Choose the price basis
Use a fixed price for a defined scope, unit pricing for measurable quantities, time and materials when uncertainty is genuine, or a clearly described combination.
Over 53 million U.S. homes mapped • 155 metro areas
How to charge customers for contractor work.
Charge for a clearly defined result, not a mysterious number. The customer should understand the scope, price basis, payment schedule and process for additional work.
Your price belongs to your business. QuoteAmigo helps organize the property, scope, quote and payment request.
The charging structure
Match payment timing to the work and the risk.
Small jobs may use one payment. Larger jobs often use a deposit and defined milestones. Every schedule should be written before work begins.
State what the price includes
Connect the total to rooms, surfaces, systems, preparation, materials, labor, cleanup and any customer responsibilities.
Set payment timing
Identify any deposit, progress milestones and final balance. Tie milestones to clear events rather than vague percentages of completion.
List accepted payment methods
Tell the customer how to pay and where the payment request will come from. QuoteAmigo supports requests using Venmo, Zelle or PayPal.
Require approval for changes
Additional work, hidden conditions and customer-requested upgrades should be described and approved before they are added to the bill.
Keep a payment record
Preserve the approved quote, change approvals, requests and payment confirmations with the job.
Payment-term example
Write the payment schedule in plain language.
The schedule should tell the customer the amount, timing and event that makes each payment due.
Contract price$6,500 for the approved scope
Deposit$1,500 after written approval
Milestone$3,000 after preparation and material delivery
Final payment$2,000 after agreed completion review
ChangesAdditional work requires written price approval
Avoid payment disputes
Common charging mistakes.
A total without scope
The customer cannot evaluate a price that is disconnected from the work.
Vague milestones
Define the event that makes each payment due.
Unapproved extras
Do not wait until the final bill to disclose additional work.
No payment instructions
Make accepted methods and payment destination obvious.
Mixing deposits and revenue
Track customer payments according to your accounting and legal obligations.
No written record
Keep approvals, changes and payment confirmations with the job.
Quote, approve and request payment
Keep the customer’s next action in the same conversation.
After the professional reviews the property and prepares the quote, QuoteAmigo can continue to customer approval, appointments and payment requests using Venmo, Zelle or PayPal.
Related resources
Continue with contractor software and guides.
Free estimating app
QuoteAmigo
Flooring estimating software
QuoteAmigo
Painting estimating software
QuoteAmigo
Free invoicing software
QuoteAmigo
How to make a professional contractor quote
Contractor guide
Property data for contractors
Contractor guide
How to prepare a contractor estimate
Contractor guide
How to get paid as a contractor
Contractor guide
Direct answers
Questions about charging contractor customers.
Should contractors charge a deposit?
That depends on the job, local law and business policy. If used, the deposit amount and purpose should be stated before approval.
Should I charge hourly or by the job?
Use the method that best matches the uncertainty and scope. Defined work often fits fixed or unit pricing; uncertain work may require time and materials.
How should I charge for additional work?
Describe the change, price it and obtain written approval before performing it whenever practical.
Can a contractor accept Venmo, Zelle or PayPal?
Yes. QuoteAmigo lets the professional request payment using those methods. The professional remains responsible for account terms, records and taxes.
When should final payment be due?
State the completion or review event that triggers the final balance in the approved payment terms.