The problem
Big job comes in. You quote $12,000. They say go. You buy $3,400 in materials. You start the job. Two weeks in, client ghosts you.
You've been financing their project with your own money — and now you're out $3,400 in materials plus two weeks of labor. No deposit, no paperwork, no recourse.
Smaller jobs hurt the same way at a smaller scale. A "sure, go ahead" over text is not a commitment. Contractors who skip deposits aren't being nice — they're making an unsecured loan to a stranger.
Why we built it
The trades standard is: deposit before you start. But most contractors don't enforce it because sending a clean deposit request feels too formal, too time-consuming, or just awkward to do on the fly. We made it three taps — branded, sendable, and tied to the job so the final invoice already knows what was paid.
How it works
- 1
From a job or client screen, tap "Request deposit." Set the amount — fixed dollars or a percentage of the job. Common practice is often in the 25–50% range on larger work; you set what fits the job.
- 2
DIRT generates a clean deposit request with your branding. Send it by text, email, or a shareable link. Client pays via Stripe card or bank transfer, or you mark it paid if they hand you a check.
- 3
When the job is done and you invoice, the deposit is already logged. DIRT applies it automatically — the balance due is correct, no manual math. See deposit credits.
What changes for your business
Before
You start work on faith and your own cash. If the client flakes, you eat the materials. If they pay late, you've already floated the supply house. Your working capital is tied up in someone else's remodel.
After
Deposit request goes out the same day the job is agreed. Client pays before you pull the truck out of the driveway. Your materials are covered. The job's cash flow runs in the right direction — money in before money out.
Common questions
Should contractors require a deposit before starting work?
For most jobs, yes. A deposit protects you from buying materials on a job the client cancels, and it signals commitment from the client. On materials-heavy jobs especially, starting without a deposit means you're fronting significant money before the first invoice can go out.
How much should I charge as a contractor deposit?
A common range is 25 to 50 percent of the quoted job total, depending on your trade and the materials involved. Higher-materials jobs warrant a higher deposit since you're buying those materials before you can bill the client. At minimum, the deposit should cover your upfront costs.
When should I request a deposit from a client?
Request it before you buy materials or mobilize your crew. The deposit invoice should go out when the bid is accepted, not when you're ready to start. Waiting until you're on-site to ask for the deposit means you've already fronted the cost.
How do I send a deposit request to a client in DIRT?
Create a deposit invoice for the amount you're requesting and send it by email, text, or shareable link — the same way you'd send any other invoice. If you have Stripe connected, the client can pay by card or ACH directly from the link.
Does the deposit get credited against the final invoice?
Yes. When you've collected a deposit and are ready to bill the remaining balance, DIRT applies the deposit as a credit so the final invoice shows what the client still owes. No manual arithmetic, no risk of charging the full amount again by mistake.
Can I require deposits from some clients and not others?
Yes. Deposit requests are tied to individual jobs, not to a blanket account setting. You decide per job whether to request one and how much. New clients or large materials jobs are natural candidates; long-term repeat clients you trust may not need one.
What if a client refuses to pay a deposit before you start?
That's a useful signal before any money changes hands. A client who won't pay a reasonable deposit may be one who disputes the final invoice too. It's your call whether to proceed, but protecting yourself with documented scope matters even more if you skip the deposit.
Start free
Try it free.
Every DIRT plan includes this feature — Solo included. No credit card, no trial that expires. Set up in minutes and use it on your next job from the truck.