We take deposits with every contract that is signed. Doesn't matter if it's for 2 days or 6 months from now. I think that the sooner you get monetary commitment out of them, the better. They are less likely to jump ship if they've already stuck a few grand into you.
For us, it's 20% at contract signing, 50% the day we start, 30% at completion. If it's a small job, we'll do 50-50. And we will get people asking us to 'pencil them in', but I tell them we only place them on the schedule when we receive a signed contract and deposit. I won't hold a place open on my schedule so they can take time to shop around.
paponte - good to see you around.
