I've been around plumbing my whole life; my dad runs a company and my younger brother's now in the field. It's frustrating to hear about how tough it can be for techs to get paid after finishing a job. For those of you working in plumbing or HVAC, what are the main challenges you face when it comes to invoicing or collecting payment? Is it issues like having to chase down homeowners, unclear pricing, awkward chats about payment, or is there something else going on?
3 Answers
Something I recommend for contractor work is to file a mechanic's lien against the property owner when you start a big job. This holds them accountable and usually ensures prompt payment. Once you receive payment, you can remove the lien. Just make sure to mention it beforehand; that can motivate them to pay on time.
I've noticed that some customers feel the prices are too high and tend to only pay what they think is fair. It's a tricky situation. I wonder if that actually leads to them not paying the full amount they owe.
Honestly, it baffles me how simple it could be to get paid right after finishing a job using credit cards. You avoid the hassle of chasing down invoices or waiting for checks. Yet, many people resist it because of the small 3% fee. I just can’t wrap my head around how that’s a dealbreaker when it saves you from the stress of payment problems. If you’re working in residential plumbing, why wouldn’t you do this? I'd love to know why your dad doesn't accept credit cards or require payment on the spot!