Deposit Scams: How Much Is Reasonable to Pay Upfront
Part of the ProtectMyQuote Red Flags Guide
Asking for a deposit before starting work is completely normal — materials often need to be ordered and paid for in advance, and a deposit gives a tradesperson some security that a job won't be cancelled after they've committed time and materials to it. The question isn't whether a deposit is reasonable, but how much, and what happens to it.
What to actually look for
What's generally considered a reasonable deposit
There's no single legal limit, but a deposit that covers the actual cost of materials being ordered is generally seen as reasonable, rather than a deposit that represents most or all of the total job value. If a deposit request seems disproportionate to what needs to be bought upfront, it's worth asking directly why that amount is needed.
Cash-only requests are worth extra caution
A preference for cash isn't proof of anything on its own — plenty of legitimate small tradespeople prefer it for simple admin reasons. But a strong insistence on cash only, combined with reluctance to provide a receipt or written confirmation of what the payment covers, is a combination worth being cautious about.
Ask what protection you have if the deposit is paid and the work never happens
Paying by credit card for goods or services over a certain value can offer additional protection under UK consumer law that a bank transfer doesn't. It's worth asking what payment methods are accepted and choosing the one that gives you the most recourse if something goes wrong.
Get the deposit amount and what it covers written into the quote itself
A specific figure, tied to a specific purpose ("deposit of £X to cover ordering of materials"), written into the quote or a follow-up email, is far easier to refer back to than a verbal agreement if a dispute arises later.
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FAQs
Is it normal to be asked for a deposit before work starts?
Yes, it's very common, particularly where materials need to be ordered in advance. What matters more is the size of the deposit relative to the job, and whether it's documented clearly.
How much deposit is too much?
There's no fixed legal figure, but a deposit that covers materials being ordered is generally considered reasonable. A deposit representing most or all of the total job cost, requested before any work or material ordering has happened, is worth questioning.
Does paying by card give me more protection than a bank transfer?
In some cases, yes — certain card payments can carry additional consumer protections that a direct bank transfer doesn't. It's worth checking what protection applies to your specific payment method and amount before choosing how to pay.