A deposit protects you from fronting materials for a customer who flakes, and it signals commitment on both sides. The trick is making it routine rather than a confrontation. Here's how.
Pick a default — a flat amount for small jobs, a percentage (often 25–50%) for larger ones — and apply it consistently. When it's policy, it's not personal, and you never have to improvise the ask.
The cleanest way to ask for a deposit is to never 'ask' at all — show it on the estimate as the first line of the payment schedule. The customer sees it when they review the quote, so accepting the quote is accepting the deposit.
Momentum matters. When the customer commits, send a pay link right then so they can put the deposit down by card before the enthusiasm fades. The faster the deposit lands, the more real the job is — and the sooner you can order materials.
Some states limit how large a residential deposit can be (notably for home-improvement contracts). Check your local regulations and license requirements so your standard deposit stays compliant.
Yes — it's standard practice, especially on jobs requiring materials to be ordered. Customers expect it from professionals.
Treat it as a yellow flag. A serious customer rarely objects to a reasonable, clearly-stated deposit; resistance often predicts payment trouble later.