumbing business got burned for over two grand on a kitchen remodel because the final payment was just a verbal agreement. He started putting a lien clause right in the contract, which sounds extreme, but it makes people think twice. Now I list the exact conditions for final payment, like a walkthrough sign-off, before the last day of work. It turns that last chat from a maybe into a checklist they've already agreed to.

corap619d agoMost Upvoted

Add a line in the contract about late fees too, like a small percent each week... it gets people moving. @garcia.wren is right about making it a checklist, but you also need a real reason for them to actually check it off on time. I even put the final payment amount in bold right next to the due date so there's no "I forgot" excuse.

luna2619d ago

Contracts can get pretty heavy with all those clauses. Most clients pay just fine without the legal threats. A simple signed agreement usually covers it.