Quote Deposit Calculator
Calculate the right deposit and stage payments for any job. Choose from common split patterns or customise your own.
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Payment breakdown
Deposit
Due: On booking
£1,500
30% of total
Final payment
Due: On completion
£3,500
70% of total
Total job value
£5,000
Payment terms text
Payment terms: 30% deposit (£1,500) on booking. 70% final payment (£3,500) on completion.
Tips for setting deposit amounts
- 25–30% is the most commonly accepted deposit range for domestic jobs in the UK.
- For larger jobs (£5,000+), consider a 3- or 4-stage payment structure to align cash flow with project milestones.
- UK consumer protection: deposits over 50% on domestic contracts may raise concerns under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Keep deposits at 25–40% for jobs over £1,000.
- Always include clear payment terms in your written quote — this protects both you and your client.
- For material-heavy jobs (e.g. tiling, roofing), a higher deposit (33–40%) helps cover upfront material costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much deposit should I charge as a tradesperson?
The industry standard in the UK is a 25–33% deposit for most domestic jobs. This gives you enough to cover initial material costs without putting the customer off. For larger or longer projects, a 3-stage payment structure (e.g. 30/40/30) is common and helps align your cash flow with work completed.
Is it legal to charge a large deposit in the UK?
There is no legal maximum on deposits in the UK, but under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 a deposit must be reasonable relative to the risk to the business. Charging a deposit of more than 50% on a domestic contract over £1,000 may be considered an unfair term and is likely to deter customers. If you need a high upfront payment to cover materials, consider splitting it into a deposit plus a materials advance payment rather than a single large deposit.
What is a stage payment structure and when should I use one?
A stage payment structure breaks a large job into multiple payments tied to milestones or time periods. It is particularly useful for jobs over £3,000 or lasting more than a week. The customer has reassurance that payments match progress, and you have a predictable cash flow throughout the project. Common structures are 3-way (deposit / midway / completion) or 4-way for multi-week projects.
Can I include these payment terms directly in my quote?
Yes. Use the "Copy payment terms" button above to generate plain-text payment terms you can paste directly into a quote or email. For a fully professional quote with your logo and VAT details, try the PDF Invoice Generator or the Work Order Template tool.