February’s in full swing, and many tradies are flat out with jobs. But one thing that often gets overlooked? Cash flow. When you’re spending up front on materials and putting in hard work, the last thing you want is to wait months to get paid. That’s why asking for upfront deposits is becoming a smart move for tradies across Australia.

Why Upfront Deposits Work for Tradies….
💰 Better Cash Flow: Cover materials and prep costs without dipping into your own pocket.
🛠️ Serious Clients Only: Clients who pay upfront are less likely to cancel or mess you around.
🤝 Professionalism: Being clear about deposits shows you run a business, not just a job site.

How to Approach It….
👉 Be Transparent: Explain what the deposit covers and include it in your quote.
👉 Keep it Reasonable: A deposit between 10% to 30% is fair and common.
👉 Put It in Writing: Include deposit terms in quotes or contracts to avoid confusion.
👉 Make It Easy: Consider offering secure payment options like bank transfer or card payments, not just cash.

Upfront deposits aren’t just about getting paid – they’re about running a smarter, more professional tradie business.

What’s your take on deposits?

P.S.  If you would like a helping hand, feel free to reach out at bettina@tradiesbookkeeping.com.au or 0424 467 921.