Job deposit calculator

A common rule is a deposit big enough to cover the materials and any costs you have to pay out before the customer pays you. On small jobs that might be 10% to 25%. On larger jobs that tie up your cash for weeks, 20% to 50% is normal. The point is simple: you should not be funding a customer's materials out of your own pocket.

Yes. Deposits are standard practice for tradespeople, especially when a job needs materials ordered up front or runs over several days. A clear, reasonable deposit on the quote signals you run a proper business and protects you if a customer changes their mind after you have already spent money.

Collect it when the customer accepts the quote and before you order materials or book the job in. The deposit confirms the booking. If a customer is not willing to pay a fair deposit, that is useful information before you commit your time and cash.

The balance is the job total minus the deposit you have already collected. It is normally due on completion, once the work is done and the customer is happy. For longer jobs you can split the balance into stage payments instead of one final figure.

Always. Put the deposit amount, the balance, and when each is due directly on the quote or invoice. A written payment schedule prevents arguments later and makes it clear what the customer agreed to when they said yes.

Yes, it is completely free with no signup and no card. It runs entirely in your browser and nothing you type is saved or sent anywhere. Use it on every quote you send.