Your customer refuses to pay the deposit.

Workshop time is reserved but the deposit is unpaid

A joiner has reserved time for custom shelving. The customer accepted the quote but now refuses the deposit, saying payment will follow installation. Timber has not been ordered. The joiner needs to know whether the deposit was part of the accepted terms and what commencement obligations already exist before deciding whether to proceed.

Check that the deposit was agreed

Locate the accepted quote and payment schedule. Confirm the amount and timing were communicated before acceptance. A deposit added only to a later invoice may leave a disagreement about the original arrangement.

Business.gov.au recommends clear payment terms. Check relevant industry and state requirements too, particularly for regulated building work. Do not assume a familiar percentage is lawful for every job.

Source: business.gov.au - Prepare a contract

Understand the refusal

Ask whether the customer disputes the term, lacks cash or is worried about delivery. Those reasons need different responses. Offer accurate information without inventing safeguards the business does not provide.

If another schedule is proposed, calculate materials and labour funded before the first receipt. Payment after installation shifts that funding burden onto your business even if the total price stays unchanged.

Check before postponing commencement

Read any provision linking the start to cleared funds. Obtain advice before refusing work or cancelling where the wording is unclear or an unconditional start commitment may already exist.

List costs incurred, bookings and commitments still avoidable. The decision should account for actual exposure, including commitments made before the deposit disagreement emerged.

Record a viable next arrangement

If the parties change the schedule, document payment, commencement and delivery effects. Test the cash required and check applicable restrictions before ordering bespoke materials.

If agreement is impossible, follow the contractual process with suitable advice. On future quotes, make deposit and commencement conditions easy to find so the customer decides on them before accepting.

Source: business.gov.au - Prepare a contract

Resolve the deposit before further spending

Confirm accepted payment terms and any relevant restrictions.

Document the funding and start position before creating additional commitments.

Call CRP today about debt recovery and coordinating the appropriate professional support.