What a deposit really says
It doesn't fund the materials — or not only. It turns an intention into a commitment. A client who has parted with money has decided; one who signed without paying can still change their mind.
The right amount
Between 20 and 30% usually covers the materials and is enough to commit. Above 40%, a private client hesitates, except on a long job.
What to write
The amount and the moment: “30% deposit on signature, balance on completion”. A vague wording gets argued about when you try to collect.
And the deposit invoice
It's mandatory as soon as the deposit is received, and must be explicitly deducted from the balance invoice. Otherwise the client pays twice — or believes they did, which amounts to the same in an argument.
Nexap works all this out for you, job by job.
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